Operational Excellence Manager

Job ID: 527818

Job Summary

This position will be a key resource in developing and completing manufacturing process improvement projects, including lean manufacturing implementation and capital improvement projects at locations in the Texas Region. These improvement projects will increase profitability, throughput, and quality; improving the Region's competitive position. The role requires a self‑motivated individual who can work effectively in a decentralized and matrixed team environment, collaborating closely with Production, Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and Environmental Health and Safety. Travel is heavy, consisting of 75%–90% travel between multiple locations throughout Texas.

Location

Onsite position located near one of our plants in Houston, TX; Mansfield, TX; Roanoke, TX; San Antonio, TX; Brookshire, TX; or Castroville, TX.

Responsibilities

• Develop, evaluate and improve production methods utilizing lean tools, product design knowledge, materials and parts, tooling and equipment capabilities, process methods, and quality control standards.
• Identify opportunities for significant improvement at regional locations by working with operations and/or sales teams to apply lean process improvement initiatives or capital investment.
• Provide oversight, planning, training, and mentoring to plant‑level teams executing lean process improvement activities.
• Drive manufacturing process change through hands‑on communication and coordination with plant‑level teams.
• Optimize plant layout and flow to reduce inefficiencies and costs.
• Oversee and lead plant improvement workshops to identify, diagnose, and address bottlenecks and inefficiencies.
• Provide training on Kaizen, 5S, and other lean tools and techniques.
• Follow up and track improvement opportunities to ensure they are completed as planned.
• Translate operational needs into project requirements and specifications.
• Force‑rank improvement opportunities, developing analysis techniques to prioritize profit impact, time to complete, complexity, risk, and cost.
• Evaluate and prioritize capital project proposals in partnership with operations teams.
• Develop capital project business cases, including scope, justification, and financial analysis.
• Perform ROI analysis for capital and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support plant leadership in identifying and prioritizing high‑value investment opportunities.
• Manage and approve project‑related commitments and expenditures, monitoring costs to ensure budget compliance and effective financial stewardship.
• Ensure plant policies, practices, and equipment comply with the Operational Excellence framework and best practices.

Essential Duties and Functions

• Establish close working relationships with manufacturing personnel to ensure safety, quality, and productivity requirements are met through technical training and assistance.
• Facilitate communication forums for plant‑based subject matter experts and provide technical assistance to plant management and engineering staff handling non‑major projects.
• Identify and manage innovation opportunities for operations.
• Lead preparation of capital project white papers and scopes in cooperation with local and business leadership teams.
• Administer standards for next‑level plant design that support long‑term commercial strategies.
• Lead “hyper care” of large capital projects to ensure seamless transition into plant operations.
• Identify and support sustainability opportunities within operations.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Operations, Safety, and Quality on new equipment LOTO procedures and practices.
• Develop and execute standard processes to evaluate, procure, assess, and install new plant equipment.
• Conduct operational audits as requested by management.

Requirements

• 3+ years of manufacturing experience, ideally in precast.
• In‑depth knowledge and practical experience applying lean manufacturing methodologies to support continuous production operations.
• Quality control/maintenance experience in a manufacturing setting.
• Track record of achieving positive results using lean manufacturing techniques.
• Competency with Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, AutoCAD, and experience with ERP/MRP systems and project management tools.
• Effective team builder and leader with the ability to inspire and motivate a diverse team within a highly matrixed environment.
• Ability to lead multiple complex projects simultaneously.
• Working knowledge and experience with project management software programs.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.

Skills

• Lean tools (Kaizen, 5S, value‑stream mapping, etc.)
• Project planning, budgeting, and ROI analysis
• Technical drawing and design review (AutoCAD)
• ERP/MRP system navigation
• Data analysis and reporting (Excel)
• Cross‑functional collaboration and stakeholder management

Benefits

• Highly competitive base pay
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and disability benefits programs
• Group retirement savings program
• Health and wellness programs
• An inclusive culture that values growth, development, and internal promotion

About CRH

CRH Americas Building Products is a leading provider of innovative outdoor living products and utility infrastructure solutions for water, energy, and communications markets throughout North America. Our portfolio includes brands such as Oldcastle APG, Oldcastle Infrastructure, Belgard®, Echelon® Masonry, RDI® railing, Catalyst™ Fence Solutions, Sakrete® packaged concrete, Amerimix® mortar, Pebble Technology International® pool finishes, and Techniseal® sands and sealant technologies. We operate in a decentralized, diversified structure that lets employees enjoy a small‑company environment with the career opportunities of a large international organization.