SPS - Lean Manager

Overview

SPS - Lean Manager

Location:

Sumter, Sc

Salary Range:  to

SKF, reducing friction since 1907, re-imagining rotation for a better tomorrow! SKF is an industry-leading manufacturer that has been a cornerstone in industrial life. Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do, and SKF is on pace to decarbonize all its production facilities by 2030. We value collaboration, curiosity, courage, care for people, customers, communities, and the planet. We are committed to a culture of belonging and an equitable environment.

Learn about SKF at

At SKF, we recognize the SKF Production System (SPS) as the foundation for achieving world-class operations-through the eyes of our customers. SPS equips our organization with proven tools and methodologies to drive a Lean transformation. By prioritizing customer value, eliminating waste, reducing variation, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement, we ensure that every individual plays an active role in our journey.

Role: As the SKF Production System - Lean Manager
, also recognized as the SPS Leader, you play a pivotal role in driving continuous improvement and Lean throughout the factory and organization. You will collaborate with the Factory Manager and plant leadership to champion SPS fundamentals and Lean methodologies at the Gemba, driving improvements in Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Cost.

Reports to:

Factory Manager

• Drive SPS Maturity & Strategic Alignment

  Lead the factory through successive stages of the SKF Production System (SPS) Maturity Assessment by developing and executing deployment plans informed by comprehensive gap analyses. Support factory leadership in building and maintaining the Master Plan to achieve customer and business objectives, ensuring alignment between corporate Lean strategies and local operations.

• Continuous Improvement & Operational Excellence

  Identify, prioritize, and lead improvement projects to reduce waste, improve flow, and enhance productivity across the end-to-end value chain. Drive measurable improvements in OEE, productivity, and other key performance metrics through structured problem-solving, Value Stream Mapping (VSM), Kaizen events, and root cause analysis.

• Lean & Stability Tools Deployment

  Implement and sustain Lean principles and stability tools, including 5S, Standardized Work, Resetting, and Lean material flow. Ensure sustainability through audits, coaching, and tiered-level Daily Management systems.

• Digitization & Process Approach

  Lead digitization initiatives related to Lean manufacturing processes and drive the adoption of the SKF Process Approach across all business processes using Business Excellence (BE) principles.

• Six Sigma & Business Excellence Leadership

  Execute defined Six Sigma projects to deliver sustainable improvements in operational performance, customer satisfaction, and profitability. Coach and mentor Six Sigma practitioners (Black Belts, Green Belts, White Belts) and support factory BE Facilitators in deploying SKF BE culture.

• Training, Competence Development & Knowledge Sharing

  Develop training materials, conduct workshops, and facilitate learning sessions for all organizational levels. Build internal SPS capability by mentoring team members, certifying Subject Matter Experts (SMEs), and promoting best practice sharing across SKF. Encourage a learning organization culture and lead competence development initiatives.

• TPM & Reliability Leadership

  Provide leadership in Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) principles and machine reliability to ensure stable and efficient operations.

• Performance Measurement & Reporting

  Help teams establish KPIs to monitor processes and trigger corrective actions. Report progress and impact of SPS initiatives to site leadership and global teams.

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, Manufacturing, Industrial Management, Mechanical Engineering, Operations Management, or related field (Master's preferred).
• 5-7 years of experience in manufacturing operations with strong Lean and continuous improvement focus, including leadership of people and management of CI programs.
• Proven track record of leading Lean transformations and delivering…