Lean Manufacturing Specialist

Position Summary

The Lean Manufacturing Specialist will support the entire facility in conducting and facilitating continuous improvement activities to ensure production of products consistent with established standards. The Lean Manufacturing Specialist acts as a focal point for interplant communication, assuring a cohesive Sonaca approach to meeting its customer quality and on-time delivery requirements.

Essential Job Responsibilities

• Leads, co-leads, facilitate or participates in Continuous Improvement events with results.
• Contributes to the development and maintenance of Standard Work documentation.
• Performs analysis of cost reduction, quality improvement and improved productivity.
• Utilizes Kaizen or Lean Manufacturing tools, techniques, and principles to enhance business procedures and operational performance.
• Acts as a resource for manufacturing and administrative support areas by providing guidance on process improvement methodologies.
• Serves as an active educator and coach on lean manufacturing principles for continuous improvement and production personnel.
• Advises and supports leaders on issues impacting inventory and work-in-process (WIP), material flow and operational performance.
• Assists in training, data gathering, and analysis.
• Applies Lean Six Sigma tools to improve process capability and eliminate defects.
• Monitors and follows up on Lean initiatives to ensure implementation, effectiveness, and long-term sustainability of improvements.
• Tracks performance and adherence to established Lean processes; Identifies gaps and works with cross-functional teams to implement corrective actions and sustain improvements.

Required Skills/Competencies

• Thorough knowledge of Mass Production vs. Lean Production concepts, pull production, work flow, time, and motion studies.
• Ability to determine Root Cause and place Countermeasures to prevent reoccurrence.
• Knowledge of Value Stream Mapping from up front process; material distribution and on time delivery to internal and external customers.
• Ability to bring innovative thinking and problem solving skills to the organization while working with people to initiate and influence change.
• Technical knowledge and skill with experience in supporting lean manufacturing methodology, including upfront data collection of current condition, including combination chart and standard work, process flow, layout, assembly, and efficiency improvements.
• Strong facilitation and problem solving abilities.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Strong Microsoft Excel skills; including data analysis, formulas, PivotTables, and reporting.

Education Required

Four-year degree in manufacturing or related field preferred.

Experience Required

3-5 years experience within a manufacturing environment required. Experience within aerospace industry is highly preferred. Hands-on Lean Manufacturing experience required. Experience within Kaizen or Lean Manufacturing techniques and principles.

Physical/Work Requirements

• Ability to sit for extended periods, working at a desk and/or attending meetings. 
• Use various computer and office equipment as well as be able to move throughout the office and manufacturing area in order to talk/hear or otherwise communicate with employees, management, customers, vendors, and others. 
• Noise level in the work environment ranges from quite to loud.
• Employee will be required to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when working on the plant floor.

Travel Required: 10%

This job description is only a summary of the typical functions of the job, not an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all possible job responsibilities, tasks, and duties. The responsibilities, tasks, and duties may differ from those outlined in the job description and other duties, as assigned, may be required. This document does not create an employment contract. Employees of the Company are employed on an “at will” basis and may be terminated at any time.

Sonaca North America is an equal employment opportunity employer. Consistent with applicable law, Sonaca North America provides access and opportunities to those with disabilities. This includes providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans who seek to access the company’s online application system. If an applicant is unable to fully access the online application system, Sonaca North America will provide a reasonable accommodation. Applicants with disabilities may contact us at 636-916-2400 for assistance accessing the on-line application system. Callers should have a detailed description of the requested accommodation, their name and preferred method of contact ready for Sonaca North America‘s Human Resources Department. Sonaca North America will make every effort to respond within two (2) business days. This phone number is not for the general submission of application materials.

Sonaca North America is an E-Verify Employer.

Sonaca North America is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Disability/Veterans Employer

NOTICE ON FRAUDULENT JOB OFFERS

It has been brought to our attention that there have been instances of fraudulent job offers, purporting to be from Sonaca North America and/or its affiliates (“LMI Aerospace”).

This type of fraud is normally carried out through online services such as false websites, or through fake e-mails or call from people claiming to be from the company. These persons offer fraudulent employment opportunities to applicants and often ask for sensitive personal and financial information.  The fraudsters may also request recipients to provide personal information and/or to make payments as part of their fake recruiting process. 

Sonaca North America does not ask for any financial commitments from candidates as a pre-employment requirement and will always require candidates to formally apply for positions via the Careers Page or job postings.

Sonaca North America has no responsibility for fraudulent offers and if you believe you have been a victim of a fraudulent job offer concerning Sonaca North America, please email info@sonaca-na.com.