Lean Operations Leader

Description

Vortex is the leader in Doors/Security Products, Storefront Glass/Glazing, Access Controls and Material Handling Equipment for Commercial, Industrial and Retail Facilities. These products and services are in high demand for all private and public business sectors from Fortune 500 companies to small and emerging businesses. Our diverse list of products and services allows variety and different challenges every day at Customer's sites while providing solutions to keep them safe and efficient.

The Lean Operations Leader serves as a strategic partner to the Chief Operating Officer and a champion of efficiency, accountability, and quality across the organization. This role drives measurable improvements in quoting speed, collections, customer experience, field execution, inventory accuracy, and warranty performance—while embedding Toyota Production System (TPS) principles into daily operations. Through a data-driven, Lean/TPS-focused approach, this leader empowers teams to achieve results tied to weekly metrics and broader company goals, maintaining a disciplined PDCA (Plan–Do–Check–Act) rhythm across departments.

Key Responsibilities Sales Operations & Quoting

• Streamline and optimize speed-to-quote processes using standardized work methods, ensuring 50% of quotes are sent      within 48 hours.
• Apply JIT principles to eliminate bottlenecks in quote approvals and delivery.
• Improve quote accuracy, conversion rates, and responsiveness through better systems and structured      training.
• Implement visual controls to track quoting KPIs and adherence to standard work.

Collections & Financial Metrics

• Partner with finance to reduce overdue accounts by integrating root cause analysis into collection workflows.
• Lead weekly collections aging reviews using TPS visual management boards.
• Support initiatives that align quoting-to-cash performance for improved cash flow, using flow efficiency concepts.

Field Tech Enablement & Warranty Quality

• Provide field technicians with standardized scripts and visual aids to identify upsell and quoting opportunities.
• Target warranty claim rates of 3% or less by applying Five WHYS principles—stop the process when a defect is detected and address it immediately.
• Lead A3 problem-solving sessions to address rework and quality issues.

Customer Experience & Communication

• Establish and enforce standard work for professional communication, supported by visual standards and role-play training.
• Track and display weekly CX metrics on visual dashboards, applying Andon-style alerts for rapid issue escalation.

Warehouse Organization & Inventory

• Implement 5S (Sort, Set in order, Shine, Standardize, Sustain) as a foundational discipline for all warehouse operations.
• Apply Kanban systems for inventory replenishment to ensure JIT availability.
• Oversee weekly material readiness checks, cycle counts, and discrepancy resolution.

Lean Process Optimization & Weekly Metrics Leadership

• Facilitate Kaizen events to continuously remove waste (Muda), unevenness (Mura), and overburden (Muri).
• Use Value Stream Mapping to identify and address process bottlenecks.
• Lead weekly performance reviews with the COO using Hoshin Kanri to align KPIs with company strategy.
• Hold all teams accountable to standardized work and weekly KPI targets.

Metrics & Analytics

• Own development of visual management dashboards for quoting, collections, warranties, field productivity, CX, and inventory.
• Integrate real-time KPI tracking and immediate countermeasure processes.
• Maintain transparency and alignment between metrics and strategic goals.

Requirements

• 5+ years in operational leadership, preferably in a TPS or Lean-driven environment.
• Expertise in Lean principles and Toyota Production System tools (Kanban, 5S, 5 WHY’sA3, Standardized Work).
• Six Sigma or Lean certification preferred.
• Strong analytical, visual management, and problem-solving skills.
• Proven track record in cross-functional leadership, coaching, and process discipline.
• Familiarity with CRM platforms, quoting tools, and KPI scorecards.