Operational Director – Continuous Improvement

Elkay; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive Salary

Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance

Matching 401(k) Contribution

Paid Vacation

Annual Bonus Eligibility

Educational Reimbursement

Job summary

A leading water solutions company in Milwaukee is seeking an Operational Director – Continuous Improvement to lead initiatives across manufacturing. The role requires extensive experience in Lean methodologies and a solid background in operational leadership. The ideal candidate will be responsible for driving safety, quality, and cost improvements, alongside fostering a culture of continuous improvement. This position offers competitive compensation and a chance to make a difference in a thriving company.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience.
• At least 5 years in a continuous improvement or operational excellence capacity.
• Proven track record implementing Lean methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Lead operational excellence initiatives across manufacturing.
• Develop a site-wide continuous improvement roadmap.
• Champion a culture of operational excellence through coaching.

Skills

Lean methodologies

Manufacturing leadership

Problem-solving

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field

Lean Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or higher)

Job description

Operational Director – Continuous Improvement page is loaded## Operational Director – Continuous Improvementlocations: Lanark, ILtime type: Full timeposted on: Posted 2 Days Agojob requisition id: REQ-019155Operational Director – Continuous Improvement# ## *The Company*Zurn Elkay Water Solutions Corporation is a thriving, values-driven company focused on doing the right things. We’re a fast growing, publicly traded company (NYSE: ZWS), with an enduring reputation for integrity, giving back, and providing an engaging, inclusive environment where careers flourish and grow.Named by Newsweek as One of America’s Most Responsible Companies and an Energage USA Top Workplace, at Zurn Elkay Water Solutions Corporation, we never forget that our people are at the center of what makes us successful. They are the driving force behind our superior quality, product ingenuity, and exceptional customer experience. Our commitment to our people and their professional development is a recipe for success that has fueled our growth for over 100 years, as one of today’s leading international suppliers of plumbing and water delivery solutions.Headquartered in Milwaukee, WI, Zurn Elkay Water Solutions Corporation employs over 2800 employees worldwide, working from 24 locations across the U.S., China, Canada, Dubai, and Mexico, with sales offices available around the globe. We hope you’ll visit our website and learn more about Zurn Elkay at zurnelkay.com.If you’re ready to join a company where what you do makes a difference and you have pride in the work you are doing, talk to us about joining the Zurn Elkay Water Solutions Corporation family!# **If you are a current employee, please navigate** **to apply internally.****About the Role**The Operational Director – Continuous Improvement, reporting to the VP - Continuous Improvement, will lead operational excellence initiatives across Zurn Elkay Water Solutions’ Drinking Water Lanark manufacturing plant. This role combines strategic leadership with hands-on implementation of Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies to drive performance in safety, quality, delivery, cost, and associate engagement. The ideal candidate will have deep experience in manufacturing operations leadership and a proven track record of embedding a culture of continuous improvement and sustainable results.**Key Focus Areas*** Develop and execute a site-wide continuous improvement roadmap, integrating Lean principles and methodologies (e.g., Kaizen, VDM, 5S, TPM, SMED) into all levels of the organization.* Partner closely with the Plant Manager and functional leaders to align daily execution with strategic business goals.* Champion a culture of operational excellence through coaching, training, and mentoring of leaders and associates on Lean tools, problem-solving, and waste elimination.* Partner with Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and Maintenance teams to improve production flow, increase equipment uptime, and optimize resource utilization.* Lead major improvement initiatives and capital projects aimed at improving manufacturing efficiency, process standardization, and operational reliability.* Serve as a key member of the Drinking Water Operations leadership team, sharing best practices and standardizing processes across multiple manufacturing sites.**Qualifications*** Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.* 10+ years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience, with at least 5 years in a continuous improvement or operational excellence capacity.* Proven track record implementing Lean methodologies and driving measurable operational improvement.* Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, production planning, and plant performance systems.* Demonstrated ability to lead through influence, engage teams, and drive cultural change.* Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills.* Lean Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or higher) preferred.## ## *Total Rewards and Benefits** Competitive Salary* Medical, Dental, Vision, STD, LTD, AD&D, and Life Insurance* Matching 401(k) Contribution* Health Savings Account* Up to 3 weeks starting Vacation (may increase with tenure)* 12 Paid Holidays* Annual Bonus Eligibility* Educational Reimbursement* Matching Gift Program* Employee Stock Purchase Plan – purchase company stock at a discount!\*\*THIRD PARTY AGENCY: Any unsolicited submissions received from recruitment agencies will be considered property of Zurn Elkay, and we will not be liable for any fees or obligations related to those submissions.\*\*Equal Opportunity Employer – Minority/Female/Disability/Veteran**Zurn Elkay Water Solutions Corporation***A sustainability powerhouse is born, making a splash in the markets they serve and saving the planet one innovative installation at a time.*In early 2022, Zurn Water Solutions Corporation, a market leader in smart, sustainable water solutions, and Elkay Manufacturing, a commercial drinking water solutions leader, agreed to combine their two exceptional firms to become a single water solutions powerhouse.Together, the combined company offers a comprehensive package of innovative, sustainable, specified, engineered water solutions and sustainable plumbing products that provide water safety, water quality, and water conservation through critical service environments, while delivering total building solutions for new construction and retrofit applications around the globe. Our innovative solutions enable customers to advance their ESG initiatives and reduce operating costs while providing students, patients, patrons, and people within public and private spaces a safe, clean environment and access to fresh, pure, potable water – the essence of life itself.**What makes Zurn Elkay Water Solutions Corporation special is our people and our culture.**While playing a leading role in sustainability and water access are remarkable, what makes Zurn Elkay’s story so compelling is the alignment of the two well-respected companies with powerful legacies and a combined 224-year company history and shared values and cultures where people matter most.Sustainably inspired, the company has a deep commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, water, and environmental stewardship, and giving back to the communities where we live, work and play. Our powerful legacy of caring and commitment is made possible by the exceptional people that embody Zurn Elkay’s values.We are looking for innovative, energetic people who want to help solve tomorrow’s challenges today. Our Total Associate Engagement core value means we work hard to ensure our associates have opportunities to grow and an inclusive culture in which to thrive. From formal training to on-the-job development and exposure to new businesses, when you join Zurn Elkay, you will join a collaborative organization that will give you opportunities to thrive and grow.