Operational Excellence Manager - Formulations

Key Responsibilities

• Lead enterprise-wide operational excellence initiatives focused on formulation optimization, process efficiency, product quality, and cost improvement.
• Drive continuous improvement efforts using Lean Six Sigma methodologies and structured problem-solving frameworks including DMAIC and related operational excellence tools.
• Partner cross-functionally with manufacturing, engineering, sourcing, quality, finance, and R&D teams to optimize product formulations, ingredients, processing methods, and manufacturing systems.
• Utilize expertise in formulation science, process engineering, and manufacturing systems to develop product and process requirements and establish best practices.
• Analyze operational data, process performance, and manufacturing trends to identify opportunities for optimization and sustainable performance improvements.
• Develop systems, controls, and performance metrics to monitor process effectiveness and maintain long-term improvements.
• Lead root cause investigations and resolve complex operational challenges impacting product quality, throughput, efficiency, and cost.
• Train, mentor, and coach teams on operational excellence principles, process capability, statistical tools, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Support product, process, equipment, and formulation deployment initiatives across multiple manufacturing locations.
• Collaborate with operational leadership on capital and non-capital improvement opportunities and assist with project analysis, business justification, and implementation strategies.
• Maintain compliance with industry standards, quality systems, and regulatory requirements impacting manufacturing and product formulation activities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Chemistry, Food Science, or related technical field required; equivalent technical experience may also be considered.
• 12+ years of experience driving process optimization, operational excellence, formulation improvements, or technical leadership within manufacturing environments.
• Strong knowledge of formulation science, product development, ingredients, manufacturing processes, and process optimization.
• Demonstrated expertise in continuous improvement methodologies including Lean Six Sigma and structured problem-solving practices.
• Licenses or certifications: Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification required or equivalent demonstrated mastery with a proven record of operational excellence leadership. Master Black Belt certification preferred.
• Strong understanding of quality systems, process controls, statistical analysis, and manufacturing performance metrics.
• Demonstrated financial acumen with experience evaluating operational performance, cost improvements, and investment opportunities.
• Project management experience leading complex, cross-functional initiatives.
• Prominent leadership skills with a self-directed, ownership-driven, servant leadership mindset.
• Ability to travel approximately 30–50% based on business needs.