Site Lean Leader; KPO

Site Lean Leader (Kaizen Production Office Leader)

The Site Lean Leader (Kaizen Production Office Leader) serves as the driving force behind continuous improvement at our Cleveland, Ohio forging facility, where complex aerospace engine components are manufactured through highly specialized forging and finishing processes. Working closely with Operations, Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and site leadership, this role leads the deployment of the Pursuit Production System (PPS) by facilitating Kaizen events, coaching teams, and developing sustainable solutions that improve safety, quality, delivery, cost, and employee engagement.

This is a highly visible leadership role for someone who thrives on solving problems, influencing change, and developing a culture of continuous improvement. The successful candidate will partner across all levels of the organization to identify opportunities, eliminate waste, implement Lean methodologies, and ensure improvement initiatives deliver measurable and lasting business results.

Location:

Cleveland, OH (onsite)

• Lead the deployment and sustainment of the Pursuit Production System (PPS) across all operational areas of the Cleveland forging facility.
• Facilitate Kaizen events and Rapid Improvement Workshops focused on improving safety, quality, material flow, equipment utilization, delivery performance, and cost.
• Partner with Operations, Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, Maintenance, Supply Chain, and site leadership to identify, prioritize, and execute continuous improvement initiatives.
• Coach and develop leaders, supervisors, and employees in Lean principles, problem-solving methodologies, and standard work.
• Serve as the site's Lean subject matter expert and change agent, promoting a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence.
• Drive value stream improvements through process mapping, root cause analysis, visual management, standardized work, and waste elimination.
• Track, communicate, and sustain improvement actions through effective project management, follow-up, and accountability.
• Analyze operational performance metrics to identify improvement opportunities, measure results, and support data-driven decision making.
• Develop and deliver Lean training programs that build organizational capability and increase employee engagement in continuous improvement.
• Prepare and present continuous improvement metrics, project updates, and business review materials for site and divisional leadership.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Manufacturing, Industrial Engineering, Business, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and manufacturing experience.
• Five (5) or more years of experience in manufacturing, operations, continuous improvement, Lean, or operational excellence.
• Must be authorized to work in the U.S. on a full-time basis without sponsorship now or in the future. The Company cannot offer employment to visa holders who require employer sponsorship in the future or cannot work now on a full-time basis.
• Must be able to perform work subject to ITAR/EAR regulations.

• Demonstrated experience leading Lean transformation initiatives, Kaizen events, or continuous improvement projects in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience in forging, aerospace, metals, automotive, or other high-mix, heavy manufacturing environments.
• Experience implementing or supporting a formal production system or operational excellence framework.
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, Black Belt, or equivalent Lean certification.
• Experience developing and delivering Lean or continuous improvement training.
• Experience leading cross-functional projects and managing multiple improvement initiatives simultaneously.
• Working knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles and tools, including value stream mapping, 5S, standardized work, visual management, root cause analysis, and waste elimination.
• Proven ability to influence, coach, and collaborate with employees and leaders at all levels of the organization.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to use data to identify opportunities and measure results.
• Excellent verbal, written, presentation, and facilitation skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Word.

Working Conditions:

Ability to frequently sit, stand, walk, climb stairs, bend, and move throughout a manufacturing and office environment. Ability to occasionally lift and carry up to 25 pounds. Regular exposure to manufacturing equipment, moving machinery, elevated noise levels, heat, metalworking fluids, and other conditions typical of a forging and manufacturing environment. Personal protective equipment (PPE), including safety glasses, hearing protection, and safety shoes, is required when working in designated production areas.

Ability to spend significant time on the manufacturing floor observing processes,…