Lean Specialist

Here at UPG, our motto is “Stronger Together”! Our success continues to be driven from within, starting with our dedicated employees who operate with a sense of urgency, commitment to customers and flexibility to do what is right. Founded in 2014, UPG Enterprises, LLC is a high growth, privately held operator of world-class diversified industrial businesses. Our family of companies has been built from more than 15 acquisitions in the metals, manufacturing, distribution, and logistics segments. Approaching $1.5B in annual revenue, the UPG portfolio of companies operates across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.

If you’re looking for a unique opportunity with a company that offers strong benefits, professional expertise, a dynamic work environment that champions entrepreneurial spirit, hands-on responsibility, and real opportunity for career development, we want to hear from you!

The Lean Specialist role will assist with implementing and sustaining Lean Initiatives for the organization. They will partner with the CI team and facilitate Kaizen Events and Process Improvement throughout the organization. This person will serve as a key player in helping develop a world class Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement culture. This will include training employees on Lean tools, planning and coordination/leading of Kaizen events, monitoring performance vs. improvement targets, sustaining changes made during events and execution of continuous improvement projects. This person will work closely with operations across all levels of the organization and will report to the Lean Manufacturing Manager. 

Primary Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Organize and coordinate Kaizen activities, including the planning and execution of Kaizen events/teams. Perform the role of Facilitator, Team Leader, or Team Member on Kaizen events, and facilitate event training.
• Assist in the collection and preparation of clean data for each Kaizen event.  Partner with local leadership team to ensure 90-day sustainment of Kaizen event improvements.
• Facilitate training sessions on UPG Playbook. This includes Principles of Lean Manufacturing, Daily Management, Gemba, Standard Work, 5S, Standard Work Cell Layout, Value Stream Mapping, and other Lean Manufacturing techniques.
• Contribute to and promote Continuous Improvement throughout the plant including methods, tools, roadmaps, elaboration, and deployment.
• Partner with local leadership to identify Lean opportunities and create action plan.
• Implement and monitor sustainable visual management programs throughout the plant.
• Coordinate and collaborate with other Lean personnel across UPG Enterprise.  Support and promote plant-wide Safety initiatives.
• Additional duties as assigned.

Position Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Business, Project Management, or related manufacturing area such as Quality, Supply Chain, etc.
• 2-3 years of demonstrated qualified Continuous Improvement experience in a leadership role.
• Experience establishing and managing quality performance metrics and Continuous Improvement throughout product and process value streams.
• Ability to lead strategic Kaizen Events across sites within a cross functional group.
• Experience delivering training, coaching, and developing at all levels.
• Demonstrated analytical skills and understanding of problem-solving techniques. Proficiency in analyzing business needs, determining appropriate solutions and/or opportunities, and deploying them.
• Strong Microsoft Office experience.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to influence, communicate, motivate, instill confidence, and persuade in difficult or complex situations.
• Lean Six Sigma qualification is preferred.

Incentives:

• Annual bonus eligibility
• Full benefits package: Medical -Vision-Dental-Life-Disability-HSA-FSA
• 401(k) Match: 50% on the first 6% of contributions
• Tuition Reimbursement offered.

Diversity & Inclusion Statement

UPG Enterprises LLC and its Affiliates is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce.