Operational Excellence Engineer

Apogee Architectural MetalsApogee Enterprises, Inc. (NASDAQ: APOG), founded in 1949 and headquartered in Minneapolis, MN designs and delivers architectural products and services that enclose and enhance commercial buildings. Apogee Architectural Metals is a segment of Apogee specializing in aluminum framing, windows, storefront, curtainwall, and entrance systems. We provide integrated capabilities, including design, engineering, extrusion, finishing, fabrication and assembly, across North America. Through our brands including Alumicor, EFCO, Linetec, Tubelite, and Wausau, we deliver quality, consistency, and value-added services throughout our portfolio.Position SummaryThe Operational Excellence Engineer serves as a strategic leader, responsible for driving transformational change and fostering a culture of continuous improvement across the organization. This role involves the development and execution of high-impact initiatives aimed at enhancing efficiency, reducing costs, and improving overall operational performance.Drawing on extensive experience in AMS methodologies, the Senior OE Specialist provides mentorship to cross-functional teams, manages interns, ensures alignment of improvement efforts with organizational goals, and delivers strategic insights to leadership. The role emphasizes a proactive approach to identifying opportunities, implementing solutions, sustaining improvements to SQDCP, and champions the AMS culture.We are open to a Level II or Level III for this position. Key ResponsibilitiesLead the planning and execution of Ops initiatives, driving significant impact on operational performance.Create new AMS standards and drive culture change across the organization.Lead large-scope initiatives across manufacturing and non-manufacturing functions by applying advanced problem-solving methodologies.Serve as a subject matter expert and coach in structured problem-solving, training and mentoring teams in a variety of tools while ensuring rigor, consistency, and sustainable results.Lead collecting and analyzing operational and process data to identify inefficiencies, constraints, and performance gaps; conduct research on best practices, technologies, and methods to inform solution development and investment decisions.Research, propose, lead and execute the creation of projects, defining timelines with safety, quality, and cost in mind.Work with the team to meet the service needs/requirements for each project.Serves as a trusted partner to all areas of the organization—leveraging real-time data, root cause analysis, and standard work optimization to resolve chronic issues, reduce variability, and enhance throughput. Trains frontline leaders in problem-solving tools and ensures improvement initiatives are tightly aligned with plant priorities and performance goals.Experience & SkillsEducation: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.Experience: Experience leading cross-functional project teams (required for a senior level).3+ years in continuous improvement or lean manufacturing deployment7+ years in continuous improvement or lean manufacturing deployment (preferred for a senior (III) level)Lean/Six Sigma deployment (preferred).Project management (preferred).Work Environment/Travel Requirements Frequent exposure to manufacturing environment with potential exposure to confined space.Extended periods of office work on a computer and in team meetings.Regional day travel is expected with this role.Overnight travel requirements will be variable based on projects and business activities, expected up to 10%Physical RequirementsAbility to work in both office and manufacturing environments.This job description outlines the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.Our BenefitsWe care about and invest in our employees. We are proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support their well-being and foster professional development. Here is a glimpse of what you can look forward to if you join our team.Competitive Benefits Package for employees and their dependents (Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability)Incentive Plans401(k) with employer contribution and matchEmployee Stock Purchase Plan with employer matchPaid Time Off (Vacation and Sick Time)Paid HolidaysTuition Reimbursement ProgramEmployee Assistance Program (EAP)Wellness ProgramTraining and Career ProgressionApogee and our brands are an Equal Opportunity Employer.SummaryLocation: Wausau, WIType: Full time