Operational Excellence Manager

Position Overview

The Opex Manager is responsible for leading operational excellence initiatives at the plant level, bridging strategic objectives with tactical execution. This role focuses on deploying the OPEX program, driving continuous improvement projects, and fostering a culture of operational excellence. Additionally, the Opex Manager will oversee performance monitoring and quality data auditing to ensure accuracy and compliance with company standards.

Company and Opportunity Overview

WNA's vision is to be a leading entrepreneurial player in terms of market share, agility, and game-changing solutions. WNA is a solution provider, creating value along the supply chain of our customers, from online purchase to their customers.

WNA is headquartered in the Charlotte Metro Area, North Carolina. With around 500 employees and ~$200M of sales, WNA focuses on the retail and distribution market segments with marquee customers such as Walmart, Amazon, and the majority of large grocers and retailers.

In addition to being the largest manufacturer of shopping carts in North America, WNA has three additional main product segments as well as a Service business, providing turnkey solutions for customer guidance (Access Systems), Shelving & Fixtures, and Material Handling products.

Access Solutions provides sophisticated customer guidance and loss prevention systems for major retailers. With German-engineered products and a strong installed base, this segment focuses on protecting existing market share while expanding into adjacent opportunities in smart retail, autonomous store technology, and digital integration.

Additionally, WNA offers a range of digital solutions integrated into our products, including advanced shopping cart containment systems, smart exit gate technology, and innovations for autonomous and semi-autonomous retail stores. We are continuously expanding and enhancing our digital offerings to meet evolving customer needs and drive industry advancement.

WNA is part of the Wanzl Group, headquartered in Germany, and has 12 plants in 8 countries, providing comprehensive, solutions-driven service and expert knowledge of local markets for customers across the globe through their 360° service.

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Operational Excellence & Continuous Improvement

• Deploy and sustain the OPEX program within the plant, ensuring alignment with corporate methodologies.
• Lead Lean and Six Sigma-based projects to reduce waste, optimize processes, and improve KPIs, including operational performance and material flow.
• Facilitate structured problem-solving sessions (PDCA, 5-Why, Fishbone) to address recurring issues.

1. Industrial Controlling & Data Integrity

• Monitor operational KPIs and ensure accurate reporting of production and quality data.
• Audit data integrity across MES, ERP, and quality systems to guarantee compliance with company standards.
• Support digitalization of dashboards and reporting tools (Power BI, Excel).

1. Project Management

• Plan, execute, and monitor improvement projects, ensuring delivery within scope, time, and budget.
• Prepare project documentation, including charters, timelines, and performance reports.

1. Training & Change Management

• Develop and deliver training on OPEX tools and methodologies for supervisors and operators.
• Drive cultural change by engaging stakeholders and promoting continuous improvement mindset.

1. Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Coordinate with Production, Materials, and Quality teams to ensure alignment and successful execution of initiatives.
• Benchmark best practices and apply innovative solutions to enhance operational performance.

Skills and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field. MBA degree is a plus.
• Lean Manufacturing expert. Proven experience in VSM, identifying current state, future state, areas of optimization and required projects.
• Six Sigma Black Belt certified. Proven experience in projects implementation.
• Deep knowledge and proven experience on Problem Solving methodologies.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in operations, continuous improvement, or OPEX roles, within Manufacturing.
• Strong analytical skills and proficiency in data analysis tools (Excel, Power BI).
• Deep knowledge on Industrial KPIs (SQMDC).
• Excellent project management skills, with a track record of successfully leading cross-functional initiatives. Project Management certification is a plus.
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate effectively at all levels of the organization, supporting organizational culture change management. Ability to Mentoring and Coaching, increasing Team's motivation and focus. Ability to facilitate Workshops and to manage high exposure presentations.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and manage multiple priorities effectively.

Proactiveness and Flexibility are a must. Ability to be self-driven and self-motivated. Result-oriented.