Global Manufacturing System (GMS) Lead

Description

The GMS Lead is responsible for driving operational excellence by coordinating and managing GMS (Global Manufacturing System) initiatives across the facility. This role leads process improvements, standardizes best practices, and develops implementation plans that move the organization from current state to future state. The GMS Lead trains, coaches, and supports leaders and team members on GMS principles, facilitates key governance routines, and ensures progress through regular reviews and calibration activities. The role also supports the transition to GMS Next and develops local expertise in GMS tools and methodologies. Minimal travel may be required.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and manage GMS process improvement projects, including planning timetables and execution milestones.
• Develop and standardize GMS initiatives, enabling consistent application of best practices across the facility.
• Train, teach, coach, and communicate GMS processes to leaders and team members at all levels, including new hires and team leaders.
• Support GMS Principle Champions by establishing annual plans, facilitating basketweave meetings, and tracking progress.
• Lead departmental coordinators in executing GMS implementation activities.
• Establish and monitor the facility's annual GMS plan, identifying gaps, implementing corrective actions, and supporting organizational readiness.
• Coach the organization through internal and external GMS calibration processes and drive improvement activities.
• Use and promote "Go and See" to support effective deployment of GMS tools on the shop floor.
• Coordinate activities of the GMS Core Team and facilitate the GMS Steering Committee.
• Participate in Global/NA basketweave calls and contribute to broader GMS knowledge-sharing.
• Support CIP workshops and the Layered Audit Process.
• Provide leadership in transitioning the plant to GMS Next and assist in developing local GMS experts.
• This role is assigned to 1st shift but may be infrequently required to support off-shift operations.

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
• 4+ years of experience in manufacturing, operations, or process improvement roles.
• Demonstrated GMS or Lean training/implementation experience.
• Proven ability to lead and manage complex process improvement projects with a high degree of autonomy.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to diagnose complex systemic issues and identify cultural and methodology-based improvements.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to engage and influence at all levels of the organization.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build effective relationships and high-performing teams.
• Proficiency in computer software used for developing training materials, presentations, and SharePoint content.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver measurable results.
• Working knowledge of National and Local Agreements.

• 6+ years of experience in manufacturing, operations, or process improvement roles
• Experience applying GMS or Lean practices to drive measurable business results.
• Ability to assess a facility's operations and identify key GMS tools and techniques to influence behaviors and improve performance.
• Capability to train across all five GMS principles and supporting elements at multiple organizational levels.
• Hands-on experience coaching teams on Business Plan Deployment, Problem Solving, Standardized Work, WPO, and Continuous Improvement.
• Manufacturing experience in multiple GMS-related roles, including supervisory or leadership positions.