Manager - Operational Excellence

Job Responsibilities

The Operational Improvement Manager/Director will lead and drive continuous improvement initiatives across five divisions in North America & Brazil. This role is responsible for enhancing operational efficiency, optimizing processes, and ensuring alignment with corporate standards and strategic objectives.

• Strategic Leadership: Develop and execute a regional operational improvement roadmap aligned with corporate goals. Act as the primary liaison between divisional leadership and corporate Operational Excellence teams.
• Process Optimization: Identify inefficiencies and implement best practices across manufacturing, supply chain, and support functions. Lean Manufacturing & Shopfloor Optimization (20%) - Facilitate Kaizen workshops and Gemba walks. Promote Implementation of 5S, TPM, and visual management systems. Promote standardization and waste elimination. Lead Kaizen events, value stream mapping, and other Lean initiatives. Identify, lead, and monitor CI projects delivering measurable cost savings. Train employees in problem-solving methodologies (PDCA, A3, 5Why). Support departments in prioritizing top improvement projects.
• New Projects: Lean Capex & Line Design Reviews – Preliminary review with Division Operational Capex for new projects. Ensure compliance with Lean Line Design Checklist and submit proposals for approval.
• Performance Management: Review Operational KPIs and monitor progress across all divisions. Prepare and present performance reports to senior leadership.
• Change Management: Drive cultural adoption of continuous improvement methodologies. Train and mentor divisional teams on Lean and Six Sigma principles. Collaborate with divisional leaders to prioritize improvement projects. Ensure standardization of processes across all divisions.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, or related field (Master’s preferred).
• 7+ years of experience in operational excellence or process improvement roles.
• Proven track record of leading multi-site improvement initiatives.
• Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification strongly preferred.
• Proficiency in problem-solving techniques (PDCA, A3, 5Why).
• Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills.
• Able to travel up to 50% across North America.