Lean Team Leader

Lean Team Leader

The Lean Team Leader – Operational Excellence partners with the Operational Excellence Improver and/or Manager to drive Lean and Continuous Improvement initiatives. This role supports the implementation, deployment, and sustainment of Operational Excellence programs across the plant. Responsible for overseeing the deployment and sustainability of the Operational Excellence Program throughout the Juana Diaz Manufacturing Operations, ensuring compliance with audit plans and the completion of all program requirements. The position also supports Business and Service Units in enhancing operational performance through process flow improvements, workplace organization, layout optimization, safety enhancements, productivity improvements, and waste elimination, among other Operational Excellence activities.

Responsibilities

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist the Operational Excellence Manager and/or Operational Excellence Improver in overseeing compliance with 5S program requirements through the support of 5S Coordinators and a layered audit system.

• Generate RFQs and PRs for Operational Excellence-related projects.

• Coordinate and deliver the annual Operational Excellence Campaign.

• Lead and participate in focused Gemba Walks to identify opportunities for improvement and support operational excellence initiatives.

• Lead Kaizen events and continuous improvement activities to implement productivity and efficiency enhancements. Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness and sustainability of implemented changes.

• Assist in the deployment of a Lean culture by delivering Lean Fundamentals and Continuous Improvement training to non-exempt personnel.

• Lead and/or support the development, maintenance, and continuous improvement of Value Stream Maps for selected product families. When required, monitor progress and follow up on actions necessary to achieve the future-state vision.

• Collect, analyze, and report key performance data to provide visibility of Lean metrics and support the sustainability of the Operational Excellence Program. Collaborate with the Operational Excellence Improver and/or Manager on process and productivity improvement projects, including:

• Recommending changes to product flow, material handling, cell configuration, work methods, facility layout, and other operational processes to improve productivity and performance.

• Assisting with the implementation of process improvements and mistake-proofing (Poka-Yoke) controls to prevent defects, equipment failures, and other conditions that negatively impact product flow.

• Supporting layout modifications, workload distribution, line balancing activities, and, when required, leading the design and implementation of these changes.

• Participating in risk assessments related to process changes, new equipment installations, or new process implementations, as required.

• Revising and/or creating Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Work Instructions, and other applicable documentation required to support implemented improvements and process changes.

• We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender, gender identity or expression, or veteran status. We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace.

Qualifications

Experience

• Minimum of 5 years in a position related to Continuous Improvement, with proven application of Lean and Continuous Improvement Tools.
• Facilitation/teaching experience on Lean and Continuous Improvement methodologies and Tools
• More than 8 years as a CooperVision employee

Education

• Associate degree in Engineering (Industrial Engineering preferred) or 7 years’ equivalent experience.
• Lean Six Sigma Certification preferred