Lean Program Manager

Working at Freudenberg: We will wow your world!

Responsibilities:

• Lead Lean transformation initiatives across manufacturing operations to improve safety, quality, delivery, cost, productivity, and overall operational performance.
• Plan and facilitate Kaizen events, value stream improvements, and structured problem-solving activities that deliver measurable and sustainable results.
• Own high-impact improvement projects from opportunity identification through implementation, establishing clear objectives, timelines, KPIs, financial impact, and sustainment plans.
• Partner across Operations, Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and other functions to solve complex operational challenges and influence change without direct authority.
• Strengthen operational discipline through Lean practices including daily management, standard work, visual management, 5S, root-cause analysis, and continuous improvement systems.
• Build Lean capability throughout the organization by coaching leaders and employees, delivering training, and creating accountability and ownership for continuous improvement.
• Develop toward future operations leadership opportunities through hands-on exposure to plant performance, cross-functional decision-making, business priorities, and strategic operational initiatives.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, Business, Supply Chain, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant manufacturing experience.
• 5+ years of progressive experience in manufacturing operations, Lean, Continuous Improvement, Operational Excellence, Engineering, or a related discipline, with demonstrated measurable results.
• Proven ability to lead complex projects from problem identification through implementation, measurement, and long-term sustainment.
• Hands-on knowledge of Lean manufacturing and structured problem-solving methods such as Kaizen, value stream mapping, standard work, 5S, root-cause analysis, visual management, and Six Sigma/DMAIC.
• Strong leadership, facilitation, and influencing skills with the ability to engage production teams, technical functions, and business leaders and drive change without direct authority.
• Strong analytical and business acumen with the ability to use operational and financial data to prioritize opportunities, quantify impact, and communicate results.
• Demonstrated learning agility, leadership potential, and career ambition to grow beyond Lean/Continuous Improvement into broader manufacturing and operations leadership roles.

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The Freudenberg Group is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion. Employment opportunities are available to all applicants and associates without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, age, mental or physical disability, genetic information, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation, protected military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.