Director of Operational Excellence

Director Of Operations ExcellenceThe Director of Operations Excellence role is responsible for shaping and executing the organization's strategy to deliver world-class quality, efficient processes, and consistently superior customer experience. This role leads cross-functional transformation initiatives to strengthen operational performance, eliminate waste, enhance compliance, and build a culture of continuous improvement that supports long-term organizational competitiveness.The role partners with senior leadership, site and regional operations, quality management, and customer-facing teams to ensure operational excellence principles drive measurable business outcomes.Essential FunctionsDevelop and lead the enterprise Operational Excellence strategy encompassing quality improvement, process optimization, and operational efficiency.Translate organizational goals into executable improvement roadmaps, priorities, and performance targets.Advise senior leadership on opportunities that increase competitiveness, strengthen operational capabilities, and elevate the customer experience.Champion a culture of continuous improvement, data-driven decision making, and operational discipline at all levels of the organization.Oversee development, deployment, and continual improvement of quality management systems and standards.Monitor quality performance metrics and lead initiatives that reduce defects, rework, variation, and customer-impacting issues.Partner with operations, engineering, and customer teams to improve product / service quality, reliability, and consistency.Ensure quality frameworks, audits, corrective actions, and risk mitigation strategies comply with relevant standards and certifications.Lead cross-functional efforts to eliminate operational waste, streamline workflows, and optimize end-to-end processes.Facilitate value-stream mapping, root cause analysis, Kaizen events, and Lean/Six Sigma-based projects that enhance throughput and scalability.Implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) and best practices to ensure repeatable, stable, and efficient processes across sites or business units.Drive digital enablement and automation initiatives that improve visibility, reduce manual work, and enhance reliability.Translate customer requirements, pain points, and feedback into operational improvements that enhance satisfaction and loyalty.Partner with commercial, service, and product teams to ensure processes are designed for the end-user and deliver a frictionless experience.Lead initiatives that differentiate the organization through superior service quality, responsiveness, and operational consistency.Establish KPIs and dashboards to measure performance across quality, efficiency, throughput, and customer metrics.Provide transparent, data-driven insights to leadership, enabling informed decision-making and prioritization.Ensure accountability for results by coaching leaders and teams in operational excellence principles and tools.Mentor and develop a high-performing Continuous Improvement / Operational Excellence team.Build organizational capability through training, coaching, and deployment of Lean, Six Sigma, and problem-solving methodologies.Lead complex change initiatives using structured change-management practices to drive adoption and sustainment.Key CompetenciesStrong attention to detail with the ability to see the "big picture"Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlinesAbility to work independentlyWillingness to support ad hoc projects and evolving business needsComfortable working cross-functionally with non-finance partnersProactive, process-improvement mindsetClear written and verbal communication skillsCompetenciesStrategic thinking and business acumenOperational and quality disciplineCustomer-centric problem solvingInfluential leadership and executive communicationContinuous improvement mindsetAbility to lead without direct authority across functionsData-driven decision makingHigh emotional intelligence and change leadershipSupervisory ResponsibilityThis position has direct reports.Work EnvironmentWell-lighted, heated, and/or air-conditioned indoor officePhysical DemandsSedentary physical activity performing non-strenuous daily activities of an administrative nature. Manual dexterity sufficient to work with the fingers.Position Type/Expected Hours of WorkThis is a full-time position. Days and hours of work are primarily Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the office.TravelAbility to travel freely across US, Mexico and Canada up to 20%.Required Education and ExperienceBachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Operations Management, Quality, or related field.7–10+ years of progressive experience in quality, operations, continuous improvement, or performance excellence roles.Demonstrated leadership in deploying Lean, Six Sigma, or similar continuous improvement methodologies.Proven success delivering measurable improvements in quality, efficiency, and customer experience.Strong analytical mindset; ability to translate data into insights and action.Experience leading cross-functional initiatives in multi-site or complex operational environments.Preferred Education and ExperienceMaster's degree in Business, Engineering, Operations Management, Quality, or related field.Lean Six Sigma Black Belt or Master Black Belt certification.Experience with leading ISO certifications, or other quality certification frameworks.Experience in logistics, manufacturing, distribution, or multi-site operational models.Background in process improvement, automation, or operational technology enablement.Work Authorization/Security ClearanceMust be able to obtain TWIC (Transportation Worker Identification Credential).Other DutiesPlease note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.