Manager of Operational Excellence and Quality

Gilder Search Group; Cleveland (OH); On-site; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Gilder Search Group in Cleveland, OH seeks a Manager of Operational Excellence & Quality to design, standardize, and continuously improve processes across production and supply chain, ensuring quality, safety, and regulatory compliance. This role bridges strategy and execution, partnering with IT, Security, and Compliance to implement scalable, auditable operations aligned with customer expectations.

You will lead Lean Six Sigma initiatives, develop SOPs and control plans, and drive KPI

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Operations Management, Quality, or a related technical field required.
• 5+ years of progressive experience in operational excellence, quality management, industrial engineering, or manufacturing operations roles.
• Demonstrated experience leading Lean, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement initiatives in a production or supply chain environment.
• Working knowledge of quality management systems and regulatory frameworks such as ISO 9001, e-Stewards, R2, or similar standards.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to translate data into actionable operational improvements and KPI-driven outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Own and evolve quality management processes across production and supply chain operations
• Define, document, and maintain SOPs, work instructions, and control plans
• Lead root cause analysis (RCA), corrective and preventive actions (CAPA)
• Establish and monitor quality KPIs and SLA adherence
• Analyze workflows, layouts, labor models, and throughput
• Apply Lean / Six Sigma methodologies
• Support facility expansions and process redesigns
• Develop scalable standard work models
• Support ISO, e-Stewards, R2, and similar frameworks
• Support audits and corrective actions
• Embed safety and data-security controls into operations
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification preferred (or willingness to obtain)
• Strong communication, change management, and leadership skills with the ability to influence without direct authority.

Skills

Lean Six Sigma

Cross-functional leadership

Data analysis

Quality improvement

Education

Bachelor's degree in Industrial/Manufacturing Engineering or related

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Quality management systems (QMS)

ISO 9001 knowledge

Job description

Manager of Operational Excellence & Quality

Job Description

Role Summary

• The Manager, Operational Excellence & Quality is a cross-functional leader within Supply Chain and Production responsible for designing, standardizing, and continuously improving operational processes that drive quality, efficiency, safety, and compliance across MCPC operations.
• This role serves as a bridge between strategy and execution, partnering with Production, Supply Chain, IT, Security, Safety, and Compliance teams to ensure processes are scalable, auditable, and aligned with customer expectations and regulatory requirements.
• Depending on prior experience, this role may also support product and service lifecycle management, internal compliance programs, and safety initiatives.

• Key Responsibilities – Quality & Continuous Improvement

• Own and evolve quality management processes across production and supply chain operations
• Define, document, and maintain SOPs, work instructions, and control plans
• Lead root cause analysis (RCA), corrective and preventive actions (CAPA)
• Establish and monitor quality KPIs and SLA adherence

• Industrial Engineering & Process Optimization

• Analyze workflows, layouts, labor models, and throughput
• Apply Lean / Six Sigma methodologies
• Support facility expansions and process redesigns
• Develop scalable standard work models

• Compliance, Safety & Risk Management

• Support ISO, e-Stewards, R2, and similar frameworks
• Support audits and corrective actions
• Embed safety and data-security controls into operations

• Education, Experience & Other Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Operations Management, Quality, or a related technical field required;
• Master’s degree preferred.
• 5+ years of progressive experience in operational excellence, quality management, industrial engineering, or manufacturing operations roles.
• Demonstrated experience leading Lean, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement initiatives in a production or supply chain environment.
• Working knowledge of quality management systems and regulatory frameworks such as ISO 9001, e-Stewards, R2, or similar standards.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to translate data into actionable operational improvements and KPI-driven outcomes.
• Proven ability to work cross-functionally with Production, Supply Chain, IT, Security, Safety, and Compliance teams.
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification preferred (or willingness to obtain).
• Strong communication, change management, and leadership skills with the ability to influence without direct authority.