Specialist Lean

Donaldson is committed to solving the world’s most complex filtration challenges. Together, we make cool things. As an established technology and innovation leader, we are continuously evolving to meet the filtration needs of our changing world. Join a culture of collaboration and innovation that matters and a chance to learn, effect change, and make meaningful contributions at work and in communities. ​

Position Summary:

- Join the Donaldson Operations team as a Specialist Lean supporting our manufacturing facility. In this role, you will lead continuous improvement initiatives, facilitate Lean Manufacturing methodologies, and drive operational excellence through Kaizen events, process optimization, and the Donaldson Production System (DPS). Your contribution will directly impact safety, productivity, quality, cost reduction, and overall plant performance.

Role Responsibilities:

- Lead and facilitate Kaizen events focused on productivity, quality, safety, and cost reduction.
- Train employees at multiple organizational levels on Lean Manufacturing tools and methodologies.
- Conduct SOLES audits and assess manufacturing maturity levels across the plant.
- Support implementation of continuous improvement initiatives across production and support functions.
- Identify process improvement opportunities through audits, observations, and plant walkthroughs.
- Coordinate and maintain the Donaldson Production System (DPS) assessment process.
- Monitor and support key performance indicators including safety, quality, productivity, delivery, and cost metrics.
- Partner with production, quality, maintenance, EHS, process engineering, and project engineering teams to drive continuous improvement.
- Promote safe work practices and identify risks related to safety, quality, and environmental compliance.
- Travel: Up to 10%

Minimum Qualifications:

- Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering or a related technical field.
- Minimum 4 years of experience in Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, or a related function within the automotive or metal-mechanical industry.
- Experience working in manufacturing operations with approximately 500 or more employees.
- Advanced English proficiency (speaking, reading, and writing).
- Project management experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

- Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing tools including 5S, SMED, Kaizen, Kanban, Value Stream Mapping, Visual Management, Standardized Work, and Lean Accounting.
- Experience with Toyota Production System (TPS) principles.
- Knowledge of Statistical Process Control (SPC).·
- Experience with problem-solving methodologies such as PDCA and Core Tools.·
- Advanced Microsoft Office skills, particularly Excel, PowerPoint, and Project.·
- Experience facilitating cross-functional teams and continuous improvement workshops.·
- Strong communication, coaching, and training skills.·
- Ability to influence change and drive operational excellence initiatives across multiple departments.

Employment opportunities for positions in the United States may require use of information which is subject to the export control regulations of the United States. Hiring decisions for such positions are required by law to be made in compliance with these regulations. Applicants for employment opportunities in other countries must be able to meet the comparable export control requirements of that country and of the United States.

Donaldson Company has been made aware that there are several recruiting scams that are targeting job seekers.  These scams have attempted to solicit money for job applications and/or collect confidential information, Donaldson will never solicit money during the application or recruiting process.  Donaldson only accepts online applications through our Careers | Donaldson Company, Inc. website and any communication from a Donaldson recruiter would be sent using a donaldson.com email address.  If you have any questions about the legitimacy of an employment opportunity, please reach out to [email protected] to verify that the communication is from Donaldson.

Our policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified persons without regard to race, gender, color, disability, national origin, age, religion, union affiliation, sexual orientation, veteran status, citizenship, gender identity and/or expression, or other status protected by law.