Operational Excellence Lead Engineer

Job Description/Responsibilities:
As the Operational Excellence Lead, you will be responsible for deploying a structured performance management system and driving focused improvements, which serve as a foundational element of the company's Operational Excellence philosophy. You will play a key role in deploying standardized work areas, workflows, and visual management systems. This role will span across all operations functions and global markets within the integrated supply chain.

• Integrate the Performance Development System (PDS) into the performance management framework, ensuring alignment between individual skills development and performance targets. Work closely with site and cross-functional leaders to ensure that training on performance management tools such as RCA, GEMBA KAIZEN, and PMS are integrated into employee development plans, enabling teams to meet their performance goals and contribute to operational excellence.
• Establish and deploy a structured performance management system to drive targeted performance across all organization levels. Lead the development and implementation of tools like Lost Cost Tree, GEMBA KAIZEN, RCA, and PMS for continuous process improvement. Engage cross-functional teams to align with standard operating procedures, identify priority areas, losses, and root causes, driving performance improvements in line with business priorities. Collaborate with site leaders to map physical zones, define responsibilities, and enhance safety, hygiene, and working conditions per company standards.
• Collaborate with operations and finance teams to identify cost-saving opportunities within work area management and operational workflows. Lead cost optimization initiatives through efficient use of resources, process enhancements, and best practices implementation, ensuring sustainable savings over time. Work closely with teams to assess the financial impact of process improvements and track cost reductions.
• Foster a culture of continuous learning and development within the operations function. Raise awareness of priority areas and losses to empower teams to identify root causes and drive performance. Provide opportunities for growth and advancement by promoting the adoption of tools like GEMBA KAIZEN and RCA, which support ongoing development and improvement in all operational areas.
• Integrate Total Quality Management (TQM) principles into the performance management system to ensure high standards across all processes. Use tools like RCA and GEMBA KAIZEN to identify and address quality issues at their root causes. Collaborate with teams to create and sustain processes that maintain high-quality performance standards while reducing variability and enhancing operational efficiency.
• Champion operational excellence by overseeing standardized work areas, workflows, and visual management systems. Ensure effective deployment of the performance management system across all functions, driving excellence at every level. Collaborate with Operational Excellence leads to integrate initiatives with other key areas, aligning with business priorities. Sustain frameworks and controls to mitigate risks. Engage stakeholders to understand needs and incorporate feedback into processes, ensuring a commitment to continuous improvement.
• Develop and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) that align with the structured performance management system. Set clear targets and track performance to ensure continuous improvement across all areas. Use data insights from tools such as PMS, RCA, and GEMBA KAIZEN to adjust KPIs as needed and ensure alignment with business goals. Benchmark performance to identify areas for improvement and track progress against leading and lagging indicators.
• Drive productivity improvements by implementing the structured performance management system to optimize workflows and eliminate inefficiencies. Utilize tools like the Lost Cost Tree and VICO program to address areas of waste and improve production efficiency. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify and resolve bottlenecks, ensuring high levels of productivity while maintaining operational standards.
• Lead the strategic planning and organization efforts to deploy the structured performance management system across the operation. Align cross-functional goals with business priorities and ensure that all plans are executed with the necessary resources and on schedule. Engage with stakeholders to incorporate feedback into the planning process, ensuring that performance targets and actions are aligned with organizational objectives.
• Ensure that the performance management system is aligned with delivering world-class customer service by improving efficiency and reducing errors across all operational areas. Utilize performance management tools to identify areas of improvement that will enhance the customer experience, while engaging with stakeholders to gather feedback and make data-driven improvements. Promote a customer-first mindset throughout all operations to ensure that customer expectations are met consistently.

Qualifications/Requirements:

• Bachelor's Degree
• Strategic thinking, collaboration, stakeholder management, project leadership, change management and communications skills.
• Proven teaching/coaching skills, driving analytical thinking, selling, and influencing skills
• Lean six sigma certified or relevant project management experience
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles
• Innovative, analytical, solution-oriented mindset with problem solving and strategic thinking skills to evaluate and provide actionable insights
• Analytical mindset with the ability to use data to drive decisions and improvements
• 4 years relevant experience (minimum)

Physical Requirements

• Ability to move about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another
• Ability to travel up to 50%

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