Lean Manufacturing Specialist

Organization Summary

Lindsay Corporation (NYSE: LNN) is a leading global manufacturer and distributor of irrigation and infrastructure equipment and technology. Established in 1955, the company has been at the forefront of research and development of innovative solutions to meet the food, fuel, fiber and transportation needs of the world’s rapidly growing population. Lindsay’s agricultural irrigation solutions include center pivot and lateral-move systems, remote irrigation management and scheduling technology, engineering services, and a variety of other Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) solutions. Lindsay’s infrastructure segment manufactures equipment to improve road safety and keep traffic moving on the world’s roads, bridges and tunnels.

Position Description

The Lean Manufacturing Specialist will drive our Continuous Improvement at the Lindsay, NE Plant and will help the Director & Lean Manufacturing ME to foster a continuous improvement mindset and lean focus within their plant.  This individual will work with the leadership team to track our continuous improvement measurable and attainable goals

Job Summary

This job includes leading Value Stream Managers & Leads to improve their productivity and cost reductions attained through application of the lean principles including waste and variation elimination, material flow, standard work, 6S, SMED, visual management, value stream mapping, root cause analysis, etc.  This role will report directly for the Director of Lean Manufacturing.  The Specialist will drive Managers to understand and track KPI’s, weekly project and monthly 6S audits, SQDC board data, and participate, and eventually lead Kaizens in the Lindsay facility.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Participate in Continuous Improvement programs as developed by the Director of Lean, Plant Manager, and the Site leadership Team.
• Facilitate and participate in problem solving efforts using the DMAIC process to improve quality, reduce cost, improve process efficiencies, etc
• Be a resource to functional departments and business units in planning, and implementing CI and 6S projects
• Hold two Kaizens per month and Audit Results with Value Stream Managers in events for Kaizen, 6S, Safety, and Continuous Improvement. 
• Identify projects for the CI Team by reviewing KPI’s and joining the Steering Committee

Training / Coaching / Culture

• Become a champion and lead on the principles and practices of the Lindsay Production System and Continuous Improvement to create a culture of continuous improvement across the Lindsay, NE facility.
• Assist the Director to build a culture of engagement at all levels of the business to create a highly energized and inspired team.
• Lead Kaizen events with Managers and Leads to improve our productivity based on KPI identified opportunities

Goals & Objectives

• Auditor of 6S expectations
• Auditor of Kaizen Sustainment
• Resource to Roadblock removal
• Report on project status with the VSM at daily production meetings
• Project Funnel Building by working with the Plant Steering Committee and reviewing red KPIs to prioritize by savings and impact
• Present monthly Bowler KPI’s and summaries to Steering Committee

Preferred Qualifications

• 5+ years of direct experience in manufacturing, lean implementation
• Yellow Belt Six Sigma Certification (can be enrolled for training, with expected 6mo completion)
• Proven track record as an effective trainer, motivator and change agent in a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to interact and partner with management at the factory to drive implementation and results.
• Adept at root cause analysis with strong problem-solving skills
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.