What are the responsibilities and job description for the Operational Excellence Manager position at Freudenberg Performance Materials?
Working at Freudenberg: "We will wow your world!" This is our promise. As a global technology group, we not only make the world cleaner, healthier and more comfortable, but also offer our 52,000 employees a networked and diverse environment where everyone can thrive individually. Be surprised and experience your own wow moments.
Freudenberg Performance Materials is part of the Freudenberg Group and a leading global supplier of innovative technical textiles for a broad range of markets: From apparel, automotive, building materials, civil engineering, energy, filter media, healthcare and to building interiors and more. Join our team and shape the future of innovation with us! Discover our world at www.freudenberg-pm.com.
Responsibilities
- Lead regional OpEx strategy execution, transformation programs, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Serve as a regional OpEx ambassador, aligning efforts with business priorities like digitalization, sustainability, and customer satisfaction.
- Apply Lean, Six Sigma, and standardized OpEx frameworks to improve processes across multiple sites.
- Develop and deliver OpEx training programs, support Green/Black Belt certifications, and mentor practitioners.
- Support deployment of the FPM “Road to OpEx” framework and maintain high-quality process documentation and best practices.
- Integrate digital tools (dashboards, process mapping, analytics) into OpEx activities to enhance visibility and decision‑making.
- Track KPIs, project milestones, and outcomes; ensure long‑term sustainability of implemented improvements.
- Ensure governance, risk management, and compliance with OpEx standards, internal quality systems, and audit requirements.
- Facilitate cross‑functional collaboration, workshops, and stakeholder communication to drive engagement and alignment.
Qualifications
- Lean Green Belt certification with demonstrated process improvement capability
- Practical experience applying Six Sigma tools and data-driven problem‑solving
- Proven background in process management and operational excellence
- Minimum 3 years of experience in a continuous improvement, manufacturing, or engineering role
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related technical field
- Strong foundation in manufacturing environments
- Preferred: Experience working with SAP or other ERP systems
- Preferred: Proficiency with statistical analysis tools (JMP, Minitab, SPSS)
- Preferred: Six Sigma Black Belt certification
- Preferred: Industry experience in paper, nonwovens, or plastic/film extrusion
The Freudenberg Group is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion. Employment opportunities are available to all applicants and associates without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, age, mental or physical disability, genetic information, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation, protected military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.