SCHERDEL SALES & TECHNOLOGY, INC
Lean Coordinator
Reports To: Plant Manager
Department: Production
Classification: Non-Exempt
JOB FUNCTION:
The LEAN Coordinator is a strategic change agent responsible for deploying, sustaining, and advancing LEAN manufacturing principles across Scherdel Sales & Technology. This role partners cross-functionally to drive operational excellence, eliminate waste, standardize work, and strengthen a culture of continuous improvement aligned with Scherdel Sales & Technology supplier expectations. The position balances hands-on floor engagement with data-driven analysis to deliver measurable improvements in safety, quality, delivery, cost, and morale.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
LEAN Strategy & Deployment
- Lead the implementation and sustainment of LEAN methodologies (e.g., 5S, Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping, Standard Work, Visual Management).
- Support plant leadership in executing continuous improvement roadmaps aligned with business objectives and customer requirements.
- Champion a structured problem-solving culture using A3, PDCA, and root-cause analysis tools.
Operational Excellence
- Identify, prioritize, and execute improvement initiatives that reduce waste, improve flow, and increase productivity.
- Facilitate Kaizen events and cross-functional improvement workshops with clear deliverables and follow-up.
- Partner with Engineering, Quality, Production, Supply Chain, and HR to drive sustainable process improvements.
Metrics, Reporting & Governance
- Develop and maintain LEAN KPIs tied to SQDC (Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost).
- Track project savings, efficiency gains, and operational performance improvements.
- Prepare clear, executive-level reports and visual dashboards to communicate progress and ROI.
- Coordinate Gemba walks and follow up on resulting action items
Training & Culture
- Train employees at all levels on LEAN concepts, tools, and behaviors.
- Coach supervisors and team leaders on daily management systems and continuous improvement leadership.
- Reinforce standard work, accountability, and employee engagement in improvement activities.
Compliance & Standards Alignment
- Ensure LEAN initiatives support IATF 16949 requirements and customer-specific expectations.
- Support internal and external audits through standardized processes and documented improvements.
- Coordinate with the global Lean coordinator of Scherdel group to make sure corporate standard and strategy is implemented
FUNCTION REQUIREMENTS:
Education/Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Industrial Technology, or related field (or equivalent experience).
- Minimum 3–5 years of experience in a LEAN, continuous improvement, or manufacturing excellence role within automotive or high-volume manufacturing.
- Demonstrated experience leading Kaizen events and driving measurable operational improvements.
- Strong working knowledge of LEAN tools and structured problem-solving methodologies.
- Preferred Qualifications:
- LEAN certification (Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or higher preferred).
- Experience in a Tier 1 or Tier 2 automotive manufacturing environment.
- Familiarity with stamping, forming, assembly, or automated manufacturing processes.
- Exposure to IATF 16949 and customer audit environments.
- Core Competencies:
- Change leadership and influence without authority
- Data-driven decision making
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Strong facilitation and communication skills
- High accountability and execution discipline
- Ability to operate at both strategic and shop-floor levels
Position Environment:
- Regular presence on the manufacturing floor.
- Ability to stand, walk, and move throughout production areas for extended periods.
- Occasional lifting up to 25 lbs.
