Lean Six Sigma Black Belt

At Daniel Defense Only the Best Build the Best…

Daniel Defense engineers and manufactures the world’s finest weapon systems and accessories. Our mission to honor God and defend Freedom is accomplished by serving customers and providing top quality solutions to our military, law enforcement and civilians that are seeking premium firearms for home defense, hunting, and sport shooting.

We are seeking a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt to play a critical role in this effort. This high-impact leader will drive cross-functional process improvement initiatives using Lean Six Sigma (LSS) methodology to achieve measurable business results. The Black Belt will lead multiple improvement teams, coach Green Belts, and collaborate with leadership to ensure improvements are translated into sustainable operational and financial gains aligned with Daniel Defense’s mission and growth objectives.
Strong competence in Value Stream Mapping and Supply Chain Optimization is highly desired to support end-to-end value creation across our enterprise.

As Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, you will be responsible for the functions outlined below:

Essential Functions:

• Responsible for demonstrating commitment to and leadership of environmental health and safety principles, policies and procedures.
• Lead multiple cross-functional process improvement teams using Lean Six Sigma methodology.
• Partner with leadership to identify, prioritize, and execute high-impact projects.
• Drive sustainable operational improvements that translate into measurable financial gains.
• Coach and mentor Green Belts and other team members on Lean Six Sigma tools and best practices.
• Utilize Value Stream Mapping and Supply Chain Optimization methodologies to drive end-to-end improvements.
• Actively contribute to the evolution and deployment of the Daniel Defense Business Excellence System (DDX) and foster a culture of continuous improvement across all functions.
• Support operations, administrative, and commercial excellence initiatives across the enterprise.
• Report to the Sr. Director, Transformation (Master Black Belt).

Key Impact Areas:

Project Leadership & Execution

• Lead 2–4 Lean Six Sigma projects concurrently, driving measurable impact on operations, quality, delivery, cost, supply chain, and business processes.
• Execute 6 or more significant projects per year, delivering productivity improvements aligned with financial goals.
• Utilize Value Stream Mapping (VSM) and Supply Chain Optimization techniques to drive improvements in flow, efficiency, lead time, inventory, and service.
• Partner with leadership to align project priorities with business needs and strategic objectives.
• Translate process improvements into standardized work and production specifications.
• Maintain project documentation and ensure compliance with DMAIC and Kaizen standards.
• Consistently identify and surface new project opportunities to improve the business.

Capability Building & Coaching

• Coach and mentor multiple Green Belt projects annually.
• Provide training, coaching, and support for Lean Six Sigma tools and methodology to both salaried and hourly team members.
• Actively support Continuous Improvement and shop floor training processes in collaboration with the Performance Excellence team.
• Contribute to the development and deployment of DDX and Lean Six Sigma training programs across the organization.

Collaboration & Business Impact

• Work cross-functionally with Operations, Finance, Quality, Supply Chain, Commercial, and Administrative teams.
• Collaborate with Finance to quantify and validate financial impact of improvement projects.
• Support business unit, divisional, and enterprise-wide Business Excellence initiatives.
• Serve as a change agent to drive adoption of Lean Six Sigma principles and sustain improvements.

• Participates in the company’s efforts to continuously improve in Safety, 6S, Quality, Delivery and Productivity.
• Expected to be a contributor to the company standards on high integrity, safety, fair and equitable treatment, and a positive work environment
• Other responsibilities as deemed appropriate or necessary by management.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required; Technical degree preferred (Engineering highly preferred for manufacturing-related functions).
• Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt (required).
• 5–10 years of relevant industry experience with progressive leadership and business impact.
• Proven track record of successfully executing Lean Six Sigma projects in fast-paced, dynamic environments.
• Demonstrated experience coaching, mentoring, and developing Lean Six Sigma capability at all levels.
• Strong financial acumen, with ability to create financial models, support project selection, and determine net value to P&L.
• Proficient in Minitab, Microsoft Office Suite, Visio, and SharePoint.
• Strong working knowledge of Lean Six Sigma tools and methodology.
• 2+ years of experience as a certified Black Belt with a documented project portfolio (preferred).
• Strong competence in Value Stream Mapping (VSM) and Supply Chain Optimization (highly desired).

Technical & Leadership Strengths

• Proven ability to lead DMAIC, Kaizen, and Value Stream Mapping projects to successful completion.
• Demonstrated ability to optimize end-to-end processes, including supply chain and value streams.
• Demonstrated ability to coach, teach, and mentor both technical and non-technical employees.
• Skilled decision-maker and systematic problem solver.
• Strong interpersonal, influencing, and communication skills — able to work across all levels, from shop floor to senior leadership.
• Demonstrated ability to drive change, build teams, and foster collaboration.

Personal Attributes

• Passion for Continuous Improvement and operational excellence.
• High degree of initiative, urgency, and accountability.
• Strong communicator with ability to engage across all organizational levels.
• Positive, collaborative team builder.
• Willingness to travel as needed (estimated up to 80% depending on project requirements).
• Committed to upholding Daniel Defense’s standards for integrity, safety, and a positive work environment.

• Demonstrated ability to recognize and work in accordance with our Permission to Play Values.

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to lift and carry awkward items weighing 50 pounds.
• Requires intermittent standing, walking, sitting and bending throughout the work day.
• Must be able to work in a manufacturing environment, to include working in and around machinery, exposure to noise and chemicals, lights/lasers, etc.
• Must be able to wear appropriate Personal Protection Equipment as required by your position and/or Company policy.

Daniel Defense is an EOE AA M/F/Vet/Disability employer and promotes a "Drug Free Workplace".

Note: The statements above are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by those assigned to the job. This list is not intended to be an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel in this job. Responsibilities are subject to change at the discretion of the employer and do not establish a contract of employment – Daniel Defense is an at will employer.