SPS - Lean Manager

In order to be considered for this position you will be required to apply, using your SKF email, via the following link:

Apply Here - SPS Lean Manager - #23842

In accordance with SKF USA recruiting policy, please be advised that to be considered you must:

• Be in your current position for at least 12 months.
• Have received a Full Achievement or higher overall performance rating.
• Notify your current Manager of your application for this position.

Reports to: Factory Manager

Location: Sumter, Sc

Job ID: 23842

Salary Range: $ 123,000.00 to $ 139,000.00

Recruiter: Brittany Kooyman

At SKF, we recognize the SKF Production System (SPS) as the foundation for achieving world-class operations—through the eyes of our customers.  SPS equips our organization with proven tools and methodologies to drive a Lean transformation.  By prioritizing customer value, eliminating waste, reducing variation, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement, we ensure that every individual plays an active role in our journey.  As the  SKF Production System -Lean Manager, also recognized as the SPS Leader, you play a pivotal role in driving continuous improvement and Lean throughout the factory and organization.  Your dedication to successfully implementing SPS empowers positive change.  Collaborating closely with the Factory Manager and plant leadership team, you champion the implementation of SPS fundamentals and Lean methodologies at the Gemba, generating advancements in Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Cost.  Your impactful leadership fuels progress and fosters an environment of excellence.

The position will have 1 direct reports.

Key Responsibilities:

• Drive SPS Maturity & Strategic Alignment
  Lead the factory through successive stages of the SKF Production System (SPS) Maturity Assessment by developing and executing deployment plans informed by comprehensive gap analyses. Support factory leadership in building and maintaining the Master Plan to achieve customer and business objectives, ensuring alignment between corporate Lean strategies and local operations.
• Continuous Improvement & Operational Excellence
  Identify, prioritize, and lead improvement projects to reduce waste, improve flow, and enhance productivity across the end-to-end value chain. Drive measurable improvements in OEE, productivity, and other key performance metrics through structured problem-solving, Value Stream Mapping (VSM), Kaizen events, and root cause analysis.
• Lean & Stability Tools Deployment
  Implement and sustain Lean principles and stability tools, including 5S, Standardized Work, Resetting, and Lean material flow. Ensure sustainability through audits, coaching, and tiered-level Daily Management systems.
• Digitization & Process Approach
  Lead digitization initiatives related to Lean manufacturing processes and drive the adoption of the SKF Process Approach across all business processes using Business Excellence (BE) principles.
• Six Sigma & Business Excellence Leadership
  Execute defined Six Sigma projects to deliver sustainable improvements in operational performance, customer satisfaction, and profitability. Coach and mentor Six Sigma practitioners (Black Belts, Green Belts, White Belts) and support factory BE Facilitators in deploying SKF BE culture.
• Training, Competence Development & Knowledge Sharing
  Develop training materials, conduct workshops, and facilitate learning sessions for all organizational levels. Build internal SPS capability by mentoring team members, certifying Subject Matter Experts (SMEs), and promoting best practice sharing across SKF. Encourage a learning organization culture and lead competence development initiatives.
• TPM & Reliability Leadership
  Provide leadership in Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) principles and machine reliability to ensure stable and efficient operations.
• Performance Measurement & Reporting
  Help teams establish KPIs to monitor processes and trigger corrective actions. Report progress and impact of SPS initiatives to site leadership and global teams.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Manufacturing, Industrial Management, Mechanical Engineering, Operations Management, or related field (Master’s preferred).
• 5–7 years of experience in manufacturing operations with strong Lean and continuous improvement focus, including leadership of people and management of CI programs.
• Proven track record of leading Lean transformations and delivering measurable results; deep knowledge of SPS principles and Lean tools (Daily Management, 5S, Kaizen, VSM, SMED, Defined Work).
• Strong leadership and communication skills with ability to influence without authority, collaborate across functions, and interface at all organizational levels.
• Strategic mindset to align SPS initiatives with business objectives; high adaptability and resilience in dynamic environments.
• Excellent planning, organizational, facilitation, and presentation skills; ability to manage shifting priorities and multiple projects with minimal supervision.
• Technical expertise: Six Sigma certification (Green/Black Belt) preferred; knowledge of ISO 14001, ISO 45001, ISO 50001; proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• Capital project management experience is a plus.
• Willingness to travel regionally or internationally as required.

Please note internal candidates will receive a confirmation that they have successfully applied for position.

If you do not receive this confirmation, please verify with the recruiter, (indicated at the top), that your application was indeed received.

This Position is NOT open for International Recruitment.