Sr. Manager of Lean Transformation & Continuous Improvement

Position Overview: The Sr. Manager of Lean Transformation & Continuous Improvement will lead the strategic implementation of Lean principles across the organization, driving cultural change and operational excellence. This role is instrumental in developing a collaborative, innovative culture that prioritizes continuous learning, cross-functional integration, and sustainable improvements. Working closely with senior leadership, this position will be responsible for building the framework that enables productivity, quality enhancement, and cost-effectiveness across all levels of the distribution network.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Leadership in Lean Transformation:
  • Spearhead the development and execution of a comprehensive Lean strategy that aligns with the organization's operational goals.
  • Lead the implementation of Lean methodologies across the entire distribution network, ensuring the organization is at the forefront of operational excellence.
  • Act as a key advisor to senior executives, driving the adoption of Lean principles across departments and providing strategic insights into improvement initiatives.
• Culture of Continuous Improvement:
  • Champion a collaborative and innovative culture where employees at all levels are empowered to actively participate in continuous improvement efforts.
  • Promote continuous learning and development initiatives to ensure a workforce well-versed in Lean methodologies, fostering both individual growth and organizational capability.
• Productivity & Efficiency Enhancement:
  • Direct the design, execution, and support of initiatives focused on improving productivity, quality, and cost-effectiveness across the organization.
  • Leverage data-driven insights and metrics to identify areas for improvement, providing leadership with actionable recommendations for enhancing operational performance.
• Training and Workforce Development:
  • Oversee the creation and delivery of comprehensive training programs on Lean tools and principles to build a highly skilled workforce capable of sustaining long-term process improvements.
  • Ensure that Lean training programs are tailored to various levels within the organization, fostering engagement from entry-level employees to senior leaders.
• Event Facilitation & Structured Problem Solving:
  • Lead the planning and facilitation of major continuous improvement events, ensuring success through effective communication, structured problem-solving, and stakeholder engagement.
  • Provide expert guidance on the use of Lean tools, such as A3 Problem Solving, 6S, JIT, and Kanban, to resolve complex operational challenges.
• Change Management & Process Adoption:
  • Address organizational resistance to change by promoting a culture of openness and adaptability, helping teams embrace new processes and methodologies.
  • Collaborate closely with leadership and cross-functional teams to facilitate the seamless adoption of new process improvements, ensuring alignment with overall business objectives.
• Stakeholder Collaboration & Project Leadership:
  • Collaborate with cross-functional project teams and external stakeholders to drive the successful implementation of critical projects from initiation to completion.
  • Serve as the lead advocate for Lean and continuous improvement efforts, ensuring that all projects are executed with a focus on efficiency, scalability, and sustainability.
• Performance Monitoring & Insights:
  • Lead efforts to regularly monitor and analyze performance metrics, translating insights into recommendations for continuous improvement.
  • Utilize data to create comprehensive reports that inform leadership about areas for further refinement and optimization.
• Lean Tools & Methodologies Expertise:
  • Demonstrate mastery in a broad range of Lean tools and methodologies, including A3 Problem Solving, 6S, JIT, Kanban, and Six Sigma (DMAIC/DMADV).
  • Lead the integration of these tools into the company's broader operational framework to drive measurable improvements in efficiency, quality, and profitability.

Qualifications:

• Proven experience in a senior leadership role focused on Lean transformation, operational excellence, or continuous improvement.
• 8+ years of relevant industry experience in supply chain operations, manufacturing, or Lean transformation
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering, Operations, Business, or a related field preferred
• In-depth knowledge and application of Lean principles, Six Sigma, and other process improvement methodologies. Six Sigma Green Belt, or Lean Silver Certification required; Black Belt or Gold Certification preferred.
• Strong leadership skills with a track record of fostering a collaborative, high-performance culture.
• Ability to communicate and influence at all organizational levels, including senior leadership, frontline employees, and external stakeholders.
• Exceptional problem-solving skills with a demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams to success.
• Must be able to travel domestically (25%)

Location: Lynchburg, VA (On-site)

One of our core focuses here at JCG is creating a community and culture that builds belonging. We are deeply committed to our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion efforts, and we warmly welcome job applicants of all backgrounds.

JCG is proud to affirmatively provide equal opportunity to all associates and qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, national origin or citizenship, age, sex, marital status, ancestry, legally protected physical or mental disability, veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation or any other basis protected under applicable law.