Operational Excellence Program Manager

FORTNA partners with the world's leading brands to transform omnichannel and parcel distribution operations. Known world-wide for enabling companies to keep pace with digital disruption and growth objectives, we design and deliver solutions, powered by intelligent software, to optimize fast, accurate and cost-effective order fulfillment and last mile delivery. Our people, innovative approach and proprietary algorithms and tools ensure optimal operations design and material and information flow. We deliver exceptional value every day to our customers with comprehensive services and products including network strategy, distribution center operational design and implementation, material handling automated equipment, robotics and a comprehensive suite of lifecycle services. At FORTNA, we believe in fostering a workplace that isn't just a job but a movement - a collective effort to redefine success and transform challenges into opportunities. "Join the Movement" encapsulates our commitment to a workplace culture that thrives on collaboration, celebrates diversity, and empowers every individual to contribute to something greater than themselves. Our Team. Our Passion. Our Approach. Position Summary The Manager, Operational Excellence is responsible for driving Lean and Continuous Improvement (CI) initiatives across a multi-site manufacturing network. This role serves as a peer leader to factory leadership teams, fostering a culture of operational discipline, capability building, and sustained performance improvement. The position focuses on embedding Lean principles, standardizing business processes, and developing a highly skilled, continuously improving workforce. Key Responsibilities Partner with site leadership teams to identify, prioritize, and execute Lean and CI initiatives across multiple manufacturing facilities Act as a peer leader and coach to plant leadership, guiding the application of Lean principles and problem-solving methodologies Lead value stream mapping, Kaizen events, and root cause analysis to improve safety, quality, delivery, and cost performance Drive accountability for sustaining improvements and maintaining standard work Champion a culture of continuous improvement, learning, and operational excellence across all sites Influence and engage leaders at all levels to adopt and model Lean behaviors and mindsets Establish and track key performance indicators to measure CI maturity and impact Own and manage factory-wide training programs for a skills-based workforce Design and deliver onboarding and training programs for new factory floor employees Develop and implement leadership development programs for front-line supervisors and production leaders Ensure training systems support certification, skill progression, and workforce flexibility Lead the development and implementation of standardized work and best practices across sites Drive standardization of core business and operational processes to improve consistency and efficiency Support the introduction and scaling of new processes, ensuring alignment with Lean principles Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations, Business, or a related field required Minimum of 5+ years of progressive leadership experience in manufacturing, operations, or operational excellence Proven experience leading Lean transformation and continuous improvement initiatives in a multi-site environment Demonstrated success in influencing senior leaders and driving cross-functional change Skills & Competencies Deep knowledge of lean manufacturing, CI methodologies, and problem-solving tools (e.g., Kaizen, 5S, standard work, root cause analysis) Strong leadership and coaching skills, with the ability to influence without direct authority Experience designing and delivering training and workforce development programs Excellent communication, facilitation, and stakeholder engagement skills Strong analytical and strategic thinking capabilities Key Attributes Passion for developing people and building high-performing teams Ability to balance strategic thinking with hands-on execution High level of resilience, adaptability, and accountability Commitment to fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement This job description describes the general nature and level of work expected of a person assigned to this position. All job requirements listed indicate the minimum level of knowledge, skills and/or ability deemed necessary to perform the job proficiently. Employees may be required to perform any other job-related duties as requested by their supervisor. It is the policy of FORTNA and its affiliated companies to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, citizenship status (if authorized to work in the U.S.), or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, FORTNA will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.