Operational Excellence Manager

HWI has a fantastic opportunity to join our OPEX team!

The Operational Excellence Manager leads and manages the process engineering team to drive operational excellence and continuous improvement within the organization. This role involves overseeing process improvement initiatives, collaborating with cross functional teams, and optimizing operational efficiency. The Operational Excellence Manager will provide leadership, coaching and lead lean implementation/transformation by conducting workshops and drive cultural transformation resulting in improvement of operational business metrics.

Responsibilities

• Identify and analyze areas for efficiency yields and improvements and labor efficiencies improvements. Develop plans and implement strategies to enhance energy lead time and improve solvent costs optimization, improvements to existing manufacturing processes, reduce costs and improve overall productivity in collaboration with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration of process improvements.
• Lead and oversee process engineering projects from conception to completion; develop project plans, timelines and budgets, ensuring adherence to deadlines and financial constraints; monitor and report project progress to key stakeholders. Translate gaps in performance to key performance indicators (KPIs) top bottom line impact to P&L.
• Implement and maintain robust quality control measures incorporating into the manufacturing processes; collaborate with quality assurance teams to ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations. Drive lean training and implement a lean toolkit utilizing PDCA; value stream mapping; quick changovers; Kaizen events, problem solving and 5S.
• Conduct/lead full operational excellence transformation onsite with support of different departments. Work closely with other departments, such as R&D, production and maintenance to ensure seamless coordination of activities; collaborate with key stakeholders to understand their needs and incorporate feedback int process improvement initiatives, using this information to manage the direction of the entire team.
• Animate/lead operational excellence and cross functional continuous improvement events, workshops and focus groups to optimize solutions from end to end, identifying waste opportunities and driving productivity through an active funnel of projects. Drive operational excellence by implementing best practices, standard operating procedures and process optimization strategies; monitor and analyze key performance indicators to identify areas for improvement and implement corrective actions through the process engineering team with direct involvement from the individual plant(s)
• Provide guidance and leadership to a team of process engineers, foster a collaborative and innovative work environment; assist teams in prioritizing improvements, making recommendations to functional leaders to enhance efficiencies and effectiveness; support behavior changes to sustain continuous improvement efforts beyond project activities. Mentor and develop team members to enhance their skills and capabilities.

Qualifications

• Requires a B. S. in Engineering (Mechanical or Electrical preferred) or a related field. M. S. Engineering preferred.
• Requires ten plus (10 ) years of experience in leadership roles optimizing manufacturing (refractory knowledge desired) processes and utilizing engineering concepts, leading cross-functional teams and driving continuous improvement initiatives.
• Proven experience in process engineering, process improvement, and project management.
• Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to motivate and inspire a team.
• Excellent data analytical and problem solving abilities, with a data-driven approach to decision-making. Experience in statistical methods and data modeling.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and presentation skills, including presentation planning and delivery skills; ability to communicate across all levels of the organization.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and consultation teams internally as well as externally.
• Requires knowledge of Lean Six Sigma methodologies and tools.
• Proficiency in process simulation software and other relevant engineering tools.
• Requires experience in a manufacturing or industrial environment.
• Knowledge of ISO9001 and similar achievement standards.

About Us

HWI, a member of Calderys

HWI is the largest supplier of refractory products and services in the United States.

With manufacturing sites and distribution centers across the Americas, as well as the major refractory industry research facility in North America, HWI serves virtually every major industry that requires refractory solutions to enhance production and protect assets. HWI is consistently recognized for its talented experts, industry firsts, and intensely driven excellence.

We’re actively expanding our team of dedicated, enthusiastic people — particularly in research and development, engineering and manufacturing, product management, and sales. As a dynamic, growing global refractory leader, we offer competitive compensation, benefits packages, and wellness programs. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we are committed to a diverse workforce.

For more information, visit https://thinkhwi.com/