ABSTRACT:In this paper, we examine the relationship among lean manufacturing management, competitive skills, and business performance from the perspective of managers of companies doing business in Brazil. We conduct a survey of 68 Brazilian companies that use lean manufacturing and analyze data using structural equation modeling based on partial least squares method. Results show, considering competitive skills as mediating variable, a positive relationship between lean manufacturing and business performance. Results also suggest that managers lack awareness about the importance of the competitive skills to enhance business performance.