Director, Manufacturing Operational Excellence

Job Description

Job Description

Company Overview:

MP Materials (NYSE: MP) is rebuilding American industrial capability for a new era of autonomy, robotics, and electrification. 

We are the only U.S. company with a fully integrated rare earth supply chain—from mining and refining to advanced metal and magnet manufacturing. Our products include both the critical materials used to make permanent magnets and the finished magnets themselves—enabling next-generation technologies in robotics, automation, aerospace, transportation, defense, and energy systems. These materials are the foundation of physical AI—the convergence of computation, movement, and control.

We hire ambitious, mission-driven people who want to tackle complex challenges and shape the future of strategic industries. Our culture is rooted in teamwork, resiliency, and integrity, with a deep commitment to operational excellence and national purpose. MP is rapidly evolving from a materials producer into a leading U.S. manufacturer—and our people are driving that transformation.

Position Overview:

MP Materials is looking for a Director of Manufacturing Operational Excellence who will be responsible for driving performance, efficiency, and continuous improvement across MP’s Magnetics division, leading the design, deployment, and continuous improvement of systems, processes, and capabilities to drive world-class manufacturing performance. This role partners closely with Operations, Quality, Engineering, EHS and Supply Chain to develop and execute an Operational Excellence roadmap to optimize materials flow, OEE, process capability, yield and all related data-gathering and reporting systems to enable scalable, high-yield manufacturing operations.

This leader will champion a culture of continuous improvement, data-driven decision-making, and accountability across all levels of the organization. Successful candidates will blend technical depth, leadership & mentoring capability, and proven experience in transforming operations and organizations.

Position Responsibilities:

This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the position; it is not intended to be an exhaustive list of skills, efforts, duties, responsibilities, or working conditions associated with the position. The Director of Manufacturing Operational Excellence will be required to perform a full range of responsibilities, including without limitation:

Operational Excellence Strategy & Deployment

• Develop and execute a plant-wide Operational Excellence strategy aligned with business objectives (capacity, yield, cost, quality, delivery).
• Establish standardized methodologies for continuous improvement across manufacturing (Lean, Six Sigma, TPM, etc.).
• Build and sustain governance systems to track performance, prioritize initiatives, and deliver measurable results.

Continuous Improvement & Problem Solving

• Lead structured root cause analysis and corrective action processes (e.g., Fishbone, 5 Why, PFMEA).
• Drive resolution of critical manufacturing issues impacting yield, scrap, throughput, and reliability.
• Facilitate cross-functional “tiger teams” to address complex production challenges.

Process Capability & Manufacturing Performance

• Identify and execute initiatives to improve process capability, cycle time, and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).
• Implement robust process control systems to reduce variability and improve predictability.
• Lead efforts to improve first-pass yield and reduce scrap, rework, and defects.

Systems & Tools Development

• Standardize and deploy problem-solving tools, reporting systems, and performance dashboards across the organization.
• Ensure effective use of digital tools and platforms for tracking improvement activities and validating results, including IIOT and Industry 4.0 technologies.
• Establish data-driven performance management systems across operations.

Leadership & Talent Development

• Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing Operational Excellence team (Black Belts, CI Engineers, etc.).
• Develop problem-solving capabilities at all levels of the organization through coaching and training.
• Partner with functional leaders to embed operational discipline and accountability.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Operations, Quality, EHS and Engineering to ensure alignment on priorities and execution.
• Support scaling of manufacturing processes from pilot to full production.
• Partner with external stakeholders (customers, suppliers) as needed to support quality and delivery objectives.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or related field, with MS or MBA viewed favorably.
• 10+ years of experience in manufacturing, operations, or continuous improvement roles.
• 5+ years of leadership experience managing technical or operations teams.
• Demonstrated experience leading Lean Six Sigma or operational improvement projects within a manufacturing environment, with Black Belt strongly preferred.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, plant operations, quality systems, and process optimization methodologies, and how they interact.
• Experience in high-growth or ramp-up manufacturing environments is highly preferred.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Strong analytical, statistical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, with the ability to interpret complex operational data and drive actionable improvements.
• Self-motivated, proactive, and adaptable, with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Desired Qualities:

• Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen facilitation, PFMEA, SPC, and root cause analysis methodologies.
• Experience with Power BI, SQL, Python, SAP, or similar data analysis and reporting tools.
• Experience in metals, automotive, advanced manufacturing, semiconductor, or specialty chemical industries preferred.
• Strong leadership presence with the ability to influence cross-functional teams without direct authority.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and proactive problem-solver.
• Experience working in greenfield manufacturing environments or startup operations is a plus.
• Continuous improvement mindset with strong focus on operational excellence and measurable business results.

MP Materials is Proud to be an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer .

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Underrepresented groups/Women/Disabled/Veterans are encouraged to apply. Candidates whose disabilities make them unable to meet the position’s requirements will still be considered qualified if they can perform the essential functions of the job with reasonable accommodation.

Your Right to Work – In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment verification document form upon hire.

For Assistance with Application - Alternative methods of applying for employment are available to individuals unable to submit an application through this site because of a disability. Contact Human Resources Department at View phone number on ziprecruiter.com; dial 7 when prompted for HR; 1700 South Pavilion Center Dr. 8th Floor, Las Vegas, NV 89135 to discuss reasonable accommodation.