Lean Engineering Supervisor

The Lean Manufacturing Manager will lead, plan, and continuously improve Lean Manufacturing initiatives at the site. This role is responsible for implementing both foundational and transformational Lean competencies, including but not limited to Value Stream Mapping, Visual Performance Metrics, Kaizen, Work Standardization, Gemba Engagement, workplace design, inventory controls, capacity flexibility, flow smoothing, and value-added analysis. The goal is to drive ongoing improvements in quality, cost, delivery, employee morale, and safety.

This position will also collaborate with other Corning locations to align initiatives, promote best practices, and ensure consistency in systems and procedures across plants. The incumbent will develop and implement systems, processes, and projects that support the achievement of plant, divisional, and corporate objectives.

• Develop and implement a comprehensive strategy for a self-sustaining Lean program.
• Track and analyze Lean metrics to measure and verify the effectiveness of Lean improvements.
• Establish and update standards to ensure sustainability, continuous improvement, and alignment with divisional and corporate initiatives.

• Educate and coach employees on Lean principles, vision, and expectations.
• Develop and sustain a Lean training and development strategy, emphasizing team accountability and problem-solving.
• Mentor and provide leadership to site Lean resources while fostering a Lean culture by overcoming paradigms and obstacles.

• Lead Value Stream Mapping exercises to identify, document, and execute opportunities for business improvements, including cycle time, capacity, and cost enhancements.
• Plan and lead continuous improvement activities through Kaizen events and facilitate Gemba walks to identify and implement improvements.
• Develop and implement sustainable Lean programs such as 5S, Visual Control, Load Smoothing, and Single Minute Exchange of Die (SMED).
• Facilitate workplace flow and layout design, as well as equipment installation, modification, and relocation, in alignment with Lean principles.

• Identify and deploy benchmarking opportunities across Corning locations to share and implement best practices.

• Partner with Human Resources to develop and execute strategies for employee growth and development, creating a talent pipeline for Lean-focused roles.

• Collaborate with engineering and production teams on cost reduction projects, including Value Stream Mapping and zero-based staffing model activities.

• Plan and achieve budget objectives for operational expenses and capital investments.

• Ensure all work is performed in a safe manner and maintain a safe work environment.
• Take proactive measures to identify and address unsafe conditions, ensuring compliance with safety regulations.

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Industrial Engineering preferred) or equivalent experience.
• 4 years experience in engineering or manufacturing
• Six Sigma knowledge or Green Belt certification preferred, with demonstrated application of Six Sigma tools.
• Proven leadership experience with a strong background in Lean Manufacturing, analytics, and problem-solving.
• Comprehensive knowledge of manufacturing methods, systems, and production processes.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Visio, Project).
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal), with the ability to present ideas and data to gain understanding, consensus, and support.
• Process- and results-oriented, with excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Leadership and mentoring skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Ability to drive cultural transformation and overcome resistance to change.
• Collaboration and partnership skills to align with cross-functional teams and other locations.

The Lean Manufacturing Supervisor is responsible for ensuring their own safety, as well as the safety of others within the facility. This includes observing and enforcing safe work practices and proactively addressing any safety concerns.