Operations Excellence Manager

Gentek Building Products; Ennis (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Associated Materials Innovations (AMI) seeks an Operations Excellence Manager to lead continuous improvement across our vinyl, composite and metal plants. You will drive safety, quality, delivery, and cost improvements using Lean methodologies and act as a skilled change agent.

Reporting to the VP of Operations, you will rotate through plants, with initial focus on the Ennis, TX vinyl plant, building end-to-end excellence and mentoring teams toward measurable gains.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, operations, business or related technical field; master’s preferred.
• 7+ years of progressive leadership experience in a manufacturing environment with multi-functional exposure.
• Proven track record in operations management with Lean/Continous Improvement projects and measurable outcomes.
• Experience in metal, vinyl, or window manufacturing is a plus but not required.
• Strategic, analytical, data-driven mindset with strong communication and accountability.

Responsibilities

• Lead and sustain a culture of continuous improvement across manufacturing operations.
• Drive safety, quality, delivery and cost improvements using Lean methodologies.
• Mentor and develop supervisors, team leaders and staff.
• Coordinate with Plant Managers and VP to deploy strategic projects.
• Establish and report KPIs to measure project impact.

Skills

Operations leadership

Strategic projects

Continuous improvement

Root cause analysis

Talent development

Financial acumen

Quality & compliance

Performance management

Change management

Problem solving

Leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering/operations

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

Kaizen

5S

VSM

Job description

Join the Associated Materials Innovations team at Associated Materials, LLC, and be AMazing with us!

Who We Are

At Associated Materials Innovations, we combine our rich history in innovation with an unwavering commitment to continuous improvement of the customer experience. For decades, we have provided vinyl windows, siding, and metal building products that have helped build homes and communities across North America.

As a leading manufacturer of exterior building products and preferred product manufacturer for Alside, you'll have the opportunity to contribute ideas in a welcoming and supportive work environment driven by safety and our core values. Join the AMI team where you can be AMazing as we shape our future together.

Position Summary
The Operations Excellence Manager will lead, implement, and sustain a culture of continuous improvement across our manufacturing operations.

This role is responsible for driving significant and measurable improvements in key performance indicators related to safety, quality, delivery, and cost through the application of Lean methodologies. The ideal candidate is a skilled change agent and mentor who can effectively engage and influence teams at every level to achieve and sustain operational excellence.

Reporting directly to the VP of Operations, the role will be immersed in a dynamic, multi-plant environment, building an end-to-end understanding of our business.

Key Responsibilities

• Operational Leadership: Immerse yourself in all facets of plant operations, gaining expertise in production, maintenance, supply chain, quality, and engineering through a structured rotation. Take increasing ownership of daily plant performance, driving results across key metrics (Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, and People).
• Strategic Project Management: Partner with the Plant Managers and VP of Operations to lead and execute strategic projects aligned with corporate goals. Support the deployment of Hoshin Kanri (strategy deployment), translating high-level objectives into actionable, plant-level plans.
• Continuous Improvement (CI): Champion a culture of Continuous Improvement by leading and supporting Lean and CI initiatives. Facilitate Kaizen events, implement standard work, establish daily management systems, and drive waste reduction activities to optimize processes.
• Performance and Analysis: Conduct root cause analysis to identify systemic issues and implement effective corrective actions. Track and report project progress, quantifying improvements in cost savings, productivity, and throughput to demonstrate tangible business impact.
• Talent Development: Supervise, mentor, and coach supervisors, team leaders, and staff, building their leadership capabilities and fostering a culture of accountability and engagement.
• Financial Acumen: Participate actively in budgeting, financial analysis, and cost control initiatives, gaining the necessary experience for future P&L ownership.
• Compliance and Quality: Ensure all operations meet quality standards, customer requirements, and regulatory guidelines.
• Performance Management: Establish, track, and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the effectiveness of improvement projects and ensure the sustainability of results.
• Change Management: Actively drive and facilitate a culture of continuous improvement and accountability. Work with cross-functional teams to manage the change process effectively and overcome resistance.
• Problem Solving: Utilize advanced problem-solving techniques, such as Root Cause Analysis (RCA), to address complex manufacturing challenges and implement corrective actions.

Qualifications

• Education: A bachelor's degree in engineering, operations, business or a related technical field is required. A master's degree is preferred.
• Experience: 7+ years of progressive leadership experience in a manufacturing environment with multi-functional exposure.
• A proven track record of success in operations management or similar roles.
• Demonstrated experience leading Lean/Continuous Improvement projects with measurable outcomes.
• Experience in metal, vinyl, or window manufacturing is a plus but not required.
• Skills & Attributes:
• Strategic & Analytical: Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills with a data-driven approach.
• Technical Proficiency: Advanced knowledge of process improvement tools (Kaizen, 5S, VSM, etc.) and proficiency with data analysis tools.
• Leadership: A highly motivated and effective leader with the ability to build rapport and drive team excellence. A hands-on, resilient, and collaborative approach is essential.
• Communication: Excellent communication and facilitation abilities, capable of engaging with all levels of the organization, from the plant floor to the executive suite.
• Accountability: A results-oriented mindset with a focus on delivering high-quality outcomes.

What We Offer

• Accelerated Growth: A structured and intentional development path designed to prepare you for future Plant Manager responsibilities.
• Executive Mentorship: Direct and dedicated mentorship from the VP of Operations and other experienced Plant Managers.
• Diverse Experience: Exposure to a variety of products, processes, and best practices across our network of 10 plants.
• Company Culture: A challenging and supportive environment focused on safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.

About Us

When you join AMI, you are part of a leading North American manufacturing business of vinyl windows, cladding, metal siding, trim and other essential exterior building products for residential, light commercial and multifamily projects. In 2022, we introduced our composite cladding system, a first-of-its-kind solution featuring exclusive (GP) 2 technology. Headquartered in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, AMI is part of Associated Materials, LLC, which owns and operates 10 manufacturing facilities in North America including a distribution center.

Associated Materials Innovations ... Building Products Better

Associated Materials, LLC, provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, medical condition, genetic information, military and veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, gender, gender expression, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by local law, regulation, or ordinance. We also makereasonable accommodations for disabled employees and applicants, as required by law.

Additional Information

Position Summary
TheOperations Excellence Managerwill lead, implement, and sustain a culture of continuous improvement across our manufacturing operations with a focus on our Vinyl, Composite and Metal plants.

This role is responsible fordriving significant and measurable improvementsin key performance indicators related to safety, quality, delivery, and cost through the application of Lean methodologies. The ideal candidate is askilled change agent and mentorwho can effectively engage and influence teams at every level to achieve and sustain operational excellence.

Reporting directly to the VP of Operations, Vinyl, Composite & Metal, the role will be immersed in adynamic, multi-plant environment, building an end-to-end understanding of our business. Your initial focus will be on our Ennis, TX vinyl plant, where you will lead strategic initiatives to drive operational excellence, improve efficiency, and teach people.

Key Responsibilities

• Operational Leadership:Immerse yourself in all facets of plant operations, gaining expertise in production, maintenance, supply chain, quality, and engineering through a structured rotation. Take increasing ownership of daily plant performance, driving results across key metrics (Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, and People).
• Strategic Project Management:Partner with the Plant Managers and VP of Operations to lead and execute strategic projects aligned with corporate goals. Support the deployment of Hoshin Kanri (strategy deployment), translating high-level objectives into actionable, plant-level plans.
• Continuous Improvement (CI):Champion a culture of Continuous Improvement by leading and supporting Lean and CI initiatives. Facilitate Kaizen events, implement standard work, establish daily management systems, and drive waste reduction activities to optimize processes.
• Performance and Analysis:Conduct root cause analysis to identify systemic issues and implement effective corrective actions. Track and report project progress, quantifying improvements in cost savings, productivity, and throughput to demonstrate tangible business impact.
• Talent Development:Supervise, mentor, and coach supervisors, team leaders, and staff, building their leadership capabilities and fostering a culture of accountability and engagement.
• Financial Acumen:Participate actively in budgeting, financial analysis, and cost control initiatives, gaining the necessary experience for future P&L ownership.
• Compliance and Quality:Ensure all operations meet quality standards, customer requirements, and regulatory guidelines.
• Performance Management:Establish, track, and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the effectiveness of improvement projects and ensure the sustainability of results.
• Change Management:Actively drive and facilitate a culture of continuous improvement and accountability. Work with cross-functional teams to manage the change process effectively and overcome resistance.
• Problem Solving:Utilize advanced problem-solving techniques, such as Root Cause Analysis (RCA), to address complex manufacturing challenges and implement corrective actions.

Qualifications

• Education:A bachelor’s degree in engineering, operations, business or a related technical field is required. A master's degree is preferred.
• Experience:7+ years of progressive leadership experience in a manufacturing environment with multi-functional exposure.
• A proven track record of success in operations management or similar roles.
• Demonstrated experience leading Lean/Continuous Improvement projects with measurable outcomes.
• Experience in metal, vinyl, or window manufacturing is a plus but not required.
• Skills & Attributes:
• Strategic & Analytical:Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills with a data-driven approach.
• Technical Proficiency:Advanced knowledge of process improvement tools (Kaizen, 5S, VSM, etc.) and proficiency with data analysis tools.
• Leadership:A highly motivated and effective leader with the ability to build rapport and drive team excellence. A hands-on, resilient, and collaborative approach is essential.
• Communication:Excellent communication and facilitation abilities, capable of engaging with all levels of the organization, from the plant floor to the executive suite.
• Accountability:A results-oriented mindset with a focus on delivering high-quality outcomes.