Operational Excellence Lead

Carrier Global Corporation, a global leader in intelligent climate and energy solutions, is committed to creating innovations that bring comfort, safety, and sustainability to life. Through cutting-edge advancements in climate solutions such as temperature control, air quality, and transportation, we improve lives, empower critical industries, and ensure the safe transport of food, lifesaving medicines, and more.

About the role

Carrier Operations is seeking a high-performance, goal-oriented professional to lead Lean initiatives throughout our CHVAC Charlotte factory across the full value stream (suppliers, internal operations, and customers). This role supports the transformation of operations to Carrier Excellence (Cx) standards through structured processes, activities, and events. Success will be measured by the transformation of sites and improvement in relevant KPIs. The position requires expertise in Lean methodologies, including Cell Design, Manufacturing Standard Work, Material Presentation, and Lean Logistics. You will run projects, coach others, and develop standards while reporting to the Carrier Excellence Manager.

This is an individual-contributor role reporting directly to site operational leadership, requiring an on-site presence in Charlotte, NC, with minimal to no travel.

Responsibilities

• Drive sustainable operational improvements and guide site leadership in translating business goals into actionable Lean Macro Plans.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on plant layout optimization, material flow, cell design, and logistics (including 3PL process alignment).
• Support high-priority growth initiatives for data center manufacturing lines in partnership with cross-functional teams.
• Plan, lead, and facilitate Kaizen events and value-stream mapping activities from end-to-end.
• Maintain a robust pipeline of Productivity Improvement Projects (PIP) to deliver year-over-year cost savings and positive changes in key metrics (lead time, schedule stability, inventory, and Plan For Every Part/PFEP).
• Coach and mentor site resources to expand the internal network of event leaders and remove project-level execution barriers.
• Articulate technical concepts, productivity strategies, and operational results effectively to shop-floor operators, functional managers, and executive leadership.
• Perform workplace audits, conduct risk assessments, and establish standard work in alignment with Carrier Excellence (Cx) guidelines.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree.
• 7+ years of experience in manufacturing operations with progressive technical or leadership responsibilities.
• 3+ years of experience in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or Operational Excellence, including demonstrated experience leading and facilitating cross-functional Kaizen events.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Supply Chain, or a related discipline (preferred).
• Active Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification (or equivalent recognized Lean certification, such as Gemba Academy or internal enterprise programs).
• Prior experience in high-volume manufacturing (e.g., Automotive) or high-customization/job-shop manufacturing environments.
• Deep expertise in Manufacturing Standard Work, Cell Design, Integrated Production & Logistics, PFEP (Plan For Every Part), and Third-Party Logistics integration.
• Demonstrated ability to self-direct, execute with speed, and communicate effectively across all organizational tiers.
• Commitment to obtaining Carrier Excellence (Cx) Practitioner certification within the first 1.5 years of employment.

Pay

The annual salary for this position is between $96,000.00 and $192,000.00. Factors affecting pay within this range include skills, education, experience, and other unique qualifications of the successful candidate. This position is also eligible for short-term cash incentives, subject to plan requirements.

Benefits

• Health Care Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision; Wellness incentives
• Retirement Benefits
• Time off and Leave: Paid vacation (up to 15 days), paid sick days (up to 5 days), paid personal leave (up to 5 days), paid holidays (up to 13 days), birth and adoption leave, parental leave, family and medical leave, bereavement leave, jury duty leave, military leave, purchased vacation
• Disability: Short-term and long-term disability
• Life Insurance and Accidental Death and Dismemberment
• Tax-Advantaged Accounts: Health Savings Account, Health Care Spending Account, Dependent Care Spending Account
• Tuition Assistance

The specific benefits available may vary depending on state and local laws, eligibility factors, date of hire, and collective bargaining agreements.