Operational Excellence Manager

Ajinomotocareers; Lampasas (TX); On-site; USD 110,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

Ajinomoto Foods North America, Inc. is seeking an Operational Excellence (OpEx) Manager to drive TPM strategies that improve equipment reliability, reduce downtime, and cut total delivered cost.

You will lead the factory’s continuous improvement culture and coordinate cross‑functional teams to deliver measurable gains in OEE and food quality. The role requires a strong background in TPM/Lean, 4–6 years in manufacturing leadership, and the ability to coach others, manage change, and develop

Qualifications

• Strong TPM/Lean background required.
• Experience leading continuous improvement in a factory environment.
• Experience in food manufacturing preferred.
• Bachelor of Science in STEM or active enrollment in such program.

Responsibilities

• Lead TPM program and AFNA TPM reference standards.
• Drive cross-functional TPM, FI, and OEE improvement initiatives.
• Own loss identification and root cause analysis for continuous improvement.
• Lead and coach direct reports, set clear expectations, and build talent.

Skills

TPM methodology

Lean principles

Continuous improvement

Leadership

Change management

Problem solving

Communication

Education

Bachelor of Science in STEM

Tools

Advanced CI tools certifications

Job description

The factory Operational Excellence (OpEx) Manager is responsible for developing, implementing, and sustaining Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) strategies to improve equipment reliability, reduce downtime, reduce food loss, and enhance the overall operational efficiency (OEE) in our food manufacturing facility. This position will lead the factory continuous improvement culture in achieving our TPM program objectives and total delivered cost (TDC) reductions at the factory. This role will be required to perform additional duties and responsibilities as assigned, which may evolve based on organizational needs.

Position Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Position Essential Duties and Responsibilies

TPM Program Leadership

• Drive process improvement and team development through the implementation of AFNA TPM reference standards for all launched pillars (AM, PM, FI, E&T, Leadership, etc.) with the factory leaders and department teams
• Coordinate and conduct training sessions based on AFNA TPM reference standards to all levels of the factory
• Lead and drive TPM related activities and discussions with hourly and management leaders to facilitate and promote change to meet business targets
• Perform internal assessments and coaching of the health and well-being of the TPM standards that are used
• Communicate and elevate to our central OpEx organization for additional detailed training and assistance of our AFNA TPM reference standards

FI Pillar Leadership

• Lead the loss identification and prioritization of losses (e.g. OEE, downtime, raw material loss, labor loss, etc.) through effective visual and verbal sharing and guidance with the factory leaders and team members
• Ensure effective root cause analysis and sustainable actions are taking place by guiding and developing applicable factory personnel
• Own the understanding, ownership and usage of the key OEE performance indicator within the factory to drive continuous improvement activities

Total Delivered Costs (TDC) Leadership

• Lead the factory’s cross functional TDC program to identify and generate projects and activities to drive annual cost reduction targets
• Ensure the execution of the cost reduction projects and activities are taking place to meet timeline expectations
• Provide the appropriate reporting of TDC activities and escalations to our AFNA leaders

People Leadership

• Lead direct reports with clarity and accountability, setting clear expectations, driving alignment to business priorities, and modeling inclusive, values-based leadership
• Own performance outcomes, using data and ongoing feedback to drive results, address issues early, and make fair, timely talent decisions
• Build organizational capability, developing talent through coaching, succession planning, and intentional investment in future-ready skills
• #INDLAM

Position Qualifications

Position Qualifications

Education, Certifications and Experience

An equivalent combination of experience and education will also be considered.

Education

Education Level | Description

4 Year / Bachelors Degree

• Bachelor of Science degree in a STEM field or active enrollment in a STEM degree program preferred. Preference will be given to those with a degree in engineering or to those actively enrolled in an engineering program.

Other

• Experience in lieu of degree will be considered.

Experience

• 4 to 6 years – Minimum of 4 years of manufacturing experience in a leadership role, preferably in the food industry.
• 2 to 4 years – Minimum of 2 years of AFNA manufacturing experience in a leadership role preferred.

Certifications

• Certifications in advanced CI tools preferred

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge & Skills

• Strong knowledge of TPM methodology, Lean principles or a continuous improvement program is a must, certifications in advanced CI tools preferred

Demonstrated Proficiencies

• Demonstrated leadership and management skills; ability to motivate, develop, and inspire others
• Excellent leadership, communication, problem solving skills, and change management
• Experience successfully identifying, adopting and leading change initiatives and gaining alignment
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with stakeholders, peer groups and all factory personnel levels
• Proven track record of driving results in a factory environment

AAP/EEO Statement

Ajinomoto Foods North America, Inc. (AFNA) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. AFNA does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis protected by stated, federal, or local law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.

The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions for this job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned.