Lean Manufacturing Specialist

Position: LEAN MANUFACTURING SPECIALIST
Position: Lean Manufacturing Specialist

Kingspan Insulated Panels North America, a division of the Kingspan Group plc headquartered in Ireland, is a global and trusted leader in the design, manufacturing, and supply of high-performance sustainable building products and solutions for the construction industry. As the most energy-efficient, cost-effective building envelope solutions, insulated metal panels are at the forefront of sustainability. We serve the architectural, commercial/industrial, cold storage and food processing markets, and are committed to delivering the most advanced building products on the market.

Learn about our Planet Passionate initiatives:

At Kingspan, our future success is based on the quality of our people, who's expertise and motivation have helped ensure that we remain at the forefront of the construction materials manufacturing industry. In joining Kingspan you become an important part of a growing organization with a reputation for innovative design and use of technology, technical expertise, product quality, service excellence, and dedication to sustainability.

Ready to be part of our team?

We are looking for a Lean Manufacturing Specialist for our Columbus, OH office!

Sponsorship is not available for this opportunity

In-office position in our Columbus, OH office (not remote)

Summary: The Lean Manufacturing Specialist will develop short and long-term strategies incorporating Operational Excellence, Lean, Six Sigma principles, and other practices, enabling costs to be reduced, both in terms of manufacturing efficiencies. Work with the Plant Manager and managers across the site to develop and roll out a range of activities, performance management systems, and standardizing practices that will improve plant capacity and reduce overall manufacturing costs.

Essential Duties:

• Champion and advance a culture of continuous improvement across the organization.
• Assist plants in identifying process improvement opportunities. Define clear problem statements, success criteria, and measurable outcomes. Lead structured, data-driven problem-solving and document results.
• Collaborate with all departments to analyze value streams, identify cost reduction opportunities, and develop loss reduction plans with local management.
• Identify and share best practices across departments to drive standardization and efficiency.
• Deliver continuous improvement training on core tools and techniques, ensuring adherence to divisional standards. Provide feedback through audits, process confirmations, and spot checks.
• Coordinate the collection and analysis of data required for monthly manufacturing reporting.
• Monitor progress to ensure improvements are sustained.
• Standardize plant reporting in terms of timeliness, content, and presentation.
• Develop automated electronic systems to enhance visibility into problems and support root cause investigations.
• Analyze and validate data to justify capital and operational excellence projects; prepare capital expenditure proposals.
• Facilitate monthly Steering Committee meetings.
• Track and report KPIs, including cost reduction plans, manufacturing savings, audit scores, and performance against targets.
• Follow the Group Code of Conduct and Group Compliance.
• Follow Compliance requirements per "KNA-SOP-1705 Compliance Roles and Responsibilities."
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

Education/Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, or Engineering from an accredited school or equivalent skills and experience.
• 4+ years of Continuous Improvement experience within a manufacturing environment.
• Minimum Six Sigma Green Belt.
• Project management experience.
• Experience in deployment of Continuous Improvement methodologies.
• Ability to manage priorities and work autonomously.
• Ability to develop, model, and coach lean applications.

Computer Skills:

• Must be highly proficient in all Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Outlook

Other Skills and Requirements:

• Must have the desire to strive for continuous improvement and excellence within a fast-paced growth environment.
• Must be self-motivated and proficient in developing and executing a project timeline. Initiate actions and make proposals on one's own initiative.
• High level of interpersonal skills to handle sensitive and confidential situations and documentation.
• Good to excellent spelling, grammar, and written communication skills.
• Excellent telephone and oral communication skills.
• Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality.
• Proficient in Microsoft packages, competent at concisely formatting reports and presentations at the management and shop floor.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here represent those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this role. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform key responsibilities.

• Strength Requirements: Ability to exert up to 20 lbs. of force occasionally, up to 10 lbs. frequently, and a negligible amount constantly to lift,…