Director, Operational Excellence & Quality

About Us:

Spectrum Killian Dental Lab Alliance (SKDLA) is a nationally recognized leader in restorative dentistry, passionate about helping people smile with confidence. We partner with dental professionals across the country to deliver world-class restorations, advanced dental equipment, and trusted services that make a difference for patients every day.

At SKDLA, we combine craftsmanship, cutting-edge technology, and a deep commitment to quality to create beautiful, lasting results. More than just a dental lab, we are driven by the belief that every restoration represents a person’s confidence, comfort, and well-being - and that’s a responsibility we take to heart.

Our operations are centered around two advanced Centers of Excellence located in Orange County and Los Angeles. This collaborative environment allows our skilled technicians to innovate, mentor one another, and consistently deliver outstanding results.

Overview:

The Director of Operational Excellence & Quality is a hands-on, visionary leader responsible for building the systems, culture, and team capabilities that drive operational efficiency, process control, and product quality. This role unites process engineering, continuous improvement, and quality management under one umbrella—ensuring process reliability, compliance, and continuous performance improvement across the organization.

The Director will oversee both the Continuous Improvement Engineer and Quality Engineer, leading efforts to optimize process flow, reduce waste, shorten lead times, and ensure quality at the source. This position requires someone who can balance strategic vision with the ability to facilitate on-the-floor improvement events, conduct time studies, and guide teams through disciplined problem-solving.

What You'll Be Responsible For:

Leadership & Team Development

• Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing team of Continuous Improvement and Quality Engineers.
• Foster a culture of structured problem-solving, collaboration, and accountability across departments.
• Teach and certify employees in Lean and Six Sigma fundamentals (White, Yellow, and Green Belt).
• Develop operator and technician training and certification programs focused on process understanding, flow discipline, and quality ownership.

Process Mapping, Flow, and Optimization

• Lead value stream mapping, process mapping, and flow analysis efforts to identify waste, bottlenecks, and opportunities for improvement.
• Conduct time studies, capacity analyses, and standard work development to drive efficiency, reduce variability, and increase throughput.
• Implement and sustain single-piece flow, takt time alignment, and visual management systems to improve predictability and performance.
• Facilitate cross-functional kaizen events, guiding teams through data-driven root cause analysis and countermeasure implementation.
• Partner with R&D and Operations to integrate process discipline and flow principles into new product introductions (NPI) and technology launches.

Continuous Improvement System

• Develop and institutionalize a company-wide continuous improvement system that embeds PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) thinking into daily operations.
• Lead and support projects that improve safety, quality, delivery, and cost performance.
• Establish mechanisms for capturing, prioritizing, and executing improvement projects through structured project management and visual tracking.
• Facilitate regular gemba walks, SQDIP boards, and team-based problem-solving sessions to sustain engagement and accountability.

Quality Systems & Regulatory Compliance

• Design, deploy, and sustain a Quality Management System (QMS) aligned with business needs and FDA, ISO 13485, or other regulated industry standards.
• Lead Design Review, Verification & Validation (V&V), and Certification activities for new product development in partnership with R&D.
• Establish and maintain Root Cause and Corrective Action (RCCA) processes to ensure effective, data-driven resolution of issues.
• Build robust systems for document control, inspection, and traceability, ensuring compliance and readiness for internal and external audits.
• Develop and monitor supplier quality performance and collaborate with vendors to resolve nonconformances through structured feedback loops.

Project Management & Execution

• Drive cross-functional improvement and capital projects using structured project management methodologies.
• Prioritize and manage a portfolio of initiatives that balance short-term results with long-term capability building.
• Track performance metrics and ensure alignment of improvement projects with company strategy, KPIs, and growth objectives.
• Ensure results are standardized and sustained through documented procedures, training, and feedback systems.

Who We’re Looking For:

• Proven experience leading Operational Excellence, Continuous Improvement, or Quality functions in a manufacturing or engineering environment.
• Strong background in process mapping, time studies, single-piece flow, and standard work design.
• Demonstrated expertise facilitating kaizen events, conducting root cause analysis, and implementing RCCA or PDCA systems.
• Hands-on experience developing and maintaining Quality Management Systems (QMS) in FDA- or ISO-regulated environments.
• Knowledge of Design Control, Verification/Validation (V&V), and product certification processes.
• Skilled at leading cross-functional projects and communicating results through clear, data-driven visual management.
• Strong leadership and coaching capability—able to develop others while driving measurable operational impact.
• Certification in Lean, Six Sigma, or PMP (Green/Black Belt preferred).
• Experience in medical device, dental, or other FDA-regulated industries, preferred.
• Background in value stream transformation, process re-layouts, and automation integration preferred.
• Experience establishing or scaling quality and continuous improvement systems in startup or growth-stage operations preferred.
• Track record of developing and sustaining a culture of structured problem-solving and operational excellence at all levels preferred.

Why SKDLA?

• Inclusive Environment: We value diversity and are committed to creating a welcoming workplace for individuals of all backgrounds.
• Career Growth: Spectrum Killian is growing rapidly, offering new opportunities to advance within the company and across promoting internal mobility.
• Compensation and Benefits: We provide competitive pay and upon conversion to full-time status, employees are eligible to enroll in comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• 401K: Full-time employees are also eligible to participate in the company’s 401(k) plan with an employer match.

Spectrum Killian Dental Lab Alliance is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

The anticipated salary range for this role is $160,000-$180,000. Final compensation will be individually assessed and may differ based on a variety of factors such as your experience, qualifications, education, skill set, certifications, and other relevant considerations.

Become part of Spectrum Killian Dental Lab Alliance, a trusted leader in restorative and esthetic dentistry. Work alongside skilled technicians in state-of-the-art facilities to deliver high-quality dental solutions that make a lasting impact. If you're driven by innovation, quality, and continuous growth, we invite you to apply and contribute to the future of dental care!