Chief of Staff, Operational Excellence – Manufacturing

Daikin Applied Americas Inc; Faribault (MN); On-site; USD 101,000 - 172,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance options (multiple) +

Dental and vision insurance

401K with employer match

Paid time off and company holidays

Paid sick time per laws

Tuition Reimbursement after 6 months

Work visa sponsorship not available

Job summary

Daikin Applied Americas Inc is seeking a Senior Manager of Operational Excellence to serve as the strategic Chief of Staff to the Vice President of Manufacturing in Faribault, MN. You will lead cross-functional initiatives, manage key business rhythms, and translate priorities into actionable plans with measurable results across safety, quality, cost, and delivery.

The role drives process improvements, standard work, and performance cadences, ensuring alignment and data-driven decisions.

Qualifications

• 4-year bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• 6–8 years of experience in Operations or a related field.
• 4+ years of people leadership experience.
• Master’s degree preferred.
• Familiar with Kaizen improvement processes and the Toyota Production System (preferred).

Responsibilities

• Serve as trusted advisor and extension of the VP of Manufacturing, translating priorities into actionable plans.
• Lead manufacturing operating cadences with KPIs, accountability, and data-driven decisions.
• Drive process-improvement initiatives across manufacturing operations.
• Coordinate cross-functional manufacturing initiatives, removing barriers and mitigating risks.
• Develop executive communications and updates for stakeholders.
• Build relationships across functions to drive collaboration and shared ownership.
• Support change efforts by clarifying roles, processes, and communication.
• Create an organizational training strategy for continuous improvement and workforce development.
• Establish standardized processes for communicating initiatives and conduct periodic audits.
• Utilize Lean, Value Stream Mapping, SIPOC, and RACI to improve processes and lead times.
• Provide leadership support across North America for predictable lead times and best-practices sharing.

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Master’s degree (preferred)

Tools

Kaizen

Toyota Production System

Continuous improvement

Job description

Daikin Applied Americas Inc is seeking a Senior Manager of Operational Excellence to serve as the strategic Chief of Staff to the Vice President of Manufacturing in Faribault, MN. You will lead cross-functional initiatives, manage key business rhythms, and translate priorities into actionable plans with measurable results across safety, quality, cost, and delivery.

The role drives process improvements, standard work, and performance cadences, ensuring alignment and data-driven decisions.