Littelfuse (NASDAQ: LFUS) is a diversified industrial technology manufacturing company shaping solutions for the safe and efficient transfer of electrical energy. Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, USA, we serve customers across industrial, transportation, and electronics markets worldwide. With approximately 16,000 employees we design and manufacture innovative technologies that support electrification, energy efficiency, and advanced automation. Our global reach is matched by a culture that empowers innovation and long-term growth. Guided by our principles We Care, We Succeed With Our Customers, and We Own the Outcome, we work collaboratively, think boldly, and deliver solutions that move industries forward.
As a Manager I – Lean, you will lead and deploy Lean principles across plant operations to eliminate waste, improve operational performance, and sustain a culture of continuous improvement. You will be accountable for defining and executing Lean initiatives, developing metrics to track performance, and partnering closely with cross‑functional teams to drive root cause resolution, cost reduction, and process optimization.
This role requires strong facilitation, analytical, and communication skills, as well as the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels within a manufacturing environment.
Lead and implement Lean process improvement initiatives across plant operations, including manufacturing and office areas.
Apply Lean principles to identify waste, improve productivity, and enhance overall operational performance.
Define the scope of Lean initiatives and create execution plans, including deliverables, timelines, and expected outcomes.
Support root cause analysis, corrective actions, and decision‑making processes in collaboration with functional leaders.
Develop and maintain key performance indicators (KPIs) to monitor progress before, during, and after Lean implementations.
Communicate progress and results through regular metrics reporting to staff and leadership.
Drive cost reduction initiatives through continuous improvement efforts and best‑practice deployment.
Key Responsibilities
Lean Deployment & Continuous Improvement
Develop, implement, and sustain Lean methodologies to support continuous improvement and operational excellence.
Project Planning & Execution
Define Lean initiative scope, create detailed work plans, and ensure timely execution of improvement activities.
Metrics & Performance Tracking
Develop and maintain metrics to measure process performance, improvement sustainability, and opportunity identification.
Training & Capability Building
Create and deliver Lean training programs (Weeks A, B, C, and D), presentations, and tools for all organizational levels.
Cross‑Functional Collaboration
Partner with department leaders to improve process performance, quality, and alignment with business objectives.
Cost Reduction & Value Creation
Support and drive cost reduction initiatives through waste elimination, data analysis, and standardized Lean tools.
About You
Bachelor’s degree required.
3–5 years of experience in Lean, Continuous Improvement, or Six Sigma environments.
Strong understanding of Lean Manufacturing principles and the ability to apply and train them across the organization.
Experience executing Lean training and development programs.
Recognized as a strong collaborator with the ability to influence and persuade at all levels of the organization.
Demonstrated ability to analyze data, identify root causes, and implement sustainable solutions.
Strong facilitation, presentation, and communication skills.
High level of commitment to continuous improvement and operational excellence.
Key Competencies
Results‑oriented / Action‑oriented
Innovative and creative thinker
Motivates and influences teams
Comfortable dealing with ambiguity
Customer‑focused mindset
Strong problem‑solving and planning skills
Lean Tools Experience
Value Stream Mapping, Kaizen
6S, A3, 3P
SMED
Line balancing and workload balancing
Heijunka
Office Lean Enterprise
We are an equal opportunity employer that takes pride in giving every associate the means and courage to make a difference — everywhere, every day.
#LI-KRL
At Littelfuse, we support employee growth and development. Guided by our culture principles, our teams work together to deliver value for customers and make a positive impact in the communities where we operate. We are an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone has the opportunity to grow and contribute. We offer competitive compensation and benefits, performance-based incentives, flexible work arrangements, and development opportunities.
Littelfuse, Inc. (NASDAQ: LFUS) is a diversified, industrial technology manufacturing company empowering a sustainable, connected, and safer world. Across more than 20 countries, and with approximately 16,000 global associates, we partner with customers to design and deliver innovative, reliable solutions. Serving over 100,000 end customers, our products are found in a variety of industrial, transportation, and electronics end markets – everywhere, every day. Headquartered in Rosemont, Illinois, United States, Littelfuse was founded in 1927.
View our broad and deep product portfolio:
https://www.littelfuse.com/
Littelfuse has had a long-standing commitment to ensuring a diversified workforce through equal employment opportunities. Maintaining a diversified workforce is critical to the success of our organization.
Each associate receives equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, religion, creed, sex (with or without sexual conduct), marital status, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, order of protection status, military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, genetic information, unfavorable discharge from military service, and any other protected class under federal, state or local law.
