Senior Manager Operational Excellence

Leonardo DRS Land Systems is a recognized leader in the design and integration of complex technologies into new and legacy systems and platforms for global military and commercial customers. Headquartered in Bridgeton, MO with a 100-acre heavy equipment manufacturing facility in West Plains, MO, and a site in Goleta, CA.

About the role

The Senior Manager of Operational Excellence supports the Business Unit on Operational Excellence initiatives and is viewed as a Subject Matter Expert and business partner. This position may be based in West Plains, MO or Bridgeton, MO, with 50% travel required to West Plains if based in Bridgeton. APEX (Always Performing for Excellence) is the Leonardo DRS Operational Excellence program designed to drive culture and performance to new levels.

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; lead complex investigations and teach/coach others in problem-solving methodology.
• Conduct briefings and provide technical guidance for senior leadership and top executive management.
• Establish processes conforming to organizational policies, values, and federal, state, and local 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.
• Effectively communicate project status, objectives, risks, and mitigation plans to team members, senior leaders, and key stakeholders.
• Manage the Quality and Lean Six Sigma strategy to facilitate continuous production 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 KPI and metric management for data-based decision making.
• Identify and support individuals with interest 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, and deployment of lean manufacturing principles.
• 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.
• Attend appropriate customer or business meetings.
• Perform other responsibilities as needed by the organization.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related technical field with a minimum of 5 years experience 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 40% as needed.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Pet insurance.
• 401K retirement plan with company contribution to a health savings account.
• Employee Stock Purchase plan.
• Short-term and long-term disability coverage.
• Life insurance and legal insurance.
• Vacation, health, and emergency leave.
• Paid holidays and paid parental leave.
• Student loan repayment and tuition reimbursement.
• Flexible work schedule with 9/80 program.
• Wellness programs focusing on physical, emotional, and financial well-being.
• Professional development and skill enhancement programs.
• Community service hours.