How to hire a lean manufacturing manager

How to hire a lean manufacturing manager, step by step

Here's a step-by-step lean manufacturing manager hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a lean manufacturing manager job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new lean manufacturing manager
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does a lean manufacturing manager do?

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you start hiring a lean manufacturing manager, identify what type of worker you actually need. Certain positions might call for a full-time employee, while others can be done by a part-time worker or contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   A lean manufacturing manager's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, lean manufacturing managers from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   This list presents lean manufacturing manager salaries for various positions.

   Type of Lean Manufacturing Manager	Description	Hourly rate
   Lean Manufacturing Manager	Industrial production managers oversee the daily operations of manufacturing and related plants. They coordinate, plan, and direct the activities used to create a wide range of goods, such as cars, computer equipment, or paper products.	$34-74
   Production Administrator	Production administrators support all artistic and production functions with expert administrative support to the entire production team. Part of their responsibilities includes maintaining the annual production expenses and production calendar, researching potential venues and maintaining a venue database, and preparing expense reports for artists and production staff... Show more	$12-28
   Plant Superintendent	Plant superintendents must have skills in operations, productions, and management. They also need a 4-year degree in business or industrial management... Show more	$32-64

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Lean Manufacturing
   • Sigma
   • Process Improvement
   • Visual Management
   • Lean Tools
   • Kaizen Events
   • Lean Six Sigma
   • Lean Principles
   • Project Management
   • Value Stream Maps
   • Lean Transformation
   • PDCA
   • Lean Culture
   • Continuous Improvement

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Manage OEM accounts and lead demand generation & proposals.
   • Manage global, multi-facete, highly visible sales growth and logistics projects.
   • Implement lead manufacturing principles to achieve continuous improvement processes; hire qualified machinists; ensure division-wide OSHA compliance.
   • Streamline document control process and work instructions in support of ISO certification.
   • Eliminate 107 miles of waste forklift traffic reducing logistics cost by $90K.
   • Convert MRP base push production control to Kanban base pull to create visual replenishment system.

   More lean manufacturing manager duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your lean manufacturing manager job description helps attract top candidates to the position. A lean manufacturing manager salary can be affected by several factors, such as geography, experience, seniority, certifications, and the prestige of the hiring company.

   For example, the average salary for a lean manufacturing manager in Louisiana may be lower than in Alaska, and an entry-level lean manufacturing manager usually earns less than a senior-level lean manufacturing manager. Additionally, a lean manufacturing manager with certifications may command a higher salary, and working for a well-known company or start-up may also impact an employee's pay.

   Average lean manufacturing manager salary

   $106,060yearly

   $50.99 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level lean manufacturing manager salary

   $72,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 15, 2025

   Average lean manufacturing manager salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	North Carolina	$117,704	$57
   2	California	$117,233	$56
   3	Massachusetts	$107,044	$51
   4	Oklahoma	$106,991	$51
   5	New Jersey	$105,525	$51
   6	Texas	$104,568	$50
   7	Illinois	$104,222	$50
   8	Pennsylvania	$103,961	$50
   9	Michigan	$102,656	$49
   10	Maryland	$101,026	$49
   11	Wisconsin	$98,638	$47
   12	Tennessee	$96,821	$47
   13	Alabama	$94,591	$45
   14	Indiana	$93,945	$45
   15	Florida	$93,808	$45
   16	Georgia	$92,299	$44

   Average lean manufacturing manager salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	Accenture	$134,576	$64.70	500
   2	Weatherford International	$123,421	$59.34	3
   3	International Trucks	$113,582	$54.61
   4	General Electric	$113,216	$54.43	181
   5	Valeo Electrical Systems, Inc.	$111,527	$53.62
   6	Navistar	$108,615	$52.22	2
   7	FlexSteel Pipeline Technologies	$107,922	$51.89
   8	Johnson Controls	$107,707	$51.78	5
   9	ATC Drivetrain	$106,602	$51.25	3
   10	SRG Global	$106,599	$51.25
   11	Eurofins	$106,516	$51.21	7
   12	Stoneridge	$106,290	$51.10	4
   13	Medtronic	$106,103	$51.01	23
   14	Solectron Corp	$105,853	$50.89	5
   15	Hitachi U.S.A.	$104,798	$50.38	11
   16	DFS Corporate Services LLC	$104,659	$50.32
   17	University of Maryland Medical System	$104,523	$50.25
   18	Coloplast	$104,036	$50.02	1
   19	National Molding	$103,841	$49.92
   20	Glaxosmithkline	$102,880	$49.46

4. Writing a lean manufacturing manager job description

   A lean manufacturing manager job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. Below, you can find an example of a lean manufacturing manager job description:

   Lean manufacturing manager job description example

   Weatherford is a leading global energy services company. Our world-class experts partner with customers to optimize their resources and realize the full potential of their assets. Across our operating locations, including manufacturing, research and development, service, and training facilities, operators choose us for strategic solutions that add efficiency, flexibility, and responsibility to any energy operation.
   
   We are focused on technology development, digital solutions, and defining our footprint in the new energy space. Our ability to provide integrated solutions across our segments will be critical to growth in our core operations and the energy transition.
   
   Energy producers face unique challenges every day, so it is our job to create solutions that enhance safety, streamline operations, and sustain uptime to meet or exceed their targets. We operate across the global energy landscape employing some of the best diverse talent in the industry. At Weatherford, we understand the value each individual brings to the table. We celebrate diversity in all its forms and are immensely proud of our workforce. We invite you to join our passionate, talented, word-class team.
   
   When you join Weatherford, you instantly feel connected to something bigger – a community that is grounded by our core values and driven to create innovative solutions for our customers. We celebrate each other’s successes, grow together, and learn from each other constantly. Individually, we are impressive. Together, we are unstoppable. We are One Weatherford.
   
   Weatherford offers competitive compensation, a comprehensive benefits program and provides you a challenging and enriching career path, with a healthy balance of structure and flexibility to chart your own course. We are focused on providing a challenging and enriching career path with a healthy balance of structure and flexibility to chart your own course. We are an innovative, global company with wide-ranging opportunities that include career-enhancing talent rotations. Our structured career paths will ensure that you know what it takes to build your ideal career at Weatherford when you join our Company. We also offer a comprehensive benefits program, including health insurance coverage, income protection plans, a 401(k) savings plan, Company paid holidays, and paid time off for vacation.
   
   Weatherford is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.
   Job Description Weatherford is hiring for a Black Belt Lean Manager in Houston, Texas. This is a hands on, rewarding role where you will provide hands-on leadership to implement and drive the Weatherford Lean Program at the designated facilities. The Lean Manager spearheads the conversion to a lean manufacturing organization through the implementation of the Lean Methodology and creating a new culture of continuous improvement toward process efficiency. Weatherford provides excellent benefits and fantastic career progression. OPERATIONAL CAPABILTY Engage in dialogue with Senior Leadership collaborating and clarifying business objectives to develop strategic and tactical Lean plans for the designated Hemisphere, including Flag Ship and other locations. Align execution of the Weatherford Lean Program to ensure efficiency and effectiveness of the broader R&M Fulfilment System. Implement Weatherford Lean Program for the designated Hemisphere, including Flag Ship and other locations delivering consistently year-over-year process efficiency improvements which translate into financial benefits to reduce Services and R&M (Repair & Maintenance) costs and/or general spending. Develop and drive Value Stream Mapping (VSM), including developing VSM continuous improvement road maps and kaizen plans. Identify, create, and sustain process standardization. Develop and implement standard work. Identify process improvement opportunities in collaboration with other functional leaders, employees, and customers. Prioritize opportunities and create and execute kaizen plans. Facilitate lean daily management, promote initiatives to create Lean culture including Gemba walks, 6S/visual management, kaizen, shop floor problem solving. Assist, teach, coach, and mentor Site Lean Specialists on: Hoshin Kanri and A3 thinking Develop and drive value stream mapping (VSM) VSM continuous improvement road maps and action plans. Identify, create, and sustain standard processes throughout the organization. Daily Shop Floor Management (DSFM) and Office Daily Management (ODM) implementation. Problem Solving Facilitation of both process and transactional improvement Kaizens Categorize opportunities as improvement opportunities as just do it activities, projects, or kaizen events. Facilitate lean daily management, promote initiatives to create Lean culture including Gemba walk, 6S/visual management. Teaching Lean tools / methodology Act as Lean SME for the Weatherford designated facilities. FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE Process efficiency improvement which translates into financial benefits to reduce product costs, repair, or service costs. PEOPLE MANAGEMENT & DEVELOPMENT Site Lean Specialists report to the Lean Leader (3 to 5 direct reports) Teach Weatherford lean training curriculum. Mentor, influence and develop potential lean practitioner. VISION & LEADERSHIP Provide the necessary leadership to promote change and lean transformation efforts throughout the assigned facilities and across the organization Qualifications Required Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial, Mechanical, Manufacturing or Electrical Engineering required Minimum of 7 years of experience in Lean Manufacturing leadership positions such Continuous Improvement Manager, Master Black Belt, Lean Transformation Manager, or similar role. Proven experience as Kaizen Facilitator Successful practical experience in VSM, Mixed Model Value Stream, 6S, 5Why, TPM, Standard Work, Mistake Proofing, SIPOC, Process Mapping, Kanban, SMED, Types of Waste & Waste Reduction, Visual Management, Shop Floor Management, Hoshin Planning, Cellular Manufacturing, PDCA and/or DMAIC cycles, and Design of Lean Site Layouts. Preferred Certified Lean Practitioner is strongly preferred Required Skills/Knowledge/ Abilities Advanced knowledge and the ability to teach VSM, Mixed Model Value Stream, 6S, 5Why, TPM, Standard Work, Mistake Proofing, SIPOC, Process Mapping, Kanban, SMED, Types of Waste & Waste Reduction, Visual Management, Shop Floor Management, Hoshin Planning, Cellular Manufacturing, PDCA and/or DMAIC cycles, and Design of Lean Site Layouts. Excellent leadership traits with the ability to inspire and motivate the people around you. Ability to translate business needs into strategy and tactical plans. Demonstrated ability to lead and effectively communicate at all levels in the organization from the shop floor to senior management. Hands- on, energetic person who spends time on the shop floor working to engage & sustain employees in a Lean culture The ability to be an “ambassador of change” Strong organizational and computer skills, including experience in MS Office and manufacturing software The ability to shift priorities and manage time in a fast-paced environment Tenacious in learning the specifics of the business Strong training and presentation skills Additional Information All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   To find the right lean manufacturing manager for your business, consider trying out a few different recruiting strategies:

   • Consider internal talent. One of the most important sources of talent for any company is its existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and current employees and ask if they know or have worked with lean manufacturing managers they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit lean manufacturing managers who meet your education requirements.
   • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter now have more than 3.5 billion users, and you can use social media to reach potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your lean manufacturing manager job on Zippia to find and recruit lean manufacturing manager candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Recruiting lean manufacturing managers requires you to bring your A-game to the interview process. The first interview should introduce the company and the role to the candidate as much as they present their background experience and reasons for applying for the job. During later interviews, you can go into more detail about the technical details of the job and ask behavioral questions to gauge how they'd fit into your current company culture.

   You should also ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match the ideal candidate profile you developed earlier. Candidates good enough for the next step can complete the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new lean manufacturing manager

   Once you've decided on a perfect lean manufacturing manager candidate, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, it should include benefits and perks available to the employee. Qualified candidates may be considered for other positions, so make sure your offer is competitive. Candidates may wish to negotiate. Once you've settled on the details, formalize your agreement with a contract.

   It's equally important to follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   To prepare for the new lean manufacturing manager first day, you should share an onboarding schedule with them that covers their first period on the job. You should also quickly complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Finally, Human Resources must ensure a new employee file is created for internal record keeping.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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