Operational Excellence Project Manager

About the Role

We are looking for a Operational Excellence Project Manager, Materials based in our Westbury, NY facility. In this role, you will identify, drive, and support projects aimed at enhancing business processes, improving operational efficiency, and achieving organizational goals. The scope of the role covers the Product Line "Materials" within Oerlikon Surface Solutions, with a focus on North American production plants, while also supporting projects that impact production sites globally. The Operational Excellence Project Manager collaborates closely with teams across the various production plants as well as with global functions. The incumbent will work across departments, engage key stakeholders, and ensure alignment with organizational objectives to deliver measurable and sustainable results.

Responsibilities

• Support planning, budgeting and prioritization of Operational Excellence projects in collaboration with Head of Strategic Projects & Operational Excellence and functional/plant managers to meet annual Operational Excellence objectives.
• Support project identification: Identify inefficiencies and opportunities for improvement through data analysis, process mapping, and stakeholder feedback
• Lead or support Operational Excellence projects to achieve organizational goals (e.g. enhance business processes, improve operational efficiency, develop KPI and respective reporting structures, drive shopfloor digitalization, improve standardization across plants)
• Leverage Lean, Six Sigma, or other process improvement methodologies in projects to enhance workflows and eliminate waste.
• Define project scope, objectives, and deliverables in alignment with involved functions and organizational goals.
• Develop comprehensive project plans, timelines, and budgets
• Lead cross-functional teams to execute projects and monitor progress to achieve milestones on time and within budget.
• Track and report project performance, ensuring transparency
• Support maintenance of governance scheme for project execution tracking incl. project reviews
• Ensure project progress reporting in alignment with organizational requirements
• Support know-how exchange between production plants and functions
• Support and coach the organization effectively using Operational Excellence methods & tools.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related technical field.
• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in an industrial/manufacturing environment or management consulting.
• Proven success managing projects within operations environments, including stakeholder management across multiple functions.
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing methodologies and Six Sigma; Lean Six Sigma certification is preferred.
• Demonstrated experience supporting and driving business transformation initiatives.
• Strong analytical and conceptual thinking skills, combined with a hands-on, results-oriented approach.
• Experience working in cross-cultural and international business environments.
• Fluent in English, both written and verbal.
• Willingness and flexibility to travel as required.
• Strong collaboration skills with the ability to influence and lead without direct authority.
• Team-building and change management capabilities.
• Team-oriented mindset with excellent interpersonal skills.
• Self-motivated, proactive, open-minded, and positive, with the ability to challenge the status quo constructively.
• Comfortable working in fast-paced, dynamic environments.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical and prescription drug plan with low premiums, company sponsored HSA contributions and without cumbersome waiting periods.
• Excellent Dental and Vision coverage.
• Employee Assistance, Financial and Wellness programs.
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with significant company match and financial planning and education options.
• Tuition reimbursement and internal education resources.
• Generous paid time off to support your physical and mental wellbeing.
• 12 paid company holidays.
• 100% company paid life insurance and disability insurance.
• Employee Referral Bonus program.

Pay

$120,000 to $150,000 per year. Some positions within Oerlikon may also offer eligibility to participate in a discretionary incentive program. The salary of the finalist(s) selected for the role will be based on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, internal equity, job location, work experience, education, training, certifications, licenses, etc.

Schedule

2 weeks paid time off accrued on a monthly basis, 12 holidays, 48 hours personal/sick time (exception for NY where we follow State law).