Lean Manufacturing Expert

At Whisker, we're committed to delivering innovative pet products that make a difference in the lives of pets and their owners. As our Lean Manufacturing Leader, you'll play a critical role in driving operational excellence and streamlining our manufacturing processes.

• Develop and implement lean manufacturing strategies to improve operational efficiency, reduce waste, and enhance productivity.
• Lead cross-functional teams in the application of lean tools and methodologies, including value stream mapping, 5S, standard work, kaizen events, and continuous improvement projects.
• Partner with production, engineering, and supply chain teams to identify opportunities for process optimization and waste reduction throughout the value stream.
• Drive a culture of continuous improvement by fostering employee engagement, empowerment, and accountability at all levels of the organization.
• Build a team with permanent and rotational assignments to help implement strategies while developing them in the ways of continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with leadership to establish key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics to track progress, measure results, and drive sustainable improvements.
• Lead lean training and education initiatives to build organizational capability and ensure alignment with lean principles and practices.
• Provide guidance and support to cross-functional teams during lean projects and initiatives, ensuring successful implementation and sustainable results.
• Stay current on industry best practices and emerging trends in lean manufacturing, and incorporate new methodologies and technologies as appropriate.

• Directly supervise department teams, carrying out supervisory responsibilities following Whisker policies and applicable laws.
• Interview, train, and hire team members, plan, assign, and direct work, appraise performance, address team issues, and uphold safety and quality guidelines.

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in lean manufacturing and operational leadership roles, with a proven track record of implementing lean principles and driving operational excellence.
• Strong knowledge of lean tools and methodologies, including value stream mapping, 5S, kanban, SMED, TPM, and kaizen.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams and driving cultural change in a manufacturing environment.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills, with the ability to identify root causes and implement effective solutions.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate with stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
• Lean Six Sigma certification preferred.
• Maintain confidentiality of proprietary information.
• Ability to maintain a professional atmosphere in a fast-paced environment with numerous interactions and interruptions.
• A high degree of initiative, self-motivation, and ability to motivate others.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with team members and colleagues.
• Comfortable with office pets (cats, dogs).

• Premium Medical/Dental/Vision insurance.
• Paid parental leave.
• Whisker Parents Program.
• 1 day 'pawternity' leave for new pet adoption.
• Pet Insurance.
• 401K match.
• Flexible spending accounts.
• Company-paid short-term disability and life insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Generous paid time off.
• 14 Paid Holidays.
• Top of the line equipment.
• Pet-friendly office.
• Whisker products and swag.
• Continuing education Support.
• On-site gym with Peloton.
• Referral program.