Regional Operational Excellence Manager

Regional Operational Excellence Manager
Position Overview
We are seeking a strategic and results-driven Regional Operational Excellence Manager to lead continuous improvement initiatives across multiple manufacturing facilities. This leader will drive enterprise-level operational excellence efforts with a strong focus on process standardization, execution discipline, equipment optimization, and sustainable performance improvement.

The ideal candidate will serve as a transformational leader and change agent, partnering closely with plant leadership teams to improve efficiency, reduce operational risk, increase capacity, enhance quality, and optimize cost performance. This role requires a highly visible, hands-on leader who thrives in fast-paced manufacturing environments and can influence teams through coaching, mentoring, and data-driven decision making.
Success in this role requires a strong Lean Six Sigma background, exceptional leadership capabilities, and a passion for developing operational excellence cultures through practical implementation and frontline engagement.

Key Responsibilities
Operational Excellence Leadership

• Lead, influence, and drive Operational Excellence initiatives across multiple manufacturing facilities.
• Develop and cultivate a culture of continuous improvement and executional discipline across assigned locations.
• Design, implement, and sustain operational excellence roadmaps and deployment strategies.
• Serve as a trusted advisor and coach to leaders and frontline teams on Lean principles and continuous improvement methodologies.

Continuous Improvement & Process Optimization

• Lead cost reduction, quality enhancement, productivity, and capacity improvement initiatives utilizing Lean Six Sigma methodologies.
• Execute and oversee DMAIC projects, Kaizen events, and structured problem-solving efforts to improve key operational KPIs.
• Champion process standardization and ensure best practices are implemented and sustained across facilities.
• Identify process inefficiencies and implement solutions to improve throughput, reliability, and operational performance.

Training, Coaching & Development

• Train, mentor, and develop leaders and Operational Excellence resources across multiple locations.
• Deliver and facilitate training programs in Lean tools and methodologies, including:
  • Structured Problem Solving (A3)
  • Daily Management Systems
  • Standard Work
  • Process Controls
  • SMED
  • Green Belt-level Advanced Problem Solving
  • Continuous Improvement principles and methodologies
• Reinforce accountability and sustainment of improvement initiatives.

Manufacturing Support & Cross-Functional Partnership

• Partner with plant leadership to identify operational challenges and execute solutions that improve safety, quality, and performance.
• Support critical daily manufacturing operations and resolve complex operational issues.
• Evaluate process capability and update process controls to align with best practices and customer requirements.
• Collaborate with leadership teams to identify capital and non-capital improvement opportunities and support business case development.
• Act as a center of excellence for cross-functional teams implementing process improvement initiatives.

Compliance & Technical Leadership

• Maintain knowledge of applicable regulatory and compliance requirements including OSHA, FDA, USDA, EPA, and other relevant standards.
• Stay current with emerging technologies, manufacturing tools, and industry best practices.
• Utilize statistical analysis and financial impact data to support strategic decision-making.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related technical discipline
• 8+ years of experience in manufacturing operations, engineering, continuous improvement, or operational excellence
• Minimum 5 years of experience serving as an ASQ-certified Black Belt
• Strong expertise in:
  • Lean Manufacturing
  • Six Sigma / DMAIC
  • Kaizen
  • Change Management
  • Root Cause Analysis
  • Continuous Improvement deployment
• Experience within high-volume continuous process manufacturing environments
• Strong statistical analysis and experimental design capabilities
• Ability to analyze production data and translate findings into actionable business improvements
• Experience facilitating team-based training and cross-functional initiatives
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Minitab, and data analysis tools
• Excellent communication, presentation, and influencing skills
• Proven ability to lead without authority and drive results through collaboration

Preferred Qualifications

• ASQ Master Black Belt certification
• DFSS (Design for Six Sigma) experience
• Working knowledge of supply chain, inventory management, quality systems, logistics, and safety operations
• Experience leading enterprise-wide or regional operational excellence transformations

Additional Information

• Travel: Up to 15% regional travel required
• Relocation assistance available for candidates relocating beyond established distance requirements
• Opportunity to make a measurable impact by shaping operational strategy and driving transformational change across multiple manufacturing sites

This is an exceptional opportunity for an influential leader passionate about operational excellence, process improvement, and building high-performing teams that deliver sustainable business results.

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