Operational Excellence Manager (3700739)

Operational Excellence Manager

Our client is an established international manufacturing company in fasteners and component solutions seeking an experienced Operational Excellence Manager to drive continuous improvement, operational efficiency, and performance optimization across its manufacturing operations.

Position Summary

The Operational Excellence Manager is responsible for leading and sustaining continuous improvement initiatives across the organization. This position drives operational performance through Lean Manufacturing principles, process optimization, employee engagement, and strategic improvement projects. The role partners with leadership teams to improve productivity, quality, safety, cost performance, and customer satisfaction while fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Operational Excellence Leadership

• Develop and execute operational excellence strategies aligned with company objectives.

• Lead plant-wide continuous improvement initiatives utilizing Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, 5S, TPM, Value Stream Mapping, Standard Work, and Problem-Solving methodologies.

• Facilitate cross-functional improvement events and ensure sustainable implementation of action plans.

• Identify opportunities to improve safety, quality, delivery, inventory, cost, and employee

engagement metrics.

• Champion a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and operational discipline.

Process Improvement & Performance Management

• Analyze manufacturing processes and performance data to identify waste, bottlenecks, and

inefficiencies.

• Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure operational effectiveness.

• Lead root cause analysis efforts and corrective action implementation.

• Support capacity planning, workflow optimization, and operational standardization across

departments.

• Drive productivity improvements while maintaining quality and safety standards.

Project Management

• Lead strategic operational improvement projects from concept through implementation.

• Develop project plans, timelines, resource requirements, and financial justifications.

• Communicate project status, risks, and results to leadership teams.

• Facilitate collaboration between Operations, Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, Maintenance and Human Resources.

Training & Employee Development

• Develop and deliver training programs related to Lean Manufacturing and continuous

improvement methodologies.

• Coach leaders and employees on problem-solving techniques and operational excellence

principles.

• Mentor improvement teams and support leadership development initiatives.

• Promote employee involvement and idea-generation programs.

Financial & Business Impact

• Establish cost savings targets and track realized financial benefits of improvement initiatives.

• Support annual business planning through identification of productivity, efficiency, and cost-

reduction opportunities.

• Prepare reports and presentations demonstrating operational improvements and business

results.

Leadership Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and develop Operational Excellence personnel and project teams.

• Foster teamwork and collaborative problem-solving across the organization.

• Support organizational change management efforts and drive adoption of new processes.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical

Engineering, Operations Management, or related field required.

• MBA or advanced degree preferred.

Experience

• Minimum 7 years of manufacturing experience.

• Minimum 3 years of leadership experience in continuous improvement, operations, engineering or manufacturing management.

• Demonstrated success implementing Lean Manufacturing and Operational Excellence programs.

• Experience leading cross-functional projects and managing organizational change.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping, TPM, and 5S methodologies.

• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.

• Strong business acumen with the ability to quantify operational and financial impacts.

• Effective communication and presentation skills.

• Strong leadership, coaching, and team-building abilities.

• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and data analysis tools.

Preferred Certifications

• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, Black Belt, or Master Black Belt.

• Project Management Professional (PMP).

• Certified Lean Practitioner.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to regularly walk throughout manufacturing facilities.

• Ability to stand for extended periods.

• Occasional lifting of up to 25 pounds.

• Ability to travel between company locations as required.

Success Measures

• Productivity improvements

• Cost reduction savings

• OEE improvement

• Quality performance metrics

• Safety performance metrics

• Employee engagement in improvement activities

• Successful completion of strategic improvement projects

Salary

ABS: 140k – 145k

Bonus: 15%

Benefit package

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance

• 401(k): Up to 4.5% company match (when applicable)

• Paid Vacation: 2–5 weeks based on seniority

• Company-Paid Life Insurance

• Company-Paid Short- & Long-Term Disability

• HSA & FSA Options

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

• Optional Supplemental Insurance