Manager of Operational Excellence and Quality

Gilder Search Group; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Gilder Search Group seeks a Manager of Operational Excellence & Quality to drive cross-functional process improvements across production and supply chain. You will design, document, and continuously improve quality programs, SOPs, and control plans while leading RCA/CAPA activities.

The role requires 5+ years in operational excellence or quality with Lean/Six Sigma experience and knowledge of ISO 9001 or similar frameworks. Strong analytical and leadership skills are essential for success.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Operations Management, Quality, or 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 production or supply chain.
• Working knowledge of ISO 9001, e-Stewards, R2, or similar standards.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to translate data into actionable 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).

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
• Embed safety and data-security controls into operations

Skills

Cross-functional leadership

Lean Six Sigma

Quality management

Root cause analysis

SOPs & control plans

KPI development

Regulatory knowledge ISO 9001

Education

Bachelor's degree in Industrial/Manufacturing Engineering or related field

Master’s degree preferred

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, S& 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.