Operational Excellence Director

Description

The Operational Excellence Director is responsible for leading enterprise-wide initiatives to drive continuous improvement, enhance operational efficiency, and foster a culture of excellence. This strategic leadership role focuses on implementing Lean and Six Sigma methodologies, ensuring workplace safety, and optimizing processes to achieve measurable business results.

Key Responsibilities:

Continuous Improvement Leadership:

• Develop and execute comprehensive operational excellence strategy aligned with business objectives
• Lead cross-functional teams to identify, prioritize, and implement improvement opportunities
• Establish and monitor KPIs to track operational performance and improvement initiatives
• Drive sustainable process improvements that reduce waste, increase efficiency, and improve quality
• Facilitate kaizen events, value stream mapping, and rapid improvement workshops

Lean & Six Sigma Implementation:

• Champion Lean and Six Sigma methodologies throughout the organization
• Lead complex DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control) projects
• Develop and maintain a pipeline of Lean Six Sigma projects with measurable ROI
• Train and mentor employees in Lean and Six Sigma tools and techniques
• Build internal capability by developing Green Belts, Black Belts, and Master Black Belts
• Standardize best practices and ensure knowledge transfer across teams

Safety & Risk Management:

• Partner with EHS leadership to integrate safety into continuous improvement initiatives
• Promote a zero-incident safety culture through behavioral-based safety programs
• Conduct safety assessments and implement corrective actions
• Ensure all improvement initiatives maintain or enhance safety standards
• Lead incident investigations and root cause analysis using appropriate methodologies

Strategic Leadership:

• Serve as a change agent and advocate for operational excellence principles
• Collaborate with senior leadership to align operational excellence with strategic goals
• Build and lead a high-performing operational excellence team
• Manage operational excellence budget and resources
• Present results and recommendations to executive leadership and board of directors

Culture & Capability Development:

• Foster a culture of continuous improvement at all organizational levels
• Design and deliver training programs on Lean, Six Sigma, and problem-solving tools
• Establish recognition programs to celebrate improvement successes
• Coach and mentor leaders to embed operational excellence in daily management
• Create communication strategies to share best practices and success stories

Requirements

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, Operations Management, or related field
• Six Sigma Black Belt certification (required)
• Lean certification (required)
• 10 years of progressive experience in operations, manufacturing, or continuous improvement
• 5 years in leadership roles managing operational excellence or continuous improvement programs
• Proven track record of leading successful Lean and Six Sigma transformations
• Demonstrated experience delivering significant cost savings and efficiency gains
• Experience with safety management systems and regulatory compliance

Technical Expertise:

• Expert knowledge of Lean principles (5S, VSM, Kaizen, TPM, SMED, Poka-Yoke)
• Advanced Six Sigma methodology and statistical analysis
• Proficiency with process improvement tools (Minitab, Visio, MS Project)
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities
• Data analysis and data-driven decision-making expertise

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Business Administration, Engineering, or related field
• Six Sigma Master Black Belt certification
• Professional certifications (PMP, ASQ CQE, Lean Practitioner)
• Experience in specific industry (e.g., manufacturing, healthcare, logistics)
• Change management certification (Prosci, ADKAR)
• Experience with digital transformation and Industry 4.0 technologies
• Familiarity with ISO 9001, ISO 14001, or similar quality management systems

Our Benefits!

• #1 CULTURE!!!
• Fun, Family-Oriented Work Environment!
• Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits that begin on your 1st day of work!
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
• Company Paid Life, Dependent Life, Short- & Long-Term Disability Insurance
• 10 Paid Holidays per year
• Vacation & Personal Time
• Employer HSA Contribution
• Company Paid Bereavement Time
• Company Paid Maternity and Paternity Leave
• Onsite Gym

Are you an underappreciated, hard worker? Come see why AHP was voted a Nationally Certified "Great Place to Work"!

AHP is an Equal Opportunity Employer