Operational Excellence Specialist

Phillips Medisize; New Richmond (WI); On-site; USD 85,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Koch Companies’ New Richmond team is focused on improving manufacturing through data-driven CIP, cost reduction, and MES optimization. We partner across functions to drive value, deploy Lean/Six Sigma, and raise safety and quality.

You will analyze production costs, lead KPI improvement efforts, train teams, develop business cases, and produce reports to guide decisions. This role emphasizes cross-functional collaboration and hands-on problem-solving.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in data analysis, preferably in manufacturing.
• Proficiency with data visualization tools and statistical software.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to lead cross-functional CI initiatives.
• Experience teaching and applying Lean/Six Sigma methodologies.
• Proven history of leading MES enhancements and upkeep.

Responsibilities

• Analyze production costs to identify cost reductions and efficiency improvements, implementing savings and tracking results.
• Support project leaders with KPI improvements and savings forecasts.
• Collaborate with operations and finance to define project strategies and build business cases.
• Develop team capabilities by training employees in Lean/Six Sigma methodologies.
• Compile data and generate reports to support decision-making and CIP presentations.
• Assist CIP leaders with problem-solving, financial analysis, and MES maintenance and enhancements.
• Contribute to annual operating plans with focus on KPI gains and cost reductions.

Skills

Data analysis

Data visualization

Problem solving

Lean Six Sigma

Cross-functional leadership

MES maintenance

Tools

Power BI

Tableau

MES

Job description

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 partners to 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 of aManufacturingExecutionSystem (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 philosophyhere .

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 clickhere for additional information. (For Illinois E-Verify information clickhere ,aquí , ortu ).