Senior Manager Operational Excellence

Leonardo DRS; West Plains (MO); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage

401(k) savings plan

Flexible work schedules

Paid parental leave

Wellness programs

Job summary

A leading defense technology firm is seeking a full-time Senior Manager of Operational Excellence in West Plains, MO. The role focuses on guiding the operational excellence program, improving overall business operations, and managing key performance metrics using Lean principles. Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree in Engineering, at least 7 years of relevant experience, and certifications in Lean and/or Six Sigma. The position offers competitive benefits and a commitment to employee wellness.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years experience focused in Lean Practice and Problem Solving or Operational Excellence.
• 7+ years of relevant experience.
• Industry certification in Lean Principles and/or Six Sigma is preferred.
• Proficient technical expertise with demonstrated application required.
• Willing and able to travel up to 40% as needed.

Responsibilities

• Guide and monitor the operational excellence program and activities.
• Manage opportunities for improvement using Operational Excellence methodologies.
• Oversee process improvement events and define performance metrics.
• Establish dashboards for KPIs, tracking performance of goals.
• Manage budget, cost, schedule and rate of return for operational excellence activities.

Skills

Lean Practice

Problem Solving

Interpersonal skills

Leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related technical field

Tools

Lean Principles

Six Sigma

Job description

Job ID:113966

The Leonardo DRS Land Systems business is a recognized leader in the design and integration of complex technologies into new and legacy systems and platforms for global military and commercial customers. We are a 5 year running Top Workplace in the Greater St. Louis area.

Job Summary

Leonardo DRS Land Systems is seeking a full time Senior Manager of Operational Excellence for our West Plains, MO location. APEX (Always Performing for Excellence) is the Leonardo DRS Operational Excellence program designed to drive our culture, our way of life to a new level as the team strives for excellence in pursuit of top performance. The Senior Operational Excellence Manager supports the Business Unit on Operational Excellence initiatives and is viewed as a Subject Matter Expert and business partner.

Job Responsibilities

• Guide, maintain and monitor the operational excellence program and activities, ensuring integration and coordination with the Operational Excellence leadership
• Manage opportunities identified for improvement using Operational Excellence principles and methodologies
• Oversee process improvement events, define and monitor performance metrics, foster culture, and mentor quality team
• Provide subject matter expertise in structured problem solving & root cause analysis, leading complex investigations and teaching/coaching others in problem solving methodology
• Conduct briefings with and provide technical guidance for senior leadership and top executive management
• Establishes processes and ensure that these processes conform to the organization’s and/or corporate policies and procedures, values, and federal, state, and local regulations
• Lead cross-functional teams in defining and scoping charters for continuous improvement projects
• Provide advice and assistance to other departments as required
• Establish and utilize dashboards for KPI’s, track performance of Operational Excellence Cost Savings and Project goals
• Manage execution in support of 5S, Visual Controls, Risk Management, Change Management, and Strategy Deployment
• Develop and maintain integrated project plans
• Effectively communicate with team members, senior leaders and key stakeholders on the status, objectives, risks, and mitigation plans associated with projects, as well as ensure team members are aware of integrated project timelines
• Manage the Quality and Lean Six Sigma strategy to facilitate continuous production of products consistent with established industry standards, government regulations and customer requirements
• Ensure OE standards (e.g., DMAIC, Lean, Root Cause Analysis) are being used for problem solving (tools and methods) and daily continuous improvement. Champion use of KPI / metric management for data-based decision making. Identify and support individuals with interest in OE leading to development/certification of future Yellow/Green/Black Belts
• Improve overall business operations focusing on material flow, line balancing, lineside material presentation, and on deployment, and other lean manufacturing principles and practices
• Provide training in support of operational excellence objectives and the execution of chartered projects
• Support and drive Corrective Action Request responses and share best practices
• Manage budget, cost, schedule and rate of return for operational excellence activities
• Communicate clearly (written and oral) with customers, people and partners
• Support, communicate, reinforce and defend the mission, values and culture of the organization
• Attend appropriate customer or business meetings
• Other responsibilities, as needed by the organization

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related technical field with a minimum of 5 years experience focused in Lean Practice and Problem Solving or Operational Excellence
• 7+ years of relevant experience
• Industry certification in Lean Principles and/or Six Sigma
• Proficient technical expertise with demonstrated application
• Excellent interpersonal, leadership, negotiation, communication and writing skills
• Willing and able to travel up to 40% as needed

Taking care of our people is a top priority at Leonardo DRS. We are proud to offer competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, a company contribution to a health savings account, telemedicine, life and disability insurance, legal insurance, and a 401(k) savings plan. We champion wellness programs that focus on physical, emotional, and financial well‑being. We develop our talent by offering programs and activities to support career‑growth, professional development, and skill enhancement. And we understand there is more to life than work, and the importance of offering flexible work schedules with our 9/80 program, competitive vacation, health/emergency leave, paid parental leave, and community service hours.
*Some employees are eligible for limited benefits only

Leonardo DRS, Inc. and its subsidiaries provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.