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Lean Production Manager Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

... product groups using Lean principles. * Leads, delivers training, and mentorship programs on Kaizen, Lean Principles and PES - from operators to site leadership - to build Lean practitioners and a ...

... product groups using Lean principles. * Leads, delivers training, and mentorship programs on Kaizen, Lean Principles and PES - from operators to site leadership - to build Lean practitioners and a ...

Simply put, Valmont is advancing agricultural productivity and reimagining vital infrastructure to ... Provide Lean training to all stakeholders in operations and management teams * Identify and ...

Quality Management Ensure products and processes consistently meet company and customer quality ... Continuous Improvement Drive operational excellence by leading Lean Manufacturing initiatives ...

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Lean Production Manager information

What does a lean production manager do?

A Lean Production Manager oversees and improves manufacturing processes by implementing lean principles to reduce waste, increase efficiency, and ensure product quality. They analyze workflows, identify areas for improvement, and lead teams in adopting standardized best practices. Their role often involves training staff, monitoring performance metrics, and coordinating with other departments to ensure continuous process optimization.

How does a lean production manager typically collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive process improvements?

Lean Production Managers play a central role in uniting various departments—such as operations, quality, engineering, and supply chain—to identify inefficiencies and implement process enhancements. They often lead Kaizen events, facilitate regular meetings, and encourage open communication to ensure that improvement initiatives align with business goals and gain support across the organization. By fostering a culture of continuous improvement, they help teams work together effectively to achieve higher productivity and quality standards. Successful collaboration requires strong interpersonal skills and the ability to translate Lean principles into actionable strategies for each team.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a lean production manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Lean Production Manager, you need expertise in lean manufacturing principles, process optimization, and a background in engineering or industrial management. Familiarity with tools like Six Sigma, Kaizen, value stream mapping, and ERP systems, as well as certifications such as Lean Six Sigma, are typically required. Strong leadership, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills set outstanding candidates apart in this role. These competencies are essential for driving continuous improvement, reducing waste, and ensuring efficient, high-quality production operations.

What is the difference between Lean Production Manager vs Manufacturing Supervisor?

AspectLean Production ManagerManufacturing Supervisor
CredentialsOften requires Lean certifications, manufacturing experienceTypically requires manufacturing or technical certifications, experience
Work EnvironmentOversees process improvements, continuous improvement teamsManages daily production, supervises shop floor staff
Industry UsageCommon in manufacturing, automotive, electronicsFound across various manufacturing sectors
Search/Comparison IntentFocuses on process efficiency, lean methodologiesFocuses on production output, team management

The Lean Production Manager primarily focuses on implementing lean principles to improve manufacturing processes, while the Manufacturing Supervisor oversees daily production operations. Both roles require manufacturing experience, but the Lean Production Manager emphasizes process optimization and continuous improvement, whereas the Supervisor concentrates on managing staff and meeting production targets.

What is lean production management?

Lean production management is a methodology used to improve efficiency by minimizing waste and optimizing workflows in manufacturing or production environments. A Lean Production Manager implements principles such as continuous improvement, value stream mapping, and just-in-time inventory to enhance productivity and reduce costs.
Infographic showing various Lean Production Manager job openings in Indiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution.

Assistant Production Manager - UniFirst

Indianapolis, IN • On-site

UniFirst
Manufacturing • 10K+ employees

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago


UniFirst rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 138 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Assistant Production Manager
Careers that Always Deliver!
At UniFirst, we Always Deliver-for our customers and our people. Join us as an Assistant Production Manager, where you'll lead team training, uphold facility standards, prioritize safety, and drive continuous improvement in a fast-paced environment. Reporting to the Production Manager, you'll help guide a dynamic and diverse team while fostering a culture of collaboration and inclusiveness. Bring your leadership skills, process optimization expertise, and financial acumen to make a meaningful impact in our Production Department.
What Your Role Entails:
  • Optimize processes by partnering with the Production Manager to spearhead continuous improvement initiatives.

  • Achieve production targets while maintaining quality standards and identifying cost-saving opportunities.

  • Support and inspire team members to foster a collaborative, accountable, and high-performing work environment.

  • Foster a service-oriented culture that delivers exceptional value to internal and external stakeholders.

  • Ensure safety compliance by conducting regular inspections and providing training and proactive initiatives.

  • Oversee wastewater processes to optimize efficiency and minimize environmental impact.

  • Manage inventory, vendor relationships, and equipment maintenance to ensure seamless operations.

  • Assist development and implementation of production schedules while driving operational improvements.

  • Collaborate across departments, including Service, Sales, Maintenance, and Office, to align production goals with business objectives and our enterprise mindset.

  • Exhibit strategic agility to adapt to change, overcome challenges, and drive long-term success.

  • Support employee transitions by partnering with the Production Manager in hiring, onboarding, retention, and offboarding.

Core Competencies:
  • Leadership and Team Support: Ability to motivate, inspire, and foster collaboration within a diverse team while ensuring accountability and high performance.

  • Process Improvement and Efficiency: Expertise in optimizing production processes and driving continuous improvement initiatives.

  • Strategic Adaptability: Capacity to navigate change, align cross-departmental goals, and support long-term success in a dynamic environment.

Why You'll Enjoy This Role:
  • Variety and Impact: Every day brings new challenges and opportunities to innovate and lead in a dynamic environment.

  • Collaborative Culture: You'll work with a diverse team and engage across multiple departments, fostering inclusiveness and shared success.

  • Professional Growth: UniFirst provides continuous training, career advancement opportunities, and a supportive environment for personal and professional development.

What You Bring to UniFirst:
  • Minimum 21 years of age.

  • Valid driver's license and safe driving record is required.
  • High School diploma or GED equivalent is required.

  • Minimum 2 years of relevant leadership experience with strong team building and interpersonal relationships.

  • Ability to perform physical tasks, including lifting, carrying, standing, and walking for extended periods.

  • Willingness to travel occasionally (less than 25%).

  • Bachelor's degree or 2+ years of production management experience, with leadership, process improvement skills, and industry best practices.

  • Financial literacy to analyze production costs and make data-driven decisions

  • Proficiency in Microsoft Suite.

  • Familiarity with ISO standards and/or Lean Six Sigma methodologies.

  • Commitment to safety and compliance initiatives.

  • Bilingual in English and Spanish is highly preferred.

You Will Benefit From:
  • Competitive salary with management bonus eligibility, 401K with company match, profit sharing, health and life insurance, paid time off, employee discounts, tuition reimbursement and more.

  • Monday - Friday schedule with occasional weekend work as needed.

  • Continuous training and career growth opportunities.

  • A diverse and inclusive culture that values different backgrounds and perspectives.

Join UniFirst for a rewarding career with opportunities for advancement and a supportive, diverse work environment.
UniFirst is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate in hiring or employment against any individual on the basis of race, color, gender, national origin, ancestry, religion, physical or mental disability, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, pregnancy, citizenship, or any other factor protected by anti-discrimination laws.

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About UniFirst

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The year was 1936 and Aldo Croatti had a vision: to serve the men and women who put in a hard day’s work. He founded a laundry business to clean clothes of factory workers and others in the heavy-soil business. With UniFirst, he created an entirely new concept: uniform rental services. This business concept gained popularity because it delivered on a key customer need: helping businesses work safer and smarter while presenting a better business image. Aldo’s vision spurred the growth of an entire industry. Since then, UniFirst has evolved into a leader in the uniform rental services industry. With headquarters located in Wilmington, MA, UniFirst operates 260-plus facilities throughout North and Central America and Europe. We serve over 300,000 customers and outfit over 2 million workers across a variety of industries—from automotive to transportation and warehousing, construction, and everything in between. We proudly serve nearly half of Fortune 500 companies and their hardworking employees.

Industry

Manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Wilmington, MA, US

Year founded

1936