Lean Specialist - Manufacturing

Job Overview :

The Lean Specialist will provide hands-on leadership in deploying, implementing, and sustaining the Weatherford Lean Program across assigned Repair & Maintenance (R&M) facilities.

The role will work closely with facility and product line leadership to translate business priorities into measurable improvements across safety, quality, delivery, cost, productivity, throughput, lead time, and capacity.

The Lean Specialist will establish and sustain practical Lean management systems, including Hoshin Kanri, Shop Daily Management (SDM), Office Daily Management (ODM), visual performance management, Leader Standard Work, A3/PDCA, and structured problem solving. The role will build Lean capability through coaching, Gemba engagement, Kaizen activities, and cross-functional continuous improvement initiatives.

The position will collaborate with Operations, R&M, Quality, Supply Chain, Materials Planning & Scheduling, Asset & Inventory, Distribution, Logistics, Procurement, Finance, HR, Digital, and Engineering. The role requires a strong presence at the Gemba and the ability to influence and coach technicians, supervisors, managers, and senior leaders across multiple facilities without direct authority.

Responsibilities:

- Lead the deployment and sustainment of Weatherford Lean elements across assigned R&M facilities, aligned with business priorities, facility objectives, and product line roadmaps.
- Establish and sustain Shop Daily Management (SDM) and Office Daily Management (ODM) routines, including SQDC performance boards, KPI governance, action tracking, escalation, and leadership review.
- Conduct Value Stream Mapping, process mapping, time studies, Gemba observations, product-process analysis, and load-versus-capacity assessments to identify waste, constraints, and improvement opportunities.
- Deliver measurable improvements in throughput, cycle time, lead time, schedule adherence, backlog, overtime, productivity, quality, cost, and capacity utilization.
- Facilitate Kaizen events and structured problem-solving activities using A3, PDCA, DMAIC, 5 Why, and root-cause analysis, ensuring actions are implemented, verified, and sustained.
- Develop Hoshin scorecards, operational dashboards, and management reports, using Excel, Power BI, JDE, MyAdvisor, Oracle, and other available systems to support data-driven decision-making.
- Apply standardized productivity and operational performance measurement methods, validate reported benefits and savings, and ensure improvements are traceable, auditable, and sustainable.
- Improve planning, scheduling, material flow, and information flow using standard work, pull systems, Kanban, FIFO, Heijunka, and relevant APICS principles where applicable.
- Support facility layout, material flow, space utilization, and consolidation assessments to reduce unnecessary movement and storage, optimize facility footprint, and improve resource utilization.
- Support the implementation of intelligent shop-floor solutions, robotics, and automation initiatives where applicable.
- Implement and sustain 5S, workplace organization, Quality at the Source, visual management, standard work, and Leader Standard Work through coaching, audits, and follow-up routines.
- Build Lean capability by coaching leaders and employees, developing local Lean champions, and supporting a sustainable culture of continuous improvement.
- Manage multiple cross-functional improvement priorities and clearly communicate progress, risks, actions, and measurable results to stakeholders and leadership.

Skills:

- Strong practical knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, and Operational Excellence methodologies.
- Proficiency in Value Stream Mapping, 5S, Visual Management, Standard Work, Kaizen, Kanban/Pull Systems, Hoshin Kanri, A3, PDCA, DMAIC, 5 Why, and Root Cause Analysis.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities with the ability to translate operational data into actionable improvements.
- Advanced Microsoft Excel skills; experience with Power BI or similar data visualization tools preferred.
- Working knowledge of ERP and operational systems, with experience in JDE, MyAdvisor, Oracle, or comparable systems considered an advantage.
- Strong facilitation, communication, project management, and change management skills.
- Ability to coach and influence technicians, supervisors, managers, and senior leaders without direct authority.
- Strong understanding of operational performance measurement, KPI management, and benefits realization.
- Knowledge of planning, scheduling, material flow, and capacity management.
- Understanding of Industry 4.0, intelligent shop-floor technologies, robotics, and automation is an advantage.
- Strong ability to work in a cross-functional, multicultural, and multi-site environment.

Qualifications:

- Bachelor's degree in industrial engineering Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Operations, or another relevant technical discipline.
- Minimum 5 years of professional experience in Lean, Continuous Improvement, Operational Excellence, Manufacturing, Repair & Maintenance, Aftermarket, Oilfield Services, or another heavy-industrial environment.
- Demonstrated experience delivering quantified and sustainable improvements in productivity, throughput, lead time, cost, quality, schedule adherence, backlog, or capacity.
- Hands-on experience implementing daily management systems and coaching operational leaders and shop-floor teams.
- Lean Bronze/Silver, Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, or equivalent certification is preferred; demonstrated practical Lean implementation and measurable business results are essential.
- APICS CPIM/CSCP certification or formal planning and scheduling training is an advantage and does not replace hands-on Lean implementation experience.
- Experience working across multiple functions, facilities, or product lines is preferred.

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