Operational Excellence Director

DescriptionThe Operational Excellence Director is responsible for leading enterprise-wide initiatives to drive continuous improvement, enhance operational efficiency, and foster a culture of excellence. This strategic leadership role focuses on implementing Lean and Six Sigma methodologies, ensuring workplace safety, and optimizing processes to achieve measurable business results.Key Responsibilities:Continuous Improvement Leadership:Develop and execute comprehensive operational excellence strategy aligned with business objectivesLead cross-functional teams to identify, prioritize, and implement improvement opportunitiesEstablish and monitor KPIs to track operational performance and improvement initiativesDrive sustainable process improvements that reduce waste, increase efficiency, and improve qualityFacilitate kaizen events, value stream mapping, and rapid improvement workshopsLean & Six Sigma Implementation:Champion Lean and Six Sigma methodologies throughout the organizationLead complex DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control) projectsDevelop and maintain a pipeline of Lean Six Sigma projects with measurable ROITrain and mentor employees in Lean and Six Sigma tools and techniquesBuild internal capability by developing Green Belts, Black Belts, and Master Black BeltsStandardize best practices and ensure knowledge transfer across teamsSafety & Risk Management:Partner with EHS leadership to integrate safety into continuous improvement initiativesPromote a zero-incident safety culture through behavioral-based safety programsConduct safety assessments and implement corrective actionsEnsure all improvement initiatives maintain or enhance safety standardsLead incident investigations and root cause analysis using appropriate methodologiesStrategic Leadership:Serve as a change agent and advocate for operational excellence principlesCollaborate with senior leadership to align operational excellence with strategic goalsBuild and lead a high-performing operational excellence teamManage operational excellence budget and resourcesPresent results and recommendations to executive leadership and board of directorsCulture & Capability Development:Foster a culture of continuous improvement at all organizational levelsDesign and deliver training programs on Lean, Six Sigma, and problem-solving toolsEstablish recognition programs to celebrate improvement successesCoach and mentor leaders to embed operational excellence in daily managementCreate communication strategies to share best practices and success storiesRequirementsEducation & Experience:Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, Operations Management, or related fieldSix Sigma Black Belt certification (required)Lean certification (required)10+ years of progressive experience in operations, manufacturing, or continuous improvement5+ years in leadership roles managing operational excellence or continuous improvement programsProven track record of leading successful Lean and Six Sigma transformationsDemonstrated experience delivering significant cost savings and efficiency gainsExperience with safety management systems and regulatory complianceTechnical Expertise:Expert knowledge of Lean principles (5S, VSM, Kaizen, TPM, SMED, Poka-Yoke)Advanced Six Sigma methodology and statistical analysisProficiency with process improvement tools (Minitab, Visio, MS Project)Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilitiesData analysis and data-driven decision-making expertisePreferred Qualifications:Master's degree in Business Administration, Engineering, or related fieldSix Sigma Master Black Belt certificationProfessional certifications (PMP, ASQ CQE, Lean Practitioner)Experience in specific industry (e.g., manufacturing, healthcare, logistics)Change management certification (Prosci, ADKAR)Experience with digital transformation and Industry 4.0 technologiesFamiliarity with ISO 9001, ISO 14001, or similar quality management systemsOur Benefits!#1 CULTURE!!!Fun, Family-Oriented Work Environment!Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits that begin on your 1st day of work!Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)Company Paid Life, Dependent Life, Short- & Long-Term Disability Insurance10 Paid Holidays per yearVacation & Personal TimeEmployer HSA ContributionCompany Paid Bereavement TimeCompany Paid Maternity and Paternity LeaveOnsite Gym