Lean Manager (Vulcanic) Composed of Chromalox, Durex Industries, Vulcanic, and Thermocoax businesses, Electrical Thermal Solutions (ETS), part of Spirax Group, creates electrical process heating and temperature management solutions, including industrial heaters and systems, heat tracing, and a range of component technologies. At Chromalox, we build advanced thermal technologies for the world's most challenging industrial heating applications. Headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, we got our start with an innovative solution 100 years ago when a self-taught engineer invented the first metal-sheathed resistance heating element. It was this then-advanced thermal technology that launched an entire industry. We excel in industries that have high expectations. We are acknowledged as experts at delivering solutions that exceed specifications, limit risk, and reduce operating costs. Join us as we continue to provide solutions to our customers and the world!
The Role:
This role is responsible for driving Continuous Improvement (CI) and developing the Operational Excellence (OpEx) framework across the Americas. The position will play a key role in embedding Lean principles, identifying process improvement opportunities, and delivering measurable operational performance gains across manufacturing sites. The successful candidate will be expected to operate at a GOLD level within the OpEx framework, serving as a regional leader, coach, and change agent across multiple manufacturing locations.
Your Responsibilities:- Lead the development and deployment of the Operational Excellence framework across Americas sites, ensuring alignment with global standards
- Apply strong Lean principles to identify inefficiencies, reduce waste, and improve process performance
- Lead and deliver GOLD-level Continuous Improvement activities in line with internal OpEx standards, acting as a subject matter expert and coach across the region
- Facilitate and lead CI workshops (e.g., Kaizen, value stream mapping, root cause problem solving) to drive sustainable improvements
- Identify, prioritize, and execute process improvement initiatives across manufacturing and support functions
- Provide hands-on support to sites, including the ability to lead or support changeover (SMED) improvement exercises where required
- Coach and train site teams in Lean tools and CI methodologies to build internal capability
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams (engineering, operations, quality, supply chain) to deliver end-to-end improvements
- Support standardization and best practice sharing across sites
- Own the CI savings delivery for ETS Americas, track and validate savings against forecasted targets
- Participate in weekly meetings with the Manufacturing Engineering Manager to review:
- CI Updates: Progress on savings, project status, and new opportunitiesOPEX Maturity: Site-level progress and training needs
Requirements:- 8-10+ years of progressive experience in Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, Operational Excellence, or related manufacturing leadership roles
- Strong working knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles and tools (e.g., SMED, 5S, VSM, root cause analysis, standard work)
- Demonstrated ability to identify and implement process improvements in a manufacturing environment
- Experience leading CI workshops and engaging cross-functional teams
- Ability to operate at a GOLD level within CI standards
- Demonstrated success leading CI initiatives across multiple manufacturing sites
- Strong financial acumen with experience identifying, validating, and delivering measurable cost savings
- Hands-on, practical approach with the ability to work both strategically and on the shop floor
- Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills
- Experience within engineered-to-order (ETO), make-to-order, or high-mix/low-volume manufacturing environments is highly desirable
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations, Business, or a related field preferred
- Lean Six Sigma Green Belt required; Black Belt strongly preferred
- Key Attributes:
- Proactive and results-driven with a strong continuous improvement mindset
- Comfortable working across multiple sites and cultures
- Able to balance strategic framework development with hands-on execution
- Strong problem-solving capability with attention to detail
- Strong communication skills
- Ability to influence without direct authority and drive engagement across all levels of the organization
- Strong coaching, mentoring, and change management capabilities
- Demonstrated ability to build trust, challenge the status quo constructively, and create sustainable cultural change
- People-focused leader who can engage operators, supervisors, and leadership teams in continuous improvement efforts
- Bilingual preferred (Spanish, French, German)
Development:
Exposure to global Operational Excellence initiatives and best practices
Opportunity to contribute to the advancement and maturity of the OpEx framework across multiple regions
Additional Notes:
The role requires flexibility to support site-based improvement activities, including hands-on involvement in manufacturing processes where needed
Role is based in the United States
Regular travel to manufacturing sites across the United States and Mexico is required (approximately 25-40%)Occasional international travel to Europe may be required to support global
Operational Excellence initiatives, training, and best-practice sharing
Success in this role will depend as much on leadership style, coaching ability, and cultural influence as on technical Lean and CI expertise
At Chromalox, we are not just an employer but a champion of equal opportunities and inclusivity. We are dedicated to fostering a workplace that adheres to the highest hiring standards and is free from discrimination and harassment.
Chromalox is an equal opportunity employer; our commitment extends to all aspects of employment, ensuring that no individual is mistreated or discriminated against based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as defined by federal, state, or local laws.
