Lean Manufacturing Consultant Mercedes-Benz Production System

Mercedes-Benz: Building Exceptional Vehicles… and Careers!

Mercedes-Benz U.S. International, Inc. (MBUSI) is hiring a Lean Manufacturing Consultant for its Tuscaloosa, Alabama operations. MBUSI manufactures luxury SUVs, including electric vehicles, and offers competitive compensation, health and life insurance, 401(k) matching, retirement benefits, annual bonuses, tuition assistance, paid holidays, childcare, a medical center, and a fitness center.

Purpose of the Position

Under general supervision, the Lean Manufacturing Consultant is responsible for further developing the Mercedes-Benz Production System (MPS) and enabling production areas to implement it. The role supports lean processes and principles in production and employee and management qualification, covering short-term operational projects and long-term strategic initiatives.

The position plans, organizes, and manages MPS expert projects at the Tuscaloosa site and occasionally at other international plants. It supports employees and managers as a consultant, works with modern technologies, collaborates with production sites in Assembly Operations, and participates in the global MPS expert network. The role also integrates digital innovations through collaboration with production planning and digitization functions.

Essential Functions

• Analyze, design, and optimize complex production, logistics, and service processes using lean principles.
• Apply lean methodologies such as value stream analysis and lean assessments.
• Evaluate production-system maturity, develop target states, and define implementation actions.
• Collaborate with Shop Leaders to advance the production system through successive shop-life-cycle stages.
• Train production teams and leadership to build sustainable Continuous Improvement Process capabilities.
• Provide rapid on-site support using shop-floor expertise and established networks.
• Deliver data-driven pre-analyses and support informed decision-making.
• Share best practices and insights from the global network.
• Guide change-management initiatives related to the production system.
• Support process standardization and harmonization as foundations for digital transformation.
• Use lean tools for proactive and reactive crisis-management support.
• Plan, organize, and manage MPS expert projects with a focus on goal achievement and effective implementation.
• Provide consulting support during lean transformation efforts.
• Lead the development, coordination, piloting, and rollout of lean methods and digitalization-related innovations.
• Design and implement qualification programs and deliver targeted training.
• Promote knowledge transfer and acceptance of the production system and lean practices.
• Complete required MPS expert training developed in cooperation with Reutlingen University.
• Follow safety rules, procedures, regulations, standards, and laws; report unsafe acts, conditions, and injuries.
• Perform other duties as required.

Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Supply Chain/Operations Management.

Experience: At least three years of relevant professional experience in production, production planning, logistics, or related production areas.

Knowledge and skills:

• Knowledge of production and logistics processes, lean manufacturing, CIP, and project management.
• Effective problem-solving skills in production-related environments.
• Clear verbal and written communication skills, including regular communication with MBUSI and Germany-based partners.
• Strong interpersonal, consulting, analytical, creative, presentation, facilitation, and project-management skills.
• Ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Teamwork and strong social competence.
• Confident presentation and intercultural experience.
• Proficiency with Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Preferred skills: MPS/TOS expert training with a Lean Manufacturing Consultant degree or comparable expertise, and written and verbal German language skills.

Benefits

• Health benefits
• Company retirement plan
• Annual profit share
• Possible mobility offers
• Coaching
• Flextime
• Possible employee events
• Employee discounts
• Possible mobile phone
• Possible parking
• Canteen and café
• Near-site childcare

Contact

Mercedes-Benz U.S. International, Inc.
1 Mercedes-Drive
35490 Vance

MBUSI Recruiter: recruiting@mercedes-benz.com