Operational Excellence Lead

Overview

Oversees, leads, and manages the implementation and continued maturity of the W&S Operational Excellence (OpEx) system, which identifies and maximizes value for customers while engaging associates in regular and sustainable process improvement. Works with business Leaders, Managers and Associates to drive the development and execution of standard operating practices supporting the business's financial and operational goals. This role will learn and deploy a consistent, systematic methodology for achieving process excellence that drives performance acceleration leading to stakeholder value creation.

Responsibilities

What you will do:

• Facilitates the development and application of OpEx tools, processes and systems to grow the competency of business associates. This includes providing OpEx training and leading improvement events (Kaizen).
• Builds and maintains trust and credibility with associates at all levels by exhibiting and coaching W&S Principles and OPEX practices.
• Coaches Leaders, Managers, and Associates on the importance (Why) and use (How) of OpEx systems, processes, and tools to develop a culture of operational excellence.
• Guides OpEx maturity in the business with a hands-on approach to development and sustainment of tools, processes and systems.
• Identifies and leverages best practices within the business and Enterprise to support ongoing development of OpEx. Documents lessons learned and incorporate into the local business as appropriate.
• Manages OpEx Improvement tools, including Assessment Gap Plan and CI Roadmap, to drive business performance.
• Performs reporting and development activities as required by the PROSPER team.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Complies with all policies and standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree or commensurate experience Required ()
• Typically requires five years of business experience in service industry. () and
• Typically requires two years of experience utilizing continuous improvement tools (e.g. Lean, Six Sigma, etc.) to improve process efficiency and deliver customer value. ()
• Demonstrated influence with leaders and associates, including gaining the confidence and trust of others, sharing ideas in a compelling manner that gains commitment from others, and finding common ground and acceptable alternatives that satisfy the needs of multiple stakeholders.
• Proven outstanding communication skills, including listening, presenting, speaking and writing, adjusting communication content and style to meet the needs of diverse stakeholders.
• Demonstrated strong critical thinking skills with the ability to conceptualize, analyze, synthesize, and evaluate data and information to draw accurate conclusions and make sound decisions.
• Proven organizational courage to hold peers and others accountable for results.
• Demonstrated strong customer focus and work ethic.
• Demonstrated leadership skills, including providing direction, influencing and guiding team members to a recommended course of action.
• Demonstrated history of executing with urgency, proficiency and passion.
• Working knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet and database applications.

Work Setting/Position Demands:

• Works in an office setting and remains in a stationary position for long periods of time while working at a desk, on a computer or with other standard office equipment, or while in meetings.
• Requires the ability to verbally communicate and exchange accurate information to customers and associates on a regular basis.
• Requires visual acuity to read and interpret a variety of correspondence, procedures, reports and forms via paper and electronic documents, visual inspection involving small defects; small parts, and/or operation of machinery (including inspection); using measurement devices continuously. Visual acuity is required to determine accuracy, neatness, and thoroughness of work assigned.
• Requires the ability to prepare written correspondence, reports and forms using prescribed formats and conforming to rules of punctuation, grammar, diction, and style on a regular basis.
• Requires the ability to apply principles of logical thinking to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions
• Performs substantial movement of wrists, hands, and fingers for continuous computer work.
• Extended hours required during peak workloads or special projects/events.
• Occasional after-hours work needed

Travel Requirements:

• None