Operational Excellence Manager (3700739)

Wetalentia

Valparaiso (IN)

On-site

USD 140,000 - 145,000

Full time

14 hours ago

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Benefits offered by this job

401(k) match

Paid vacation

Bonus eligibility 15%

Job summary

Wetalentia is seeking an Operational Excellence Manager to drive continuous improvement across its manufacturing operations. You will lead Lean initiatives, optimize processes, and partner with leadership to boost productivity, quality, safety, and cost performance.

This role emphasizes data-driven problem solving and sustainable action plans. Responsibilities include developing strategic improvement projects, coaching teams, conducting Kaizen events, and sustaining standard work while tracking

Qualifications

7+ years of manufacturing experience.
3+ years of leadership in continuous improvement or operations.
Proven success implementing Lean and Operational Excellence programs.
Experience leading cross-functional projects and managing organizational change.

Responsibilities

Lead plant-wide continuous improvement initiatives using Lean tools.
Develop and execute operational excellence strategies aligned with objectives.
Facilitate cross-functional improvement events and sustain action plans.
Establish KPIs and monitor performance to drive productivity, quality, safety, and cost.
Partner with leadership to drive capacity planning and standardization.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Six Sigma

Kaizen

Value Stream Mapping

TPM

Data analysis

Problem-solving

Project management

Leadership

Excel

PowerPoint

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Industrial Engineering

MBA or advanced degree

Job description

Our client is an established international manufacturing company in fasteners and component solutions seeking an experienced Operational Excellence Manager to drive continuous improvement, operational efficiency, and performance optimization across its manufacturing operations.

Position Summary

The Operational Excellence Manager is responsible for leading and sustaining continuous improvement initiatives across the organization. This position drives operational performance through Lean Manufacturing principles, process optimization, employee engagement, and strategic improvement projects. The role partners with leadership teams to improve productivity, quality, safety, cost performance, and customer satisfaction while fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Operational Excellence Leadership
Develop and execute operational excellence strategies aligned with company objectives.
Lead plant-wide continuous improvement initiatives utilizing Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, 5S, TPM, Value Stream Mapping, Standard Work, and Problem-Solving methodologies.
Facilitate cross-functional improvement events and ensure sustainable implementation of action plans.
Identify opportunities to improve safety, quality, delivery, inventory, cost, and employee
Champion a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and operational discipline.

Process Improvement & Performance Management

Analyze manufacturing processes and performance data to identify waste, bottlenecks, and
Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure operational effectiveness.
Lead root cause analysis efforts and corrective action implementation.
Support capacity planning, workflow optimization, and operational standardization across departments.
Drive productivity improvements while maintaining quality and safety standards.

Project Management

Lead strategic operational improvement projects from concept through implementation.
Develop project plans, timelines, resource requirements, and financial justifications.
Communicate project status, risks, and results to leadership teams.
Facilitate collaboration between Operations, Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, Maintenance and Human Resources.

Training & Employee Development

Develop and deliver training programs related to Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies.
Coach leaders and employees on problem-solving techniques and operational excellence
Mentor improvement teams and support leadership development initiatives.
Promote employee involvement and idea-generation programs.

Financial & Business Impact

Establish cost savings targets and track realized financial benefits of improvement initiatives.
Support annual business planning through identification of productivity, efficiency, and cost-reduction opportunities.
Prepare reports and presentations demonstrating operational improvements and business results.

Leadership Responsibilities

Lead, coach, and develop Operational Excellence personnel and project teams.
Foster teamwork and collaborative problem-solving across the organization.
Support organizational change management efforts and drive adoption of new processes.

Qualifications

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Operations Management, or related field required.
MBA or advanced degree preferred.

Experience

Minimum 7 years of manufacturing experience.
Minimum 3 years of leadership experience in continuous improvement, operations, engineering or manufacturing management.
Demonstrated success implementing Lean Manufacturing and Operational Excellence programs.
Experience leading cross-functional projects and managing organizational change.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping, TPM, and 5S methodologies.
Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.
Strong business acumen with the ability to quantify operational and financial impacts.
Effective communication and presentation skills.
Strong leadership, coaching, and team-building abilities.
Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and data analysis tools.

Preferred Certifications