Operation Excellence Manager

Daikin Applied; Faribault (MN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 153,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Vision insurance

Paid time off

Paid holidays

Sick time

Tuition Reimbursement

401K

Retirement plan

Job summary

Daikin Applied in Minnesota is seeking a senior continuous improvement leader to drive enterprise-wide initiatives and align efforts with business strategy. You will identify opportunities, facilitate value stream mapping, and mentor teams in problem-solving methodologies.

The role emphasizes KPI tracking, standard work, and cross-functional collaboration to sustain improvements. A strong Lean/Six Sigma background with TPS experience is preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a STEM field or related engineering discipline.
• 8+ years of quality experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Lean and Six Sigma certifications are preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead enterprise-wide continuous improvement initiatives aligned with business strategy and performance goals
• Identify, prioritize, and execute process improvement opportunities using Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, and problem-solving tools
• Facilitate value stream mapping, root cause analysis, and improvement workshops across functions
• Establish and track KPIs to measure operational performance and improvement impact
• Coach and mentor leaders and teams on continuous improvement principles and behaviors
• Drive standard work, visual management, and process governance to ensure sustainability of improvements
• Partner with senior leadership to translate strategic objectives into operational execution
• Support change management efforts to embed a culture of continuous improvement
• Lead or support training programs (Yellow Belt, Green Belt) to build organizational capability
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Operations, Finance, IT, HR, and other teams to remove operational barriers

Skills

Lean

Six Sigma

Kaizen

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's Degree in STEM

Tools

Toyota Production System

Job description

• medical insurance
• vision insurance
• paid time off
• paid holidays
• sick time
• tuition reimbursement
• 401(k)
• retirement plan

What you will do:

• Lead enterprise-wide continuous improvement initiatives aligned with business strategy and performance goals
• Identify, prioritize, and execute process improvement opportunities using Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, and problem-solving tools
• Facilitate value stream mapping, root cause analysis, and improvement workshops across functions
• Establish and track key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure operational performance and improvement impact
• Coach and mentor leaders and teams on continuous improvement principles and behaviors
• Drive standard work, visual management, and process governance to ensure sustainability of improvements
• Partner with senior leadership to translate strategic objectives into operational execution
• Support change management efforts to embed a culture of continuous improvement
• Lead or support training programs (e.g., Yellow Belt, Green Belt) to build organizational capability
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Operations, Finance, IT, HR, and other teams to remove operational barriers

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in a STEM-related discipline
• 8+ Years of quality-related experience in a manufacturing environment

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with Kaizen improvement processes
• Experience with the Toyota Production System

Daikin Applied offers the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements:

• Multiple medical insurance plan options + dental and vision insurance
• 401K retirement plan with employer match
• Paid time off and company paid holidays
• Paid sick time in accordance with the federal, state and local law
• Tuition Reimbursement after 6 months of continuous service

The typical pay rate for the position ranges from $90,000 - $153,300 + 10% bonus in Minnesota. The range displayed represents the pay range for all positions in the job grade which this position(s) fall. Individual hourly pay rate will depend on a wide range of factors including your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.

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Employment is contingent upon successful completion of pre-employment requirements, including verification of employment history, education, background screening, and drug testing where permitted by law. Safety-sensitive positions may require cannabis (marijuana) testing. All testing and employment decisions will comply with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

If you're looking for an engaging career with growth opportunities in a supportive environment, you'll love a career at Daikin Applied!