Operational Excellence Leader - Lean Kaizen Transformation

Colonial Group; Portland (TN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Colonial Group is seeking an Operational Excellence Manager to lead sustainable improvement initiatives across NASG plants. You will drive Lean and TQPS programs, mentor site leaders, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to meet safety, quality, productivity, and cost targets.

The role emphasizes data-driven decision making, Kaizen events, and the development of capability through training and coaching, with a focus on delivering world-class service levels and sustained financial results.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, business administration, operations management, or related.
• Master's degree and/or professional certification in TQPS/TPS preferred.
• Lean/Six Sigma Black Belt certification preferred.
• 5–10 years in supply chain or manufacturing operations.
• 3–5 years in a supervisory/management role.
• 10+ years hands-on lean manufacturing experience.
• Experience implementing lean across multiple plants.
• Experience in automotive OEM/Tier 1/2 is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Promote and drive continuous improvement across NASG.
• Lead lean and Continuous Improvement processes to improve safety, quality, productivity, and service.
• Define scope and execute projects using KPI and TQPS.
• Coach and mentor associates in TQPS.
• Manage Kaizen/TQPS events to boost productivity and profitability.
• Coordinate with departments to drive project completion and sustainment.
• Provide data support, audits, and reporting of KPI progress.
• Develop training across NASG staff in TQPS.
• Collaborate with manufacturing leadership on improvement strategy.

Skills

Lean manufacturing

Six Sigma Black Belt

DMAIC / PDCA / 8D

TQPS / TPS

Kaizen / continuous improvement

OEE improvement

Project leadership

Data analysis / reporting

Mentoring / coaching

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering/Business/Operations

Master's degree preferred

Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification

Job description

Colonial Group is seeking an Operational Excellence Manager to lead sustainable improvement initiatives across NASG plants. You will drive Lean and TQPS programs, mentor site leaders, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to meet safety, quality, productivity, and cost targets.

The role emphasizes data-driven decision making, Kaizen events, and the development of capability through training and coaching, with a focus on delivering world-class service levels and sustained financial results.