Operational Excellence Manager

About the role

The Opex Manager is responsible for leading operational excellence initiatives at the plant level, bridging strategic objectives with tactical execution. This role focuses on deploying the OPEX program, driving continuous improvement projects, and fostering a culture of operational excellence. Additionally, the Opex Manager will oversee performance monitoring and quality data auditing to ensure accuracy and compliance with company standards.

Responsibilities

• Operational Excellence & Continuous Improvement: Deploy and sustain the OPEX program within the plant, ensuring alignment with corporate methodologies. Lead Lean and Six Sigma-based projects to reduce waste, optimize processes, and improve KPIs, including operational performance and material flow. Facilitate structured problem-solving sessions (PDCA, 5-Why, Fishbone) to address recurring issues.
• Industrial Controlling & Data Integrity: Monitor operational KPIs and ensure accurate reporting of production and quality data. Audit data integrity across MES, ERP, and quality systems to guarantee compliance with company standards. Support digitalization of dashboards and reporting tools (Power BI, Excel).
• Project Management: Plan, execute, and monitor improvement projects, ensuring delivery within scope, time, and budget. Prepare project documentation, including charters, timelines, and performance reports.
• Training & Change Management: Develop and deliver training on OPEX tools and methodologies for supervisors and operators. Drive cultural change by engaging stakeholders and promoting continuous improvement mindset.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Coordinate with Production, Materials, and Quality teams to ensure alignment and successful execution of initiatives. Benchmark best practices and apply innovative solutions to enhance operational performance.

Skills and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field. MBA degree is a plus.
• Lean Manufacturing expert with proven experience in VSM, identifying current state, future state, areas of optimization and required projects.
• Six Sigma Black Belt certified.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in operations, continuous improvement, or OPEX roles within Manufacturing.
• Strong analytical skills and proficiency in data analysis tools (Excel, Power BI).
• Deep knowledge of Industrial KPIs (SQMDC).
• Excellent project management skills, with a track record of successfully leading cross-functional initiatives. Project Management certification is a plus.
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate effectively at all levels of the organization, supporting organizational culture change management.
• Ability to mentor and coach, increasing team’s motivation and focus. Ability to facilitate workshops and to manage high-exposure presentations.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and manage multiple priorities effectively. Proactiveness, flexibility, self-driven motivation, and result orientation are required.