Role Overview for Chief Transformation Officer, Lean Manufacturing – Chicago, IL
JRG Partners has been exclusively retained to lead the search for a visionary and results-driven Chief Transformation Officer (CTO) for a market-leading industrial manufacturing client located in the vibrant city of Chicago, IL. This is a newly created, mission-critical executive leadership role reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer. As a key member of the executive team, the CTO will be the primary architect and champion of a comprehensive, enterprise-wide business transformation centered on the principles of lean manufacturing and continuous improvement.
Our client is a well-established organization with a strong history of innovation and quality. In response to evolving market dynamics, global competition, and the pursuit of world-class operational excellence, they are embarking on a pivotal journey of transformation. The Chief Transformation Officer will be at the helm of this initiative, charged with revolutionizing manufacturing processes, optimizing the supply chain, and embedding a sustainable culture of continuous improvement across all facets of the organization. This role is not simply about incremental changes; it is about leading a fundamental shift in how the company operates, thinks, and competes.
The ideal candidate is a seasoned executive with a profound understanding of lean methodologies and a proven track record of leading large-scale, successful transformations within complex, multi-site manufacturing environments. You will be a strategic thinker with a hands-on approach, capable of developing a compelling vision and executing it flawlessly. Your leadership will directly impact profitability, market share, customer satisfaction, and employee engagement, making this a highly visible and rewarding opportunity to leave a lasting legacy on a respected industry player.
Key Responsibilities of Chief Transformation Officer, Lean Manufacturing – Chicago, IL
Strategic Vision and Executive Leadership
- Collaborate with the CEO and executive leadership team to develop and articulate a clear, compelling vision and multi-year strategic roadmap for the company’s lean transformation.
- Translate the transformation strategy into actionable, measurable objectives and initiatives that align with overall business goals, including revenue growth, margin expansion, and market penetration.
- Serve as the primary thought leader and subject matter expert on lean manufacturing and operational excellence, providing guidance and counsel to the Board of Directors and senior management.
- Champion the transformation initiative across the enterprise, effectively communicating the ‘why’ behind the change to garner buy-in and inspire action at all levels of the organization.
Lean Methodology Implementation and Execution
- Design and deploy a standardized, corporate-wide Lean Operating System based on best practices from frameworks like the Toyota Production System (TPS).
- Lead and facilitate high-impact continuous improvement activities, including Kaizen events, Value Stream Mapping (VSM) sessions, and rapid improvement projects, to address critical business challenges.
- Drive the rigorous application of a wide range of lean tools and techniques, such as 5S, Standard Work, Total Productive Maintenance (TPM), Kanban, Poka-Yoke (error-proofing), and SMED (Single-Minute Exchange of Die).
- Oversee the execution of data-driven Six Sigma (DMAIC) projects to reduce process variation, eliminate defects, and enhance product quality and reliability.
- Establish a robust governance structure to manage the portfolio of transformation projects, ensuring they are completed on time, within budget, and deliver the expected results.
Operational Performance and Excellence
- Drive significant, quantifiable improvements in key operational performance indicators (KPIs), including Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), First Time Through (FTT) quality, on-time delivery, lead time reduction, and inventory turns.
- Analyze and optimize end-to-end business processes, from procurement and supply chain to manufacturing and logistics, to eliminate waste, reduce costs, and improve flow.
- Partner with Engineering and R&D to integrate Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and lean principles into the new product development process.
- Foster a culture of quality at the source, empowering employees to identify and solve problems in real-time to prevent defects from reaching the customer.
Cultural Transformation and Change Management
- Act as the primary change agent for the organization, anticipating and mitigating resistance while building momentum and enthusiasm for the new way of working.
- Develop and implement a comprehensive change management and communication plan to ensure all stakeholders are informed, engaged, and aligned throughout the transformation journey.
- Build organizational capability by designing and delivering training and development programs on lean principles and tools for employees at all levels, from the shop floor to the executive suite.
- Coach, mentor, and develop a network of lean leaders and practitioners throughout the organization to ensure the sustainability of the continuous improvement culture long after initial projects are complete.
- Establish recognition and reward systems that reinforce desired behaviors and celebrate successes to foster a positive and engaging work environment.
Financial Oversight and Reporting
- Develop detailed business cases for transformation-related investments, clearly outlining the expected financial returns and strategic benefits.
- Establish rigorous tracking systems to measure the financial impact of all lean initiatives, ensuring a clear return on investment (ROI).
- Prepare and present regular, detailed progress reports and performance dashboards to the CEO, executive team, and Board of Directors.
- Manage the transformation office budget and resources effectively to maximize impact and efficiency.
Requirements for the Chief Transformation Officer, Lean Manufacturing – Chicago, IL
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Industrial, Mechanical, Manufacturing), Operations Management, Business Administration, or a related technical field.
- A minimum of 15 years of progressive leadership experience in a manufacturing environment, with at least 7-10 years in a senior-level role with direct responsibility for leading enterprise-wide lean transformation initiatives.
- Demonstrated, hands-on experience leading change in a complex, multi-site, and preferably global, manufacturing organization.
- A proven track record of delivering substantial, quantifiable results in operational and financial performance through the application of lean methodologies.
- Exceptional leadership presence with the ability to influence, inspire, and build credibility and trust at all levels, from the boardroom to the factory floor.
- Superior communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
- Strong financial acumen and the ability to connect operational improvements to bottom-line financial results.
- Must be willing to travel as needed to various company sites to lead and support transformation efforts.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Master of Business Administration (MBA) or a Master of Science (MS) in a relevant technical or management field.
- Certified Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt (MBB) or a similar advanced certification in continuous improvement methodologies.
- In-depth expertise in world-class Lean Manufacturing principles and the Toyota Production System (TPS).
- Experience in industries known for their mature lean practices, such as automotive, aerospace, or medical devices.
- Experience leading transformations that incorporate digital manufacturing, Industry 4.0, and automation technologies.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top-tier executive talent and offers a highly competitive and comprehensive total rewards package, including:
- Competitive Executive Base Salary
- Aggressive Annual Performance-Based Bonus Program
- Meaningful Long-Term Incentive Plan (Equity/Stock Options)
- Comprehensive Health and Wellness Benefits (Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance)
- Robust 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with a Generous Company Match
- Executive-Level Paid Time Off (PTO) and Company Holidays
- Full Relocation Assistance Package for qualified candidates
- A high-impact, high-visibility role with a clear path for career growth and influence.
- The opportunity to fundamentally shape the future of a successful and growing company.
How to Apply
This is an exclusive, retained search conducted by JRG Partners. If you are a transformative leader with a passion for operational excellence and a history of driving breakthrough results, we invite you to apply for this exciting opportunity. To be considered, please submit your confidential resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and accomplishments.
Interested candidates should apply through the JRG Partners portal. To learn more about our expertise in this space, please visit our lean six sigma practice area page. We look forward to reviewing your application. JRG Partners and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers.
