Director of Operational Excellence

About the Role

We are seeking a Director of Operational Excellence to drive transformative manufacturing performance across a global network of operations. This strategic leadership role will develop and execute operational excellence initiatives that deliver world-class results in safety, quality, delivery, cost, and productivity while fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation. The ideal candidate is a proven manufacturing leader with deep expertise in Lean, Six Sigma, digital transformation, and change management, as well as experience leading improvement efforts across multiple countries and cultures.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership
  • Develop and execute a global operational excellence strategy aligned with business objectives.
  • Establish and standardize manufacturing processes, systems, and performance metrics across all locations.
  • Drive the deployment of operational excellence frameworks and best practices throughout the organization.
• Continuous Improvement
  • Lead Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Kaizen, and Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) initiatives.
  • Identify opportunities to improve productivity, reduce waste, and optimize operational performance.
  • Implement operational excellence maturity assessments and roadmap development across sites.
• Performance Management
  • Establish governance and accountability for key manufacturing performance indicators, including:
    • Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE)
    • Throughput
    • Scrap and waste reduction
    • Cost per unit
    • Customer satisfaction
  • Drive benchmarking efforts and facilitate the sharing of best practices across regions and facilities.
• Digital Transformation
  • Lead the implementation of Industry 4.0 technologies and digital manufacturing solutions, including the Bosch Production System.
  • Utilize real-time data analytics, automation, and advanced manufacturing technologies to improve operational effectiveness.
  • Partner with technology teams to enhance visibility and decision-making capabilities throughout the operation.
• Change Management & Leadership Development
  • Champion a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence.
  • Coach and develop plant leadership teams, continuous improvement practitioners, and key stakeholders.
  • Lead large-scale transformation initiatives that drive sustainable organizational change.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Partner closely with Operations, Supply Chain, Quality, EHS, HR, Finance, and IT teams to align and execute improvement initiatives.
  • Ensure operational excellence efforts support broader business objectives and customer expectations.
• Compliance & Risk Management
  • Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, company policies, and operational standards across multiple countries and regions.
  • Support risk mitigation through robust operational processes and governance practices.

Requirements

• Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Business, or a related field.
  • 10+ years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience.
  • 5+ years leading operational excellence, continuous improvement, or business transformation initiatives.
  • Demonstrated success leading multi-site and multi-country manufacturing operations.
  • Proven expertise in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Kaizen, and operational excellence methodologies.
  • Strong analytical, project management, and stakeholder engagement skills.
  • Excellent communication and leadership abilities, with experience influencing senior leaders and frontline teams.
• Preferred Qualifications
  • Master's degree in Engineering, Business Administration, Operations Management, or a related discipline.
  • Lean Six Sigma Black Belt or Master Black Belt certification.
  • Experience implementing Shingo, TPM, or similar operational excellence frameworks.
  • Knowledge of Industry 4.0 technologies, digital manufacturing systems, automation, and advanced analytics.
  • Experience leading large-scale organizational and cultural transformation initiatives.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package.
• Premium health coverage.
• 401(k) with generous matching.
• Resources for financial planning and goal setting.
• Ample paid time off and parental leave.
• Comprehensive life and disability protection.