Operational Excellence Specialist

About the Role

At Ball, integrity and trust are the foundation of who we are. Guided by our core values — "We Care. We Work. We Win." — we create a culture where every voice matters, and every idea drives progress. Together with our global employees, customers, and partners, we're turning bold sustainability goals into reality and shaping a future we can all be proud of.

The Operational Excellence Specialist is an entry level position. It is both a facilitative leader and a learner, operating under the supervision of the Regional Operational Excellence Manager. The Operational Excellence Specialist is expected to be able to learn and understand the can making process and get involved with day to day operations at the plant.

The dual focus is on leading standardization of the management process at the plant, working directly with employees on all shifts and teams, and leading various process improvement assignments and projects that yield bottom-line productivity, improved throughput and better quality. This is an entry level development role with an assignment of approximately 2 years. After 2 years, through solid performance, candidates may have an opportunity to grow into a Plant Supervisor role and a path to other future leadership roles.

Responsibilities

• Serve as plant resource to facilitate/execute plant standardization of the management system and work with employees at all levels to help facilitate, train and track implementation to standard.
• Lead and facilitate improvement teams, workshop teams, and individual improvement projects aligned with plant or department priorities.
• Participate as a team member, problem solving resource and group facilitator on plant or department improvement teams as required; also participate in daily problem-solving activities.
• Collaborate with plant team to conduct process analysis and performance reporting in support of internal or external client needs.
• Learn and practice Lean tools and techniques (DMAIC, PDCA, root cause analysis, risk assessment/FMEA, kaizen).
• Collaborate with plant training resources to support the development, documentation, training, sustainment and improvement of standardized work.
• Support and facilitate adoption of best practices to eliminate waste and improve performance for assigned plant or function.
• Present, educate, train and facilitate at all levels and to external audiences.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in engineering, Science, Supply Chain or equivalent work-related experience.
• Job related experience in process improvement or project management; manufacturing experience (preferred).

Skills

• Must be able to prioritize multiple projects, perform complex tasks, organize and follow through consistently and work under pressure to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Proven team builder and leader.
• Strong written and oral communication, facilitation and presentation skills.
• Ability to influence upward, across and down without formal authority.
• Willing to take risks, challenge the status quo and work under ambiguous circumstances.
• Intellectually, emotionally and logically capable and confident; has the intelligence and stature to quickly gain credibility and become a trusted advisor.
• Computer based skills (MS Excel, PowerPoint, Word).

Compensation & Benefits

Expected Hiring Salary Range: $66,700 - $93,160 (Salary to be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.)

This role will be eligible to participate in the annual incentive compensation plan. Please visit our "Total Rewards" page to learn more about Ball's comprehensive benefits structure.

Work Environment

This position requires regular in-person engagement by working on-site. Travel and local commute between Ball locations and other possible non-Ball locations may be required.