Lean Strategist

About the role

As a Lean Strategist, you will be a key architect of Ford’s continuous improvement culture. You will be responsible for designing and implementing strategic frameworks that drive efficiency, quality, and safety across our manufacturing footprint. This role goes beyond simple tactical application; you will mentor cross-functional teams, integrate lean principles into new engineering product launches, and evolve the Ford Production System (FPS) to meet the challenges of the future. This role requires up to 50% travel.

Responsibilities

• Ford Production System (FPS) Stewardship: Serve as the subject matter expert on FPS, ensuring all lean engineering activities align with corporate standards while driving the evolution of the system to improve throughput and reduce waste.
• Model Area Development: Lead the creation and sustainment of "Model Areas" to serve as the gold standard for operational excellence, providing a blueprint for scaling improvements across Ford manufacturing plants.
• Value Stream Mapping (VSM): Facilitate end-to-end VSM sessions across Ford manufacturing plants to identify "Current State" bottlenecks and design "Future State" maps that optimize material and information flow.
• Kaizen Leadership: Organize and lead high-impact Kaizen events at Ford manufacturing plants, empowering operators and staff to generate and implement ideas (aiming for high levels of operator engagement).
• Launch Readiness: Partner with GME and PTME to ensure "Lean from the Start." Integrate lean manufacturing principles into the early stages of vehicle engineering programs to ensure seamless, waste-free launches.
• 5S & Visual Management: Standardize and audit 5S practices to ensure a safe, organized, and efficient work environment where abnormalities are immediately visible.
• Cross-Functional Mentorship: Coach participants from diverse backgrounds (Finance, HR, Engineering, and Operations) on lean tools, including Yamazumi charts, Spaghetti diagrams, and 5-Why root cause analysis.

Requirements

• Education: Bachelor of Applied Science (BASc) in Engineering (Manufacturing Engineering, BSEE, BSME, BSCE, BSIE), Math, or Physics.
• Experience: 4 or more years of progressive experience in a manufacturing environment, with a proven track record of leading large-scale lean transformations.
• Technical Expertise: Deep mastery of Lean tools, including:
  • Value Stream Mapping (VSM) and Spaghetti Diagramming
  • Yamazumi (Line Balancing) and Standardized Work
  • 5S and Visual Factory Management
  • A3 Problem Solving and Drill-down Trees
• Leadership: Demonstrated ability to influence at all levels, from shop-floor operators to executive leadership.
• Travel: Up to 50% to other Ford locations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Tenure in the automotive manufacturing space.
• Experience delivering training across plant leadership.
• Experience leading high-impact continuous improvement initiatives.

Benefits

• Immediate medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage.
• Flexible family care days, paid parental leave, new parent ramp-up programs, subsidized back-up child care, and more.
• Family building benefits including adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, fertility treatments, and more.
• Vehicle discount program for employees and family members, and management leases.
• Tuition assistance.
• Established and active employee resource groups.
• Paid time off for individual and team community service.
• A generous schedule of paid holidays, including the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day.
• Paid time off and the option to purchase additional vacation time.

Pay

This position is leadership level 6 and ranges from $112,680 to $212,760.

Schedule

This position is hybrid. Candidates who are in commuting distance to a Ford hub location may be required to be onsite four or more days per week.