Lean / Six Sigma / Continuous Improvement
Apply Lean, Six Sigma, DMAIC, Kaizen principles utilizing tools including but not limited to 5S, value stream mapping, standard work, root cause analysis, and problem-solving tools etc. • Facilitate improvement events focused on safety, quality, delivery, cost, productivity, inventory, and flow. • Identify waste, variation, process constraints, and non-value-added activity across manufacturing operations. • Build sustainable countermeasures that include process controls, ownership, training, and follow-up cadence. • Train and coach teams on structured problem solving and continuous improvement behaviors. • Develop training material to support employee development• Support development of a culture of operational excellence and accountability.
Manufacturing Operations Support
Partner with plant operations, quality, engineering, materials, maintenance, finance, and safety teams. • Support projects tied to throughput improvement, labor productivity, scrap reduction, rework reduction, equipment uptime, material flow, and capacity expansion. • Analyze production data, defect trends, process capability, downtime, labor efficiency, and cost performance. • Standardize and document SOP’s and best practices across facilities and functions. • Ensure improvements are practical for the shop floor and understood by operators, supervisors, and plant leaders.
Financial & Business Impact
Quantify project benefits, including cost savings, productivity gains, quality improvements, working capital reduction, and capacity improvement. • Partner with finance to validate project savings and return on investment. • Track benefits realization after implementation. • Ensure project work supports broader business objectives and operational priorities.
Other duties as assigned
Qualifications
YOUR SKILLS AND ABILITIES (REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS)
Education: Bachelor’s degree in related discipline preferred (e.g., engineering, quality, management, or business)• 5+ years of experience leading projects in a manufacturing, industrial, operations, or supply chain environment. • Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification required.• Demonstrated experience leading continuous improvement projects with measurable business impact. • Strong understanding of Lean manufacturing principles, waste elimination, root cause analysis, and process control. • Experience managing cross-functional teams and influencing leaders without direct reporting authority. • Strong analytical skills with ability to use data to define problems and validate results. • Proficiency with project management tools, Microsoft Office, Excel, PowerPoint, and data visualization tools. • High ownership and accountability. • Strong facilitation and communication skills.• Ability to engage and motivate across functions and levels of the organization• Practical shop-floor orientation. • Good organizational awareness and experience to lead change• Travel: Travel as needed.
Preferred Experience• Heavy manufacturing, automotive, trailer, equipment, fabrication, welding, assembly, or engineered-to-order environment. • Experience with ERP/MRP systems, production scheduling, materials flow, and manufacturing cost drivers. • Experience doing value stream mapping, 5S implementation, and standard work development. • Experience presenting to senior leadership and executive stakeholders. • PMP certification preferred but not required.
PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS
Office and plant environment.
Keyboarding, lifting, standing, bending, walking.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
ABOUT GREAT DANE
With a history dating back to 1900, Great Dane has established itself as a transportation solutions leader of today – delivering innovative products and exceptional services that help our customers and employees succeed. We not only engineer durable and high-quality trailers and truck bodies; we foster relationships that last a lifetime.
WHY WORK FOR US?
Great Dane is a leading manufacturer of dry-freight vans, refrigerated trailers, and flatbeds with 10 manufacturing facilities and 20 service centers throughout the United States. With a legacy like ours comes a dedication to the hard-working individuals that make Great Dane what it is today. Our jobs are waiting to be filled by driven, challenge-focused & enthusiastic people like you.
Our culture is comprised of “Champions” and offers a rewarding workplace rooted in core values of safety, leadership, integrity, quality, and passion. Every employee has opportunities to learn, grow, succeed and be engaged in a collaborative environment.
BENEFITS OVERVIEW
Competitive compensation
Benefits, including but not limited to dental, vision, and medical with employer contributions
Retirement programs, including a Pension Plan and 401(k) Plan with employer match
Tuition Reimbursement
Paid holidays and vacation
And more!
Great Dane is an Equal Opportunity Employer
