What are the responsibilities and job description for the Operational Excellence and Safety Manager position at Kern Search?
We are seeking an experienced Operational Excellence and Safety Manager with 5-7 years of experience to lead our safety and continuous improvement initiatives. This pivotal role will be responsible for driving operational efficiency, eliminating waste, and ensuring a safe workplace through the application of Lean Six Sigma methodologies and safety best practices. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of integrating safety and operational excellence to achieve measurable results.
Key Responsibilities
Safety Leadership
Develop, implement, and oversee safety programs that align with OSHA, ISO 45001, and other regulatory standards.
Conduct safety audits, risk assessments, and incident investigations, ensuring effective corrective actions are implemented.
Design and deliver safety training programs to increase awareness and compliance.
Monitor safety performance metrics and provide regular updates to leadership.
Partner with cross-functional teams to integrate safety considerations into all aspects of operational processes.
Operational Excellence
Lead the implementation of Lean Six Sigma initiatives to enhance efficiency, reduce waste, and improve quality across all operations.
Facilitate Kaizen events, value stream mapping, and continuous improvement projects.
Analyze data to identify trends, develop actionable insights, and optimize processes.
Standardize workflows, establish best practices, and implement robust performance metrics to sustain improvements.
Mentor and coach employees in Lean Six Sigma tools and methodologies to build organizational capability.
Integration of Safety and Operational Excellence
Drive initiatives that align safety objectives with Lean Six Sigma goals to create a safe, efficient, and productive work environment.
Collaborate with leadership to incorporate safety and operational excellence strategies into the organization’s overall objectives.
Lead projects focused on improving safety outcomes while enhancing productivity and reducing operational costs.
Promote a culture of safety and continuous improvement through strong leadership and employee engagement.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Environmental Health and Safety, Operations Management, or a related field.
5-7 years of progressive experience in safety management and operational excellence roles, including at least 2 years in a leadership capacity.
Lean Six Sigma Green Belt (Black Belt preferred), OSHA 30-Hour Certification, or equivalent safety certifications (e.g., NEBOSH, CSP).
Strong expertise in Lean Six Sigma principles and tools.
Proven success in implementing and managing safety programs.
Advanced problem-solving and data analysis skills.
Excellent leadership, communication, and project management abilities.
Proficiency in safety and process improvement software tools.
Key Competencies
Strategic thinker with a focus on aligning safety and operational goals.
Collaborative leader who can inspire cross-functional teams and drive change.
Results-oriented with a track record of achieving measurable improvements.
Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
