Operational Excellence Specialist

Flint Hills Resources; New Richmond (WI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Koch's New Richmond site is seeking an Operational Excellence Specialist to drive data-driven cost reduction and continuous improvement across manufacturing. The role focuses on using data to identify savings, lead Lean/Six Sigma initiatives, and strengthen MES capabilities while delivering KPI improvements.

You will analyze production costs, support CIP projects, train teams, and collaborate with operations and finance to define strategies that boost performance and sustainable change.

Qualifications

• Experience in data analysis within manufacturing.
• Proficiency with Power BI or Tableau and statistical software.
• Strong problem-solving and cross-functional leadership.
• Experience teaching and implementing Lean/Six Sigma methodologies.
• Proven history of MES enhancements and maintenance.

Responsibilities

• Analyze production costs to identify cost reduction and efficiency improvements.
• Support project leaders with KPI improvements and savings forecasts.
• Define project strategies and develop business cases for strategic initiatives.
• Train and develop employees in Lean/Six Sigma methods.
• Compile data and generate reports to support decision-making and CIP presentations.
• Assist in CIP and MES improvements and annual operating plan focus on KPI uplift.
• Own annual operating plans with KPI improvement and cost reduction focus.

Skills

Data analysis

Power BI

Tableau

Leadership

Lean Six Sigma

Cross-functional teamwork

Problem solving

Tools

MES

Statistical software

Job description

You willplay a pivotal role incollecting data and completinganalysis to identify trends, patterns, and insights that drive strategic decision-making aligned with the company's goals. Theoperational excellence specialistwill focus onusing the data to create and lead projectsthat lead totransformationalchangeacross various departments. The role requires a strong emphasis on analyzing production costs to identify areas for cost reduction and driving continuous improvements. Theoperational excellence specialistwill support the team in making data-driven decisions that optimize production processes, enhance overall performance, and improve key performance indicators (KPIs). Sharing data-driven insights,leanprinciples, and best practices with team members tocontinue tofosterourculture of continuous improvement and innovation.

Our Team

Our New Richmond team is focused on building the future of manufacturing through continuous improvement, innovation, and operational excellence. We partner across all functions to simplify processes, leverage technology, and remove barriers that prevent our teams from doing their best work. We value proactive thinking, disciplined execution, collaboration, and continuous learning. We believe the best improvements come from engaged employees who challenge the status quo, embrace new ideas, and are committed to creating a safer, higher-quality, and more efficient workplace every day.

What You Will Do

• Analyze production costs to identify areas for cost reduction and efficiency improvement. Implement cost-saving initiatives and track their effectiveness.
• Support manufacturing project leaders with calculations and analysis of KPI improvements & project savings forecasts.
• Work with operations andfinance business partnersto define project strategies and develop business cases for strategic project initiatives.
• Enhance team capabilities by training and developing employees in Lean/Six Sigma methodologies.
• Compile data and generate reports to support decision-making and operational improvements includingContinuous Improvement Project (CIP)presentations.
• Supportcontinuousimprovement project leaders with problem-solving, financial analysis, and savings forecasts, as well as enhance and maintain the ManufacturingExecutionSystems(MES).
• Assist in the development and ownership of annual operating plans, particularly focusing on KPI improvement and cost reduction.

Who You Are (Basic Qualifications)

• Proven experience in data analysis, preferably within a manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency in data visualization tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau) and statistical software.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to lead cross-functional teams in continuous improvement initiatives.
• Experience teaching and implementing Lean/Six Sigma methodologies.
• Proven history of leading enhancements, training, and upkeep ofaManufacturingExecutionSystem (MES).

What Will Put You Ahead

• Green Belt CertificationinLean/Six Sigma methodologies with strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a focus on cost reduction and efficiency.

#LI-SD5

At Koch companies, we are entrepreneurs. This means we openly challenge the status quo, find new ways to create value and get rewarded for our individual contributions. Any compensation range provided for a role is an estimate determined by available market data. The actual amount may be higher or lower than the range provided considering each candidate's knowledge, skills, abilities, and geographic location. If you have questions, please speak to your recruiter about the flexibility and detail of our compensation philosophy.

Hiring Philosophy

All Koch companies value diversity of thought, perspectives, aptitudes, experiences, and backgrounds. We are Military Ready and Second Chance employers. Learn more about our hiring philosophy here .

Who We Are

At Koch, employees are empowered to do what they do best to make life better. Learn how our business philosophy helps employees unleash their potential while creating value for themselves and the company.

Our goal is for each employee, and their families, to live fulfilling and healthy lives. We provide essential resources and support to build and maintain physical, financial, and emotional strength - focusing on overall wellbeing so you can focus on what matters most. Our benefits plan includes - medical, dental, vision, flexible spending and health savings accounts, life insurance, ADD, disability, retirement, paid vacation/time off, educational assistance, and may also include infertility assistance, paid parental leave and adoption assistance. Specific eligibility criteria is set by the applicable Summary Plan Description, policy or guideline and benefits may vary by geographic region. If you have questions on what benefits apply to you, please speak to your recruiter.

Additionally, everyone has individual work and personal needs. We seek to enable the best work environment that helps you and the business work together to produce superior results.

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status. Except where prohibited by state law, some offers of employment are conditioned upon successfully passing a drug test. This employer uses E-Verify. Please click here for additional information. (For Illinois E-Verify information click here , aquí , or tu ).