Operational Excellence Manager

Job Title: Operational Excellence Manager Location: Wayland, MI Employment Type: Full-time About the Role As an Operational Excellence Manager, you will be a key player in shaping a supportive and engaging work environment for the Wayland, MI plant, a manufacturer of quality nondairy creamer products. Your role will act as a strategic partner in implementing and sustaining the TreeHouse Management Operating Structure (TMOS). You will lead initiatives to analyze and improve supply‑chain processes using advanced continuous improvement methodologies, focusing on product quality, operational efficiency, financial performance and overall business operations. Responsibilities Partner with site leadership and process owners to implement and sustain the TreeHouse Management Operating Structure (TMOS), ensuring standard manufacturing processes are consistently applied. Act as both a tactical and strategic resource, serving as a change agent and modeling leadership behaviors aligned with TMOS. Monitor and support key performance indicators (KPIs) related to supply‑chain performance; coach KPI owners through gap analysis, corrective actions, and performance validation. Collaborate with division‑level continuous improvement leaders to ensure alignment with enterprise‑wide strategies and initiatives. Lead a portfolio of moderate to large‑scale projects to optimize supply‑chain processes and overall operational efficiency. Identify process requirements, improvement opportunities, and best practices; lead replication efforts across sites to ensure consistency and effectiveness. Leverage site data to prioritize projects and define scope, objectives, resources, timelines, and team roles. Own and drive continuous‑improvement initiatives at the site level, identifying the need for change and managing business process transformation. Lead project review meetings to assess progress, address obstacles, resolve issues, and communicate results; issue regular summary reports. Conduct advanced analyses of product and information flow, using both qualitative and quantitative data to develop insights and recommendations. Deliver training and coaching to develop internal capabilities in continuous‑improvement tools and methodologies. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Operations, Management or a related field. Minimum of five years of experience in a manufacturing environment, with at least three years in a project management or continuous‑improvement role. Strong situational leadership skills with the ability to influence at all levels of the plant organization. Proven ability to build effective relationships with Operations leaders to drive change and foster alignment, and high credibility and influence among hourly associates. Self‑starter with the ability to lead change independently and make informed, strategic decisions. Attributes: progressive mindset, adaptability, flexibility, high energy, maturity, and strong interpersonal skills. Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem‑solving skills. Subject‑matter expertise in site‑level supply‑chain processes and ability to lead evolution toward future‑state operations. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Proficiency in Microsoft Office. Other Details This is a full‑time, on‑site role on First Shift, Monday through Friday. Occasional flexibility is required to support alternate shifts and weekends. Benefits Competitive compensation and benefits program with no waiting period. 401(k) program with 5% employer match and 100% vesting upon enrollment. Comprehensive paid time off: immediate access to four weeks vacation, five sick days, parental leave and 11 company holidays. Paid training, tuition reimbursement, and access to DevelopmentU with more than 10,000 free courses. Inclusive working environment and Employee Resource Groups. Wellness and employee assistance programs. Equal Opportunity TreeHouse Foods is an Equal Opportunity Employer that prohibits discrimination or harassment of any type. All qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law. #J-18808-Ljbffr