Operational Excellence Manager

About the role

The Operational Excellence Manager at our manufacturing site in Chattanooga, Tennessee, plays a critical role in driving Astec Industries' Lean Systems throughout the organization.

Responsibilities

• Lead the deployment of the Hoshin Kanri strategy framework at the plant and Asphalt business unit level to ensure alignment with corporate goals and initiatives.
• Plan and facilitate cross-functional Kaizen events that drive measurable improvements across manufacturing, sales, and support functions.
• Implement core Lean Systems and tools such as 5S, standard work, visual management, value stream mapping, TPM, and continuous flow to eliminate waste and improve efficiency.
• Champion and oversee the deployment of Total Productive Maintenance (TPM), including the implementation of pillars like autonomous maintenance, planned maintenance, quality maintenance, and early equipment management.
• Design and deliver structured Lean and TPM training programs that teach tools, principles, and cultural behaviors across all organizational levels, ensuring understanding and practical application.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across both shop floor and office operations, supporting functional leaders in achieving performance targets.
• Coach and mentor employees and leaders in structured problem-solving methods such as A3 thinking to build capability and foster ownership.
• Act as a hands-on liaison between the site and corporate teams, ensuring strategic alignment and effective communication across all improvement initiatives.
• Support capital investment planning by conducting ROI analysis and evaluating the operational impact of proposed projects.
• Develop and maintain True North Boards and PQVC (People, Quality, Velocity, Cost) dashboards to ensure performance visibility and alignment with business objectives.
• Integrate Lean thinking into onboarding and leadership development programs to reinforce a culture of continuous improvement from day one.
• Build internal problem-solving capability by coaching teams to sustain gains and independently lead improvement efforts.
• Facilitate cross-functional alignment sessions to identify priorities, remove barriers, and foster collaboration across departments.
• Collaborate with corporate leadership to align operational improvements with business growth strategies, including capacity expansion and new product introductions.

Requirements

• Extensive experience in Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement, with a demonstrated ability to implement and sustain long-term improvements across various business functions.
• A proven track record of leading and facilitating Kaizen events that deliver measurable results in manufacturing, engineering, sales, service, and administrative processes.
• Experience with the Hoshin Kanri strategy framework is highly preferred.
• Strategic thinking and business acumen to align day-to-day actions with long-term organizational goals and growth plans.
• Exceptional coaching, teaching, and influencing skills, with the ability to engage, educate, and empower employees at all levels—from shop floor operators to executive leadership.
• Hands-on knowledge of Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) and its key pillars, as well as experience applying PQVC metrics, True North Boards, A3 problem-solving, and X-Matrix frameworks.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, capable of building trust and alignment across cross-functional and cross-cultural teams.
• Analytical and data-driven decision-making abilities, with proficiency in performance measurement and root cause analysis.
• Self-motivation and initiative, with the ability to work independently while collaborating with teams across functions and levels.
• A continuous improvement mindset, consistently seeking ways to improve processes, culture, and results while modeling Astec Industries, Inc.’s core values.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Engineering, Business Administration, or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement.
• Proven leadership experience in Kaizen event facilitation and TPM implementation.
• Experience with Hoshin Kanri strategy framework.
• Strategic thinking and business acumen.
• Exceptional coaching, teaching, and influencing skills.
• Hands-on knowledge of Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) and PQVC metrics.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Analytical and data-driven decision-making abilities.
• Self-motivation and initiative.
• A continuous improvement mindset.

Skills

• Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement
• Kaizen Event Facilitation
• Total Productive Maintenance (TPM)
• Hoshin Kanri Strategy Framework
• Structured Problem-Solving Methods (A3 Thinking)
• Performance Measurement and Root Cause Analysis
• Leadership Development
• Collaborative Teamwork
• Business Growth Strategies

Benefits

Our benefits package includes:

• Health insurance
• Retirement savings plan
• Flexible work schedule
• Professional development opportunities

Pay

$XX.XX - $XXXX per year

Schedule

Full-time, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM