Director of Lean Manufacturing: Top Recruiters in Cleveland, Ohio

Cleveland is one of America's premier advanced manufacturing cities, home to Parker Hannifin, Eaton, and Lincoln Electric, global leaders in motion control, power management, and welding technology respectively.

The Director of Lean Manufacturing leads the implementation of lean production systems across manufacturing facilities, converting traditional push-based production to pull-based, flow-oriented systems that minimize lead time, reduce inventory, and improve quality through built-in error prevention. This director drives waste elimination and standard work development at the shop floor level.

• Lead lean transformation of manufacturing operations from traditional batch production to lean pull systems
• Design and implement value stream maps, future-state designs, and transformation roadmaps for each facility
• Implement standard work, visual management, 5S, and daily management systems on the shop floor
• Lead takt time analysis, line balancing, and production cell design to optimize flow and labor utilization
• Deploy pull systems including kanban, supermarkets, and heijunka leveling for production planning
• Lead error-proofing (poka-yoke) and quick changeover (SMED) programs to reduce defects and setup time
• Train and develop lean practitioners at all levels from hourly associates to plant management
• Measure lean adoption through lean maturity assessments and track progress toward lean enterprise goals
• Lead problem-solving culture development using A3 thinking, 5-Why analysis, and PDCA methodology
• Engage senior leadership in lean leadership behaviors including gemba walks and respect for people practices

• 10+ years in lean manufacturing with demonstrated expertise in Toyota Production System or equivalent
• Six Sigma Black Belt and Lean Expert certification preferred
• Demonstrated experience leading lean transformations across multiple manufacturing facilities
• Track record of significant lead time reduction, inventory reduction, and flow improvement results
• Hands-on shop floor experience with direct involvement in standard work development and kaizen execution
• Training and coaching skills with experience developing lean practitioners across organizational levels

• Lean System Expertise: Comprehensive knowledge of TPS/lean production system principles and tools
• Shop Floor Leadership: Ability to work at the gemba and drive change at the point of value creation
• Standard Work Discipline: Commitment to developing and sustaining standard work as the foundation for improvement
• Visual Management: Skill in designing workplace visual controls that make problems immediately visible
• Coaching Culture: Ability to develop lean thinkers at all levels through hands-on coaching and teaching

Nexoval Search Partners' dedicated Advanced Manufacturing practice maintains active relationships with the executive talent community across Cleveland and the broader Ohio market. Our consultants conduct thorough market mapping of available passive and active candidates across the region's leading employers, from established industry leaders to innovative growth companies. Every engagement includes confidential outreach, rigorous competency-based assessment, and a shortlist in 3 to 4 weeks and typical completion in 60 to 90 days. Nexoval Search Partners' retained search model and up to 180-day replacement guarantee ensure every executive we place in Cleveland, Ohio delivers long-term organizational value.

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