Operational Excellence Leader

About the role

The Site Operational Excellence Leader is accountable for driving continuous improvement projects, with a special focus on standardization and culture change while capturing the results along the way. The day-to-day efforts will focus on oversight and implementation of the Lubrizol operating system to include One Lubrizol Standard Work, supporting kaizen events, and running internal assessments, and managing continuous improvement projects.

Responsibilities

• Plan, lead, and execute implementation of lean processes and operational excellence.
• Manages all aspects of continuous improvement tools utilized by Lubrizol, including but not limited to: leader standard work, rapid improvement exercise, value stream mapping / analysis, A3s, and root cause analysis with corrective actions. Includes facilitation of meetings, workshops, and exercises to drive strategic thinking and connectivity between teams to achieve results.
• Manage coordination & prioritization of work with stakeholders: Production, Maintenance, Manufacturing Technology, Quality, Learning & Development, Engineering, & HSES. Provide leadership, oversight and accountability of work progressing to plan and to the desired results.
• Interface and align work processes and initiatives with corporate Operational Excellence organization; this can include interfacing with 3rd party consultants.
• Reenforces Standard Work Vision, Performance, and Opportunities across the site (the Spirit & Voice of Standard Work)
• Provide leadership with engagements in the office and plant, monitoring performance as it relates to: continuous improvement tools, work efficiency, safety, compliance, and management of tasks to enhance performance and deliver desired results.
• Coordinates the ongoing support of Standard Work across the site including metrics and dashboard
• Own site responsibility for implementation of the Lubrizol operating system driven by the central team, beginning with core elements
• Key inflow / outflow exchange with the central continuous improvement team
• Responsible for maintaining productivity tracking / dashboard for the plant / monthly metrics
• Completing starred Value Stream Map (VSM)
• Develop and train additional resources within the plants to support continuous improvement projects
• Kaizen owner for the plant, with small/cell projects being completed within the plant, and managing support from central team for larger scale projects needing additional resources

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, preferably ChE or ME
• Minimum 10 years of OPEX, Lean, or Continuous Improvement experience, including at least 5 years in a project or people leadership capacity
• Project Management, Change Management, and Value Stream Mapping experience
• Proven experience in culture transformations
• Experience within chemical, oil/gas, food/bev, or pharma is a plus
• Solid communication, strong analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Strong presentation skills
• Working knowledge of documented management systems, preferably ISO 9001 or RC14001
• Leverage Lean Six Sigma Green or Black Belt
• Plant Training, Safety, or Supply Chain experience is a plus
• Experience with Automation preferred

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, preferably ChE or ME
• Minimum 10 years of OPEX, Lean, or Continuous Improvement experience, including at least 5 years in a project or people leadership capacity
• Project Management, Change Management, and Value Stream Mapping experience
• Proven experience in culture transformations
• Experience within chemical, oil/gas, food/bev, or pharma is a plus
• Solid communication, strong analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Strong presentation skills
• Working knowledge of documented management systems, preferably ISO 9001 or RC14001
• Leverage Lean Six Sigma Green or Black Belt
• Plant Training, Safety, or Supply Chain experience is a plus
• Experience with Automation preferred

Skills

• Lean Six Sigma Green or Black Belt
• Project Management
• Change Management
• Value Stream Mapping
• Leadership
• Facilitation
• Standard Work Implementation
• Continuous Improvement Tools
• Stakeholder Coordination
• Corporate Operational Excellence
• Plant Training, Safety, or Supply Chain experience
• Automation Experience

Benefits

• Competitive salary with performance-based bonus plans
• 401(k) match + Age-Weighted Defined Contribution
• Comprehensive medical, dental & vision coverage
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Paid holidays, vacation, and parental leave
• Flexible work environment
• Learning and development opportunities
• Career and professional growth
• Inclusive culture and vibrant community engagement