Operational Excellence Engineer

Apogee Architectural Metals; Town of Wausau (WI); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, and Disability Insurance

401(k) with employer contribution

Tuition Reimbursement Program

Paid Time Off

Wellness Program

Job summary

Apogee Architectural Metals is looking for an Operational Excellence Specialist Senior to lead initiatives that enhance efficiency and reduce costs. The position requires extensive experience in AMS methodologies with a focus on continuous improvement across the organization.

The successful candidate will be responsible for mentoring teams, driving cultural change, and ensuring alignment of initiatives with organizational goals. A Bachelor’s degree and experience in lean manufacturing are preferred, along with strong problem-solving skills.

Competitive benefits include a 401(k), incentive plans, and tuition reimbursement.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in continuous improvement or lean manufacturing deployment preferred.
• Experience leading cross-functional project teams is required.
• Lean/Six Sigma certification is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead the planning and execution of Ops initiatives.
• Create new AMS standards and drive culture change.
• Train and mentor teams in structured problem-solving.

Skills

Cross-functional project leadership

Continuous improvement methodologies

Lean/Six Sigma

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience

Job description

Apogee Architectural Metals is a segment of Apogee Enterprises, Inc. (NASDAQ: APOG), founded in 1949 and headquartered in Minneapolis, MN. It designs and delivers architectural products and services that enclose and enhance commercial buildings. Apogee Architectural Metals specializes in aluminum framing, windows, storefront, curtainwall, and entrance systems. We provide integrated capabilities, including design, engineering, extrusion, finishing, fabrication and assembly, across North America with brands such as Alumicor, EFCO, Linetec, Tubelite, and Wausau.

Position Summary

The Operational Excellence Specialist Senior serves as a strategic leader, responsible for driving transformational change and fostering a culture of continuous improvement across the organization. This role involves the development and execution of high‑impact initiatives aimed at enhancing efficiency, reducing costs, and improving overall operational performance. Drawing on extensive experience in AMS methodologies, the Senior OE Specialist provides mentorship to cross‑functional teams, manages interns, ensures alignment of improvement efforts with organizational goals, and delivers strategic insights to leadership. The role emphasizes a proactive approach to identifying opportunities, implementing solutions, sustaining improvements to SQDCP, and champions the AMS culture.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the planning and execution of Ops initiatives, driving significant impact on operational performance.
• Create new AMS standards and drive culture change across the organization.
• Lead large‑scope initiatives across manufacturing and non‑manufacturing functions by applying advanced problem‑solving methodologies.
• Serve as a subject‑matter expert and coach in structured problem‑solving, training and mentoring teams in a variety of tools while ensuring rigor, consistency, and sustainable results.
• Lead collecting and analyzing operational and process data to identify inefficiencies, constraints, and performance gaps; conduct research on best practices, technologies, and methods to inform solution development and investment decisions.
• Research, propose, lead and execute the creation of projects, defining timelines with safety, quality, and cost in mind.
• Work with the team to meet the service needs/requirements for each project.
• Serve as a trusted partner to all areas of the organization—leveraging real‑time data, root‑cause analysis, and standard work optimization to resolve chronic issues, reduce variability, and enhance throughput. Trains frontline leaders in problem‑solving tools and ensures improvement initiatives are tightly aligned with plant priorities and performance goals.

Experience & Skills

• Education: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• Experience leading cross‑functional project teams (required).
• 7+ years in continuous improvement or lean manufacturing deployment (preferred).
• Lean/Six Sigma deployment (preferred).
• Project management (preferred).

Work Environment / Travel Requirements

• Frequent exposure to manufacturing environment with potential exposure to confined space.
• Extended periods of office work on a computer and in team meetings.
• Regional day travel is expected with this role.
• Overnight travel requirements will be variable based on projects and business activities, expected up to 10%.
• Physical Requirements

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work in both office and manufacturing environments.

This job description outlines the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.

Our Benefits

• Competitive Benefits Package for employees and their dependents (Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability)
• Incentive Plans
• 401(k) with employer contribution and match
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan with employer match
• Paid Time Off (Vacation and Sick Time)
• Paid Holidays
• Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Wellness Program
• Training and Career Progression

Apogee and our brands are an Equal Opportunity Employer.