Operational Excellence Lead

About the role

The Operational Excellence Lead will lead the successful implementation of operational strategies to enhance productivity, reduce waste, and promote a culture of continuous improvement in a manufacturing environment. This role requires a hands-on leader with expertise in Lean methodologies, Continuous Improvement Programs, change management, and cross-functional collaboration to align plant operations with organizational goals.

Responsibilities

• Strategy Implementation: Lead the deployment of Lean/Operational Excellence strategies across the plant; ensure alignment of plant processes with corporate goals for operational excellence and Lean manufacturing.
• Lean Methodology Deployment: Champion Lean principles such as Waste Reduction, Value Stream Mapping, 5S, Kaizen, TPM, and Six Sigma; conduct workshops, training, and mentoring to develop Lean capabilities among plant teams.
• Continuous Improvement Initiatives: Identify and prioritize improvement opportunities through data analysis and process evaluations; schedule and execute Kaizen Events; teach and coach on how to set up, execute, and follow-up Kaizen events; drive initiatives that eliminate waste, improve quality, and optimize costs.
• Change Management: Engage with plant leadership and staff to foster a culture of innovation and adaptability; manage resistance to change by demonstrating the value of new practices and processes.
• Performance Monitoring: Develop KPIs to track progress against strategic goals and Lean initiatives; present performance updates and improvement outcomes to stakeholders.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with engineering, finance, production, quality, and supply chain teams to ensure integrated solutions; act as a liaison between corporate and plant-level teams to translate strategic objectives into actionable plans.
• Compliance And Safety: Ensure all process changes comply with regulatory and safety standards; promote a safe working environment through Lean practices.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field (Master’s preferred).
• Experience: 3+ years in operational excellence, Lean manufacturing, or similar roles within a plant environment; experience leading teams of hourly and salaried employees.
• Certifications: Lean Six Sigma certification (Green or Black Belt) is highly desirable.
• Skills: Expertise in Lean tools and methodologies; ability to be hands-on in teaching Lean methodologies; strong project management and organizational skills; proficiency in data analysis and process optimization; exceptional communication, coaching, and leadership abilities; ability to influence and drive change at all organizational levels.
• Competencies: Problem-solving mindset with a focus on results; strong interpersonal skills and ability to inspire collaboration; culture transformation mindset with an effective change management approach; resilient under pressure and adaptable to evolving priorities.