Operations Excellence Manager

Wahl Clipper; Sterling (IL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dynamic Operational Excellence Manager to lead process improvement initiatives. This role involves collaborating across departments to enhance efficiency and drive a culture of continuous improvement. The successful candidate will leverage Lean and Six Sigma methodologies to optimize workflows and ensure sustainable improvements in safety, productivity, and quality. Join a company with over a century of heritage in innovation, where your contributions will shape the future of operational excellence and create lasting value for customers. If you are passionate about driving change and fostering a culture of efficiency, this opportunity is for you.

Benefits

Medical coverage

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

Free onsite clinic

Health savings account

401(k) with company match

Profit Sharing

Tuition Reimbursement

Daycare discounts

Free Employee Assistance Program

Qualifications

• 7+ years in manufacturing focusing on operational excellence.
• Strong knowledge of Lean and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute operational excellence strategies.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement through training.
• Utilize data analytics to measure process performance.

Skills

Operational Excellence

Process Improvement

Lean Methodologies

Six Sigma (Black Belt preferred)

Data Analytics

Project Management

Communication Skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Operations Management

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

ISO 9001

World Class Manufacturing

Job description

WAHL EMPOWERS PEOPLE TO BE THEIR BEST!

Wahl Clipper Corporation, a global manufacturer of branded Consumer and Professional products, has an exciting opportunity for a creative leader to drive continuous improvement initiatives, optimize business processes, and foster a culture of efficiency and innovation within the factory.

The Operational Excellence (OpEx) Manager is responsible for collaborating across departments to identify opportunities for process enhancements, implementing World Class Manufacturing and Lean and Six Sigma methodologies, and ensuring sustainable improvements in safety, productivity, quality, and cost-effectiveness. This position reports directly to the Director of Operations and has one direct report.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Strategic Process Improvement:
  • Develop and execute operational excellence strategies aligned with business objectives following world class manufacturing methodologies by identifying inefficiencies, bottlenecks, and waste in processes and implement solutions to optimize workflows.
• Continuous Improvement Leadership:
  • Foster and empower a culture of continuous improvement by training and mentoring teams on best practices and promoting engagement through facilitating Kaizen events, value stream mapping, and other problem-solving activities.
  • Monitor and analyze performance metrics to track progress and impact of initiatives.
• Change Management & Collaboration:
  • Engage stakeholders at all levels to drive adoption of improvement initiatives through robust and effective communication of the changes and provide support for smooth implementation.
  • Partner with leadership to align operational excellence goals with strategic priorities thus lead to create future roadmap of operational excellence in the factory.
• Data-Driven Decision Making:
  • Utilize data analytics to measure process performance and identify opportunities and develop dashboards and reports to communicate insights to leadership and keep them updated on progress of initiatives.

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS (KPIs)

• Reduction in process cycle time and waste.
• Cost savings achieved through improvement initiatives.
• Employee engagement in OpEx programs.
• Improved internal & external customer satisfaction, EHS and quality metrics.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Operations Management, or related field; master's degree preferred.
• 7+ years of experience in manufacturing organization focusing on operational excellence, process improvement, or continuous improvement roles.
• Strong knowledge of ISO 9001, OSHA, Lean, Six Sigma (Black Belt preferred), and other process improvement methodologies like World Class Manufacturing (preferred).
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive change in complex environments.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.
• Strong communication, leadership, and stakeholder engagement abilities.

COMPETENCIES:

• Ensures Accountability
• Plans and Aligns
• Manages Complexity
• Develops Talent
• Courage

Why Wahl?

We are proud to celebrate over 100 years as the standard for grooming products used by barbers and hairdressers all over the world. Professionals and home users have relied on our innovative clippers, trimmers and personal care products for an entire century.

Today, the fourth generation of the Wahl Family remains deeply rooted in the daily operations and management of the organization. Living beyond the footsteps of their great-grandfather, the family continues to ensure that everything that Wahl produces aligns with the same core family values.

When you work at Wahl, you join a community that is proud of its heritage of excellence and ground-breaking innovations and a company that focuses on creating value for the customer and long-term growth.

Perks & Benefits:

• BCBSIL Medical coverage offered as low as $14 per week, INCLUDING pharmacy.
• In & Out-of-network BCBSIL Dental coverage, with orthodontics for as low as $6 per week.
• In & Out-of-network BCBSIL by EyeMed, Vision coverage, $3 per week for family coverage.
• Free onsite clinic featuring a Nurse Practitioner, a Physical Therapist, and free lab services.
• Employer funded health savings account - up to $2000!
• Biometric testing with wellness credits.
• 401(k) and Roth 401(k) with generous company match.
• Profit Sharing.
• Tuition Reimbursement program - up to $10,000 per calendar year.
• Scholarship Program.
• Daycare discounts.
• Free Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with legal consultative services and discounts.
• Company paid Life Insurance.
• Company paid Short-Term Disability/Long Term Disability.
• 10 paid holidays per year.
• Casual work environment.