Director, Lean and Transformation

Director, Lean And Transformation

Reports To : SVP Operations

Position Location : Vernon Hills, IL

FLSA Status : Exempt

Position Summary :

Drives Cole-Parmer's transformation efforts by implementing Lean principles to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and foster a culture of continuous improvement. Set strategic goals, oversee the deployment of Lean methodologies like Kaizen and Value Stream Mapping, and coach teams across all levels of the organization.

Key Responsibilities :

Lead large scale productivity, automation and site transformation efforts alongside site leaders and track financial benefits in line with company reporting standards.

Drive Lean Leadership principles throughout organization, coaching site leadership on key principles on Leader Standard Work (LSW), Visual Management, Gemba Walks, Daily Accountability and 5S.

Act as the company's advocate for continuous improvement across the manufacturing sites, building business cases for large scale efforts and gaining consensus with IT, Finance and other key stakeholders.

Lead projects and events (such as Kaizen events) to analyze workflows, identify inefficiencies, and implement improvements.

Coach site leaders and their managers on improvement activities, problem solving methodology, completion of action plans and accountability measures.

Partner with various departments (operations, engineering, quality, supply chain, etc.) to align improvement initiatives with core business outcomes and ensure consistent buy-in.

Define, track, and act on key performance indicators (KPIs) such as productivity, OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness), and scrap rates to ensure measurable results.

Education :

Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, Business, or a related field. A master's degree or MBA preferred.

Experience :

Significant experience (10-15+ years) in manufacturing or relevant industry with several years in a leadership role driving Lean initiatives across multi-site or multi-department operations.

Minimum Requirements / Qualifications :

Lean Six-Sigma Black Belt or Green Belt, Practical Process Improvement (PPI) or equivalent certification.

Demonstrated project management experience.

Excellent interpersonal communication skills with internal and external customers.

Thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment, efficiently works under pressure, within deadlines or other time-essential constraints.

Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, to clearly and concisely communicate to all levels of the organization.

Strong work ethic and an ability to excel within a rapidly changing and growing organization.

Compensation & Benefits :

Salary Range : $160,000-$185,000, depending on location, experience, and qualifications.

Annual-Incentive Plan (AIP) : 20%

Benefits coverage begins day 1, including the following :

Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance

Disability Insurance

Life Insurance

401(k) company match

Paid Time Off (15 days annually)

Paid Holiday time (10 company-designated days)

Tuition Assistance

Additional benefits available with company package

This position has not been approved for Relocation Assistance.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status.