Manufacturing​/Industrial Lead

Overview

Manufacturing / Industrial Lead

Talent Community | Current & Future Client Opportunities

Manufacturing Opportunities

We are growing our network of experienced Manufacturing / Industrial Leads to support current and upcoming aerospace, defense, advanced manufacturing, and industrial operations programs. This role focuses on manufacturing process optimization, Lean transformation, operational excellence, takt and cycle time analysis, capacity planning, and continuous improvement initiatives designed to drive production efficiency, quality, and operational performance.

Responsibilities:

Manufacturing Operations & Process Optimization

• Analyze and improve manufacturing workflows to maximize productivity, quality, safety, and operational efficiency.
• Lead shop floor process optimization initiatives focused on bottleneck identification, throughput improvement, and operational performance.
• Develop, implement, and maintain standardized work instructions, operational procedures, and best practices.
• Drive capacity planning activities to support current production requirements and future growth objectives.
• Support new product introduction (NPI), production ramp-ups, and manufacturing readiness initiatives.
• Collaborate closely with Production, Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, and Operations teams to optimize manufacturing flow.
• Develop and maintain production performance metrics, operational dashboards, and KPI reporting systems.

Lean Manufacturing & Continuous Improvement

• Serve as the site subject matter expert for Lean Manufacturing principles and methodologies.
• Lead Kaizen events, Continuous Improvement initiatives, and operational excellence projects.
• Facilitate root cause investigations and corrective action implementation.
• Drive implementation and sustainment of Lean principles, including:
  Value Stream Mapping, Standard Work, Waste Elimination, Flow Manufacturing, Visual Management, Error Proofing (Poka-Yoke), Daily Management Systems
• Apply structured problem-solving methodologies, including: A3 Thinking, PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act), 5 Why Analysis, Fishbone Diagram Analysis
• Identify and implement productivity improvement opportunities across manufacturing operations.

Takt Time & Cycle Time Analysis

• Conduct detailed takt time, cycle time, and work measurement studies across manufacturing operations.
• Evaluate production flow and identify opportunities to balance workloads and eliminate inefficiencies.
• Develop labor utilization models, line balancing strategies, and workforce productivity plans.
• Recommend process improvements that support production targets while maintaining quality standards.
• Utilize data-driven decision-making to support operational and manufacturing improvements.
• Analyze production performance data and develop actionable recommendations for leadership.

5S & Visual Management Systems

• Establish and sustain world-class 5S programs throughout manufacturing operations.
• Design and implement effective visual management systems that improve communication, workflow visibility, and shop floor performance.
• Develop visual controls, KPI boards, production tracking systems, and operational dashboards.
• Conduct routine audits and assessments to ensure compliance with Lean standards and continuous improvement objectives.
• Support the development of a culture focused on operational discipline and workplace organization.

Cross-Functional Leadership & Collaboration

• Partner with Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Production, Quality, Supply Chain, Operations, and Program Management teams.
• Support implementation of corrective and preventive actions related to manufacturing performance and quality metrics.
• Mentor supervisors, manufacturing leads, and production personnel on Lean methodologies and continuous improvement practices.
• Present improvement roadmaps, KPI results, and project updates to leadership teams and customer stakeholders.
• Foster a culture of accountability, operational excellence, and continuous improvement across manufacturing operations.
• Lead cross-functional initiatives that improve safety, quality, delivery, and cost performance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Operations Management, or a related technical discipline.
• Equivalent combination of education and significant manufacturing experience may be considered.
• 10+ years of manufacturing, industrial engineering, operational excellence, or related experience.
• Experience leading Lean Manufacturing initiatives within a…