Manufacturing Automation and Operational Excellence Manager

Position Summary
Manufacturing Automation and Operational Excellence Manager is responsible for leading and implementing automation and continuous improvement initiatives across manufacturing operations to increase efficiency, quality, productivity, safety, and customer satisfaction. This position partners with leadership and cross-functional teams to identify improvement opportunities, develop sustainable solutions, and cultivate a culture of operational excellence using Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Kaizen, and other continuous improvement methodologies.  This role operates with a high degree of autonomy: defining priorities, managing capital project portfolios, and making technical and resourcing decisions with minimal day-to-day oversight.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Automation and New Line Projects

• Lead new production-line and major equipment projects from concept through operational handoff.
• Develop automation roadmaps aligned with business goals, capacity needs, and capital budgets.
• Select automation technologies, equipment, and integration partners.
• Own project scope, schedule, budget, and risk, including business cases and ROI justification.
• Design, develop, and deploy new testing equipment for various production lines.
• Create standard work instructions and train operators on new and updated production lines.
• Successfully launch new products into existing and new production lines.

Continuous Improvement Leadership

• Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, delivery, cost, and employee engagement.
• Develop and execute continuous improvement strategies aligned with organizational goals and business objectives.
• Facilitate Kaizen events, value stream mapping sessions, and problem-solving activities.
• Identify process improvement opportunities through data analysis, employee feedback, and operational assessments.
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure improvement effectiveness.

Operational Excellence

• Drive Lean Manufacturing principles throughout production operations.
• Implement Daily Management, standard work, visual management systems, 5S, mistake-proofing (Poka-Yoke), and waste reduction initiatives.
• Lead root cause analysis and corrective action processes utilizing tools such as 5 Why's, Fishbone Diagrams, and A3 Problem Solving.
• Optimize workflows, production layouts, and material flow to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
• Promote best practices across departments and facilities.

Project Management

• Manage multiple improvement projects from concept through implementation and sustainment.
• Develop project plans, timelines, and resource requirements.
• Track improvements and quantify savings related to labor, quality, productivity, inventory, and operational expenses.
• Present project updates, findings, and recommendations to leadership.

Employee Development and Engagement

• Train and coach employees, supervisors, and managers on Lean and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Build a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous learning.
• Facilitate employee involvement programs that encourage idea generation and process ownership.
• Mentor Lean team members and site champions.

Data Analysis and Reporting

• Analyze operational performance data to identify trends, inefficiencies, and opportunities for improvement.
• Prepare reports and dashboards to communicate project results and business impact.
• Monitor sustainability of implemented improvements and ensure compliance with established standards.

Qualifications
Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing or Industrial Engineering, operations management, business administration, or a related field required.
• Master's degree or MBA preferred.

Experience

• 10+ years of manufacturing experience with demonstrated success leading automation and continuous improvement initiatives.
• 5+ years of leadership or project management experience preferred.
• Experience in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Operational Excellence, or related disciplines.

Certifications (Preferred)

• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, Black Belt, or Master Black Belt.
• Certified Lean Practitioner.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Kaizen, TPM, 5S, and Value Stream Mapping.
• Strong knowledge of industrial automation (PLCs, robotics, motion control, vision systems, SCADA/MES.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proven ability to lead change management initiatives.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Ability to influence stakeholders at all organizational levels.
• Excellent verbal, written, and presentation communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, ERP systems, and data analysis tools.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Productivity improvements
• Cost savings achieved
• Scrap and waste reduction
• Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE)
• Quality metrics and defect reduction
• On-time delivery performance
• Employee engagement in improvement activities
• Successful completion of CI projects
• Safety improvements and incident reduction

Physical Requirements

• Ability to walk manufacturing floors regularly.
• Frequently stand, bend, and move throughout production areas.
• Occasionally lift up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE).

Compensation and Benefits
Expected Compensation Range: Salary, Exempt- $100,000- $140,000 Annually 
Specialty Manufacturing is providing the compensation range that the company in good faith believes it might pay and offer for this position, based on the successful applicant’s education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Specialty Mfg. provides a comprehensive suite of benefits including medical, dental, vision, disability, life, and retirement savings, focused on providing health and financial stability throughout the employee’s career. Specialty Mfg. operates an onsite work environment where employees are expected to work in the office 5 days per week.