Operational Excellence Lead

Carrier; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 96,000 - 192,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Care Benefits

Retirement Benefits

Paid time off

Disability insurance

Life Insurance

Tax-Advantaged Accounts

Tuition Assistance

Job summary

Carrier is seeking a Lean leader to drive continuous improvement across the Charlotte CHVAC factory. You will lead initiatives through the full value stream, coaching teams and ensuring adherence to Carrier Excellence (Cx) standards.

You will oversee Kaizen events, value-stream mapping, and layout optimization, aiming to improve lead time, inventory, and workflow. A strong track record in manufacturing operations and Lean Six Sigma is essential.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in manufacturing operations with progressive technical or leadership responsibilities.
• 3+ years of experience in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or Operational Excellence, including leading cross-functional Kaizen events.
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification (or equivalent recognized Lean certification).

Responsibilities

• Lead sustainable operational improvements and guide site leadership in translating business goals into actionable Lean Macro Plans.
• Drive plant transformation through layout optimization, material flow, and logistics.
• Plan, lead, and facilitate Kaizen events and value-stream mapping across sites.
• Maintain a pipeline of Productivity Improvement Projects to deliver cost savings and KPI improvements.
• Coach site resources and expand the internal network of event leaders.
• Communicate technical concepts and results to shop-floor operators and executives.
• Perform workplace audits and establish standard work aligned with Carrier Excellence guidelines.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Kaizen Facilitation

Cross-functional Leadership

Mentorship

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt/Black Belt

Tools

Value Stream Mapping

3PL Process Alignment

Cell Design

Job description

About CarrierCarrier Global Corporation, global leader in intelligent climate and energy solutions, is committed to creating innovations that bring comfort, safety and sustainability to life. Through cutting-edge advancements in climate solutions such as temperature control, air quality and transportation, we improve lives, empower critical industries and ensure safe transport of food, lifesaving medicines and more. Since inventing modern air conditioning in 1902, we lead with purpose: enhancing the lives we live and the world we share. We continue to lead because of our world-class, inclusive workforce that puts the customer at the center of everything we do. For more information, visit corporate.carrier.com or follow on Carrier social media at @Carrier.

Position Summary

ResponsibilitiesCarrier Operations is looking for a high performance & goal oriented professional to lead Lean initiatives throughout our CHVAC Charlotte factory through the full value stream (suppliers, internal operations and customers). Support the transformation of the operation to the Carrier Excellence (Cx) standards via a structured process and series of activities and events. This position provides great visibility to each Site within BU’s as well as divisional WHQ. Success will be defined by the successful transformation of sites, and improvement in the relevant KPI’s. You must be an expert in Lean including Cell Design, Manufacturing Standard Work, Material Presentation, and Lean Logistics. You will be running projects as well as coaching others and developing standards. This position will report to the Carrier Excellence Manager, and be responsible for, but not limited to, the following:

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Lean Leadership: Drive sustainable operational improvements and guide site leadership in translating business goals into actionable Lean Macro Plans.
• Plant Transformation & Efficiency: Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on plant layout optimization, material flow, cell design, and logistics (including 3PL process alignment).
• Data Center Expansion Support: Partner with cross-functional teams to support high-priority growth initiatives for data center manufacturing lines.
• Kaizen Event Facilitation: Personally plan, lead, and facilitate Kaizen events and value-stream mapping activities from end-to-end.
• Financial & KPI Ownership: Maintain a robust pipeline of Productivity Improvement Projects (PIP) to deliver year-over-year cost savings and positive changes in key metrics (lead time, schedule stability, inventory, and Plan For Every Part/PFEP).
• Mentorship & Coaching: Coach and mentor site resources to expand the internal network of event leaders and remove project-level execution barriers.
• Cross-Functional Communication: Articulate technical concepts, productivity strategies, and operational results effectively to shop-floor operators, functional managers, and executive leadership.
• Audits & Standards: Perform workplace audits, conduct risk assessments, and establish standard work in alignment with Carrier Excellence (Cx) guidelines.

Basic Qualifications (BQs)

• Bachelor's Degree.
• 7+ years of experience in manufacturing operations with progressive technical or leadership responsibilities.
• 3+ years of experience in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or Operational Excellence, including demonstrated experience leading and facilitating cross-functional Kaizen events.

Preferred Qualifications (PQs)

• Bachelor's Degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Supply Chain, or a related discipline.
• Active Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification (or equivalent recognized Lean certification, such as Gemba Academy or internal enterprise programs).
• Prior experience in high-volume manufacturing (e.g., Automotive) OR high-customization / job-shop manufacturing environments.
• Deep expertise in Manufacturing Standard Work, Cell Design, Integrated Production & Logistics, PFEP (Plan For Every Part), and Third-Party Logistics integration.
• Demonstrated ability to self-direct, execute with speed, and communicate effectively across all organizational tiers.
• Commitment to obtaining Carrier Excellence (Cx) Practitioner certification within the first 1.5 years of employment

Pay Range

The annual salary for this position is between $96,000.00 - $192,000.00 annually. Factors which may affect pay within this range include, but are not limited to, skills, education, experience, and other unique qualifications of the successful candidate.

Other Compensation

Thisposition is entitled to short-term cash incentives, subject to plan requirements.

Benefits

Employees are eligible for benefits, including:

• Health Care Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision; Wellness incentives
• Retirement Benefits
• Time off and Leave: Paid vacation days, up to 15 days; paid sick days, up to 5 days; paid personal leave, up to 5 days; paid holidays, up to 13 days; birth and adoption leave; parental leave; family and medical leave; bereavement leave; jury duty leave; military leave; purchased vacation
• Disability: Short-term and long-term disability
• Life Insurance and Accidental Death and Dismemberment
• Tax-Advantaged Accounts: Health Savings Account; Health Care Spending Account; Dependent Care Spending Account
• Tuition Assistance

To learn more about our benefits offering, please click here Work with us | Carrier Corporate. The specific benefits available to any employee may vary depending on state and local laws and eligibility factors, such as date of hire and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.

Carrier EEO Statement and Accommodations Process

Carrier is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status or any other applicable state or federal protected class. Carrier provides affirmative action in employment for qualified individuals with a Disability and Protected Veterans in compliance with section 503 of Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans\' Readjustment Assistance Act.

If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process, participate in an interview, or otherwise engage in the hiring process, please contact us at [e-mail]. We will make every effort to meet your needs in accordance with applicable laws.

Application Deadline

Applications will be accepted for at least 3 days fromJobPosting Date: 7 August 2026

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Use of AI

Technology-enabled tools may support parts of the recruitment process, with oversight by people.