Senior Manager Operational Excellence

About the role

Leonardo DRS Land Systems is seeking a full-time Senior Manager of Operational Excellence based in Bridgeton, MO, with up to 50% travel to West Plains, MO. The Senior Operational Excellence Manager supports the Business Unit on Operational Excellence initiatives and serves as a Subject Matter Expert and business partner. APEX (Always Performing for Excellence) is the Leonardo DRS Operational Excellence program designed to drive culture and top performance.

Responsibilities

• Guide, maintain, and monitor the operational excellence program and activities, ensuring integration and coordination with Operational Excellence leadership
• Manage opportunities identified for improvement using Operational Excellence principles and methodologies
• Oversee process improvement events, define and monitor performance metrics, foster culture, and mentor the quality team
• Provide subject matter expertise in structured problem solving and root cause analysis, leading complex investigations and coaching others in problem-solving methodology
• Conduct briefings with and provide technical guidance for senior leadership and top executive management
• Establish processes and ensure conformity to organizational and corporate policies, values, and applicable regulations
• Lead cross-functional teams in defining and scoping charters for continuous improvement projects
• Provide advice and assistance to other departments as required
• Establish and utilize dashboards for KPIs, track performance of Operational Excellence cost savings and project goals
• Manage execution in support of 5S, Visual Controls, Risk Management, Change Management, and Strategy Deployment
• Develop and maintain integrated project plans
• Communicate effectively with team members, senior leaders, and key stakeholders on project status, objectives, risks, and mitigation plans
• Manage the Quality and Lean Six Sigma strategy to facilitate continuous production of products consistent with industry standards, government regulations, and customer requirements
• Ensure OE standards (e.g., DMAIC, Lean, Root Cause Analysis) are used for problem solving and daily continuous improvement
• Champion use of KPI/metric management for data-based decision making
• Identify and support individuals interested in OE leading to development/certification of future Yellow/Green/Black Belts
• Improve overall business operations focusing on material flow, line balancing, lineside material presentation, deployment, and other lean manufacturing principles and practices
• Provide training in support of operational excellence objectives and execution of chartered projects
• Support and drive Corrective Action Request responses and share best practices
• Manage budget, cost, schedule, and rate of return for operational excellence activities
• Communicate clearly (written and oral) with customers, people, and partners
• Support, communicate, reinforce, and defend the mission, values, and culture of the organization

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related technical field
• Minimum of 5 years focused in Lean Practice and Problem Solving or Operational Excellence
• 7+ years of relevant experience
• Industry certification in Lean Principles and/or Six Sigma
• Proficient technical expertise with demonstrated application
• Excellent interpersonal, leadership, negotiation, communication, and writing skills
• Willing and able to travel up to 50% as needed

Pay

The salary range for this position is $116,811.00/year – $157,695.00/year for the state of Illinois. Several factors can influence the pay scale, including but not limited to: federal contract labor categories and contract wage rates, collective bargaining agreements, geographic location, business considerations, scope and responsibilities of the position, local or other applicable market conditions, and internal equity. Other factors include the candidate’s qualifications such as prior work experience, specific skills and competencies, education/training, and certifications.

Benefits

• Annual performance-based bonuses
• Equity awards
• Overtime pay (for non-exempt employees as applicable)
• Comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, vision)
• Employer matching 401(k) retirement plan
• Paid time off including vacation, holidays, and sick leave (including any state-mandated paid sick leave)
• Parental leave benefits
• Tuition reimbursement
• Professional development support
• Life and disability insurance coverage
• Company contribution to a health savings account
• Telemedicine
• Legal insurance
• Wellness programs focusing on physical, emotional, and financial well-being
• Career-growth, professional development, and skill enhancement programs
• Flexible work schedules with 9/80 program
• Competitive vacation, health/emergency leave, paid parental leave, and community service hours