Operations Excellence Leader

SUMMARY: Responsible for leading the development and implementation of strategies to enhance operational efficiency, productivity, and quality across the organization. This role plays a pivotal part in fostering a culture of continuous improvement by leveraging lean methodologies and Six Sigma principles. The Operations Excellence Manager will work closely with site directors and cross-functional teams to drive initiatives that align with the company's strategic goals.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and execute a comprehensive operations excellence strategy to significantly improve operational performance (SQDC) resulting in achieving / exceeding business objectives.  This includes assisting the site leadership teams in tracking existing project timelines / financials along with continuing to develop the sites project pipeline.  

• Lead and mentor sites’ leadership teams and staff providing guidance, training, and support to ensure successful project execution, on time and to planned budget.

• Collaborate with leadership including finance to identify and prioritize high-impact improvement opportunities across the organization.

• Oversee the implementation of process improvement projects, utilizing Lean and Six Sigma tools to drive efficiency, reduce waste, and improve overall quality. Examples may include but are not limited to (VSM events, Kaizen events, maturing visual daily management, project management and 6s projects)

• Establish, monitor, and communicate key performance indicators (KPIs), to measure the success of operational excellence initiatives, to site leadership teams

• Foster a culture of continuous improvement by promoting best practices, facilitating workshops, and engaging employees at all levels.

• Ensure compliance with industry standards, business management systems and regulatory requirements.

• Stay informed of industry trends, emerging technologies, and advancements in operational excellence to drive innovation within the organization.

• Prepare and present reports and updates to senior leadership, highlighting progress, challenges, and opportunities in operational excellence initiatives.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES  

• Completion of a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Management, Operations Management, or a related discipline from an accredited four-year college or university.

• Five years of related experience and/or training; and/or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Experience in operations excellence, process improvement, or a similar leadership role within a manufacturing or industrial setting.

• Strong expertise in lean manufacturing principles and Six Sigma methodologies; Black Belt or Green Belt certification preferred.

• Proven track record of successfully leading and implementing large-scale process improvement projects.

• Excellent leadership and team management skills, with the ability to motivate and develop high-performing teams.

• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate and build teams with stakeholders at all levels.

• Contribution-motivated mindset always and ability to foster and drive change.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with proficiency in data analysis tools and techniques.

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.

• Knowledge of industry-specific regulations and quality standards.

QUALIFICATIONS  To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS  The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, talk, hear, walk, and use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, and controls, and reach with arms and hands. The employee may be required to occasionally lift and/or move from 10 to 25 pounds. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT  The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  While performing the duties of this job, the employee rarely works near moving mechanical parts and is rarely exposed to fumes or airborne particles.  The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate and travel is usually limited to 5%-15%.

ITAR COMPLIANCE  This position requires access to or use of information which is subject to the federal International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR).  All applicants for this position must be U.S. Persons within the meaning of ITAR.  ITAR defines “U.S. Person” as U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., person admitted as a refugee to the U.S., person granted asylum in the U.S., or person granted the status of alien lawfully admitted for temporary residence to the U.S. under 8 U.S.C. §1160(a) (for special agricultural workers) or 8 U.S.C. §1255(a)(1) (an amnesty program).

[Equal Opportunity Employer - Disability/Vet]

This job may require applicant to conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.  Learn more about the ITAR here.