Operational Excellence Manager: Lean & Process Improvement

Puffer-Sweiven; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 95,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Puffer-Sweiven is seeking a seasoned Quality Assurance and Operational Excellence professional to lead cross-functional improvement initiatives in Houston. You will partner with leaders to evaluate processes, map value streams, and drive measurable performance benefits across manufacturing and service operations.

The role requires seven+ years in operational excellence, strong Lean and problem-solving skills, and experience guiding teams through change, governance, and sustainable improvement

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, Business, Quality, or a related field.
• At least seven years of progressive experience in operational excellence, industrial or service operations, manufacturing, quality, or business improvement.
• Experience leading cross-functional improvement initiatives from diagnosis to implementation.
• Strong knowledge of Lean methods, structured problem solving, and change leadership.
• Excellent analytical, project-management, facilitation, and communication skills.
• Ability to travel to company operating locations as needed.

Responsibilities

• Partner with leaders to identify, evaluate, and prioritize improvement opportunities aligned with business priorities.
• Conduct current-state assessments, value-stream mapping, process mapping, and root-cause analysis.
• Define measures, baselines, targets, and data ownership for improvements.
• Develop implementation plans with owners, milestones, and governance points.
• Coach and develop internal improvement teams in structured problem solving and benefits realization.
• Monitor progress and escalate barriers per governance process.

Skills

Lean methods

Structured problem solving

Data analysis

Project management

Facilitation

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

ERP systems

Dashboards

Job description

Puffer-Sweiven is seeking a seasoned Quality Assurance and Operational Excellence professional to lead cross-functional improvement initiatives in Houston. You will partner with leaders to evaluate processes, map value streams, and drive measurable performance benefits across manufacturing and service operations.

The role requires seven+ years in operational excellence, strong Lean and problem-solving skills, and experience guiding teams through change, governance, and sustainable improvement