Company Overview: Grip-Tite Manufacturing, based in Winterset, Iowa, is a leading manufacturer of foundation repair products and guy wire anchors, delivering high-quality steel fabrication solutions. Committed to operational excellence, we are seeking a dynamic Lean Manufacturing Manager to lead an enterprise-wide journey toward world-class performance by embedding Toyota Production System (TPS) principles into the "Grip-Tite Way" and fostering a culture of continuous improvement across all business functions.

Position Overview: The Lean Manufacturing Manager will spearhead Grip-Tite’s enterprise-wide operational excellence initiative, driving Lean transformation on the factory floor and in business processes such as Accounts Payable (A/P), Accounts Receivable (A/R), order processing, purchasing, and scheduling. Reporting directly to CEO Steve Lage, this role will champion continuous improvement, lead Kaizen events, and build a team of Lean thinkers and practitioners to integrate TPS principles into every facet of the organization. The ideal candidate is an experienced team builder with a proven track record in TPS implementation, particularly in steel fabrication environments, and the ability to apply Lean principles to diverse business functions.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead Enterprise-Wide Lean Transformation: Implement TPS methodologies, including 5S, cellular manufacturing, Kanban, Jidoka, Total Productive Maintenance (TPM), and Single-Minute Exchange of Die (SMED), to optimize manufacturing and business processes such as A/P, A/R, order processing, purchasing, and scheduling.
• Build a Continuous Improvement Culture: Foster a team of Lean thinkers and practitioners by embedding TPS principles into the "Grip-Tite Way," driving sustainable cultural change across the enterprise.
• Kaizen Leadership: Plan, facilitate, and lead Kaizen events to identify and eliminate waste, streamline processes, and engage cross-functional teams in manufacturing and administrative functions.
• Team Building: Coach and mentor production teams, administrative staff, and leadership to adopt Lean principles, fostering collaboration, accountability, and a problem-solving mindset.
• Process Optimization: Analyze and improve steel fabrication and welding processes on the factory floor, as well as business processes like A/P, A/R, order processing, purchasing, and scheduling, to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and throughput.
• Training & Development: Design and deliver comprehensive Lean training programs to build capability across all departments, ensuring TPS principles are embedded in both operational and administrative functions.
• Performance Metrics: Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for manufacturing and business processes to track progress in efficiency, cost reduction, and quality, reporting results to the CEO.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with manufacturing, finance, sales, procurement, and operations teams to integrate Lean principles into all aspects of the business.
• Change Management: Drive cultural transformation by promoting servant leadership and empowering employees to contribute to continuous improvement initiatives across the enterprise.

Qualifications:

• Experience: Minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience implementing the Toyota Production System in a manufacturing environment, preferably in steel fabrication or welding, with demonstrated success in applying Lean principles to business processes (e.g., A/P, A/R, purchasing, scheduling).
• Lean Expertise: Deep knowledge and practical application of Lean tools, including 5S, cellular manufacturing, Kanban, Jidoka, TPM, SMED, and value stream mapping, across manufacturing and administrative functions.
• Leadership: Proven ability to lead Kaizen events, deliver Lean training, and build high-performing, cross-functional teams that embrace continuous improvement.
• Industry Knowledge: Experience in steel fabrication, particularly welding, is highly preferred. Familiarity with foundation repair products or guy wire anchors is a plus.
• Skills: Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to engage and influence stakeholders in manufacturing and administrative roles.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in engineering, manufacturing, operations management, business administration, or a related field is preferred. Lean Six Sigma Black Belt or equivalent certification is a plus.
• Attributes: Passionate about operational excellence, results-driven, and committed to fostering a collaborative, Lean-focused culture across the enterprise.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Salary: $150,000 per year, with performance-based bonus potential.
• Benefits: Generous benefits package including paid time off (PTO), 401(k), comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance, and more.
• Growth Opportunity: Play a pivotal role in shaping Grip-Tite’s future by embedding the "Grip-Tite Way" and leading an enterprise-wide Lean transformation.

How to Apply: Interested candidates should submit their resume and a cover letter detailing their Lean manufacturing experience, enterprise-wide process improvement achievements, and approach to building a continuous improvement culture via the Grip-Tite Manufacturing website.

Grip-Tite Manufacturing is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in the workplace.