Director of Operational Excellence

Tenex Capital Management; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Tenex Capital Management seeks a Director of Operational Excellence to lead continuous improvement across manufacturing and distribution operations. The role applies lean methods, data analytics, and engineering discipline to eliminate waste, expand capacity, and build a culture of continuous improvement.

Responsibilities include project leadership, capital deployments, Kaizen events, and training, with travel across North America.

Qualifications

• B.S. in Industrial Engineering or closely related field.
• Proven experience leading continuous improvement and Lean initiatives.
• Strong data analysis skills and ability to translate insights into practice.
• Experience with Kaizen events and capital projects deployment.

Responsibilities

• Partner with local business leaders to drive projects to completion using data analytics, engineering deployment, Capex, and training.
• Lead cost-reduction projects using Lean/Six Sigma tools and methodologies.
• Improve operations by eliminating waste, improving material flow, and reducing tooling costs.
• Design quality controls and lead root-cause investigations of inefficiencies and failures.
• Prepare feasibility studies, value analyses, and cost justifications for tooling, equipment, and IT systems.
• Direct production operations planning, including production flow and equipment selection.
• Oversee development of layouts, drawings, and test plans and resolve design issues with senior staff.
• Ensure safety practices are followed when new processes are implemented.
• Train and mentor staff on quality checks, workflow balancing, and improvement methods.
• Document improved processes to sustain gains across sites.

Skills

Lean Methodologies

Kaizen

Value Stream Mapping

Six Sigma

Data Analytics

Education

BS Industrial Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

SolidWorks

Minitab

Excel

Job description

A Tenex Portfolio Company is seeking a Director of Operational Excellence to join our platform. The Director leads the execution of continuous improvement projects and initiatives that support the business’ continued growth. The role applies lean methodologies, data analytics, and engineering discipline to eliminate waste, expand capacity, and build a continuous improvement culture across our manufacturing and distribution operations.

Typical work includes developing engineering solutions; identifying, validating, and deploying capital equipment; analyzing operational data; and leading Kaizen events and training. The Director partners directly with local business leadership on two strategic initiatives: Lean and Capital Projects (90%) and Sustainability (10%).

Key Responsibilities:

• Partner with local business leaders to drive assigned projects to completion, including data analytics, engineering development, Capex deployment, and training.
• Lead, facilitate, and manage cost-reduction projects using Lean and Six Sigma tools and methodologies.
• Improve operational systems and efficiency by eliminating waste, improving material flow, reducing tooling costs, and setting standard cycle times.
• Design quality controls to make production operations error-free, and lead structured root cause investigation of system inefficiencies and failures.
• Prepare feasibility studies, value analyses, and cost justifications for tooling, equipment, machinery, and IT systems, and confirm that costs incurred are justified.
• Direct the design and planning of production operations, including assembly methods, production flow, equipment selection, and supporting IT systems.
• Oversee the development of detailed layouts, drawings, and test plans, and confer with senior leadership and technical personnel to resolve design issues.
• Review operational areas for safety hazards and confirm safe practices are followed when new processes are implemented.
• Train and mentor supervisors, operators, and new engineering staff on quality checks, workflow balancing, and improvement methods.
• Document improved processes and standard work so gains are sustained across sites.

Qualifications:

• Expertise in continuous improvement and Lean tools, including Hoshin planning, A3 thinking, value stream mapping, Kaizen, Kanban, Heijunka, Poka-Yoke, SMED, TPM, KATA, standardized work, takt time, 5S, and visual factory.
• Working knowledge of lean operating concepts such as continuous flow, level scheduling, Gemba, Andon, autonomation, just-in-time, bottleneck analysis, OEE, the six big losses, muda, and PDCA.
• Structured problem solving and root cause analysis, with the ability to lead an investigation to resolution.
• Standard process development and intuitive workflow analytics.
• Mechanical aptitude and technical understanding of manufacturing processes.
• Project management, including scoping, scheduling, and KPI-based reporting against SMART goals.
• Statistical analysis in Excel or Minitab; AutoCAD and SolidWorks proficiency preferred.
• Proficiency with the Microsoft Suite, including Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and Visio.
• Strong written and verbal communication, with solid presentation and facilitation skills.
• Proven leader of teams and work groups, and an advocate for innovation and change.

Preferred Experience:

• B.S. in Industrial Engineering or a closely related engineering discipline.
• 7–10 years of practical manufacturing or distribution experience.
• Six Sigma Black Belt certification is an advantage.
• Experience leading a company-wide or network-wide lean manufacturing implementation preferred.

Location & Travel:

• Travel is approximately 50%, with frequency varying based on project needs and site priorities. Travel is primarily within Canada, U.S. and Mexico.

Tenex Capital Management:

Tenex Capital Management is a private equity firm that invests in middle-market companies. Tenex uses an in-house team of hybrid investment professionals skilled in operational leadership, investing and capital markets structuring to maximize long-term value creation. Tenex’s deep operating experience allows the firm to collaborate with management teams to capitalize on business and market opportunities. Tenex has successfully invested in a diverse range of industries, including industrials, business services, healthcare, building products, and auto aftermarket, among others. Learn more at www.tenexcm.com