Operational Excellence Lead

Role Description

The ideal candidate will lead efforts to optimize processes reduce waste improve productivity and enhance product quality by deploying Lean Six Sigma and other improvement methodologies. This role will work cross-functionally with production quality engineering supply chain and leadership teams to foster a culture of continuous improvement and accountability.

The Operational Excellence Lead must exhibit and proactively motivate others in the behaviors of the WireCo Business System (WBS):

• Teamwork - welcomes an environment of inclusiveness and healthy debate that reflects our teams strength
• Accountable celebrates our successes learn from failures avoid excuses and own the outcomes of our efforts
• Self-Aware demonstrates an understanding of our strengths and needs considering how our actions impact others
• Noble Intent acts in the interests of others approaching our work with integrity to ensure the best outcome
• Determined takes initiative share ideas and find solutions to win and achieve our goals
• Transparent promotes open and honest communication and constructive feedback for clarity and truth
• Curious seeks knowledge and outside input to test our way of thinking challenging the status quo

Duties & Responsibilities

• Examines current processes to identify inefficiencies and areas to improve process-flow through the use of different tools such as Value Stream Mapping Process-Flow Mapping etc.
• Strongly supports plant leaders to develop and implement strategies from scratch to optimize operations reduce cycle times and improve quality.
• Engages with stakeholders from various departments to understand their needs challenges and feedback. Works closely with them to align improvement initiatives with business goals.
• Provides training and guidance to employees on new Lean processes Lean methodologies and best practices.
• Supports the coordination and facilitation of local Lean Bootcamps workshops and cultural transformation initiatives to promote Lean adoption and operational excellence. Manages continuous improvement projects related to Operational Excellence strategy from inception to completion including planning execution and follow-ups.
• Continuously monitors Process Performance Indicators (PPIs) and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to ensure improvements are sustained. Identifies further opportunities for optimization.
• Prepares and presents reports on the effectiveness of process improvements to management and stakeholders
• Creates and maintains documentation of Operational Excellence processes procedures and improvements for future references. Makes sure these are aligned with the Quality Management System in place.
• Lead and implement Lean Manufacturing Six Sigma and Kaizen initiatives to drive operational efficiency.
• Identify improvement opportunities using data-driven analysis (e.g. value stream mapping root cause analysis process mapping).
• Collaborate with functional leaders to develop and execute improvement projects that align with business goals.
• Develop track and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) to monitor progress and impact of initiatives.
• Facilitate cross-functional workshops and training to embed continuous improvement methodologies throughout the organization.
• Standardize best practices and ensure sustainability of implemented solutions.
• Support deployment of a structured Operational Excellence framework and maturity model.
• Drive a culture of problem-solving employee engagement and innovation on the shop floor.
• Act as a change agent by promoting lean thinking and operational discipline across the plant.
• Ensure compliance with all safety quality and environmental regulations while improving operational performance.

Qualifications :

Required Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in Industrial Engineering 
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in a continuous improvement role preferably in manufacturing environments (aerospace automotive etc.)
• Strong experience in industrial manufacturing or metallurgical environments with a focus on implementing and sustaining Continuous Improvement initiatives
• Experience on managing projects defining clear tasks assignees and dates. Involvement on constant follow ups with the group(s) hes leading or co-leading.
• Certification in project management (e.g. PMP) or related experience.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office software (e.g. Excel Power Point Word etc)
• Strong understanding and experience of Lean Manufacturing concepts and methodologies such as but not limited to:
  • 5S
  • 8 Wastes
  • Value Stream Mapping (VSM)
  • Problem Solving (5W2H 5 Whys 8Ds QRQC etc.)
  • Single Minute Exchange of Die (SMED)
  • Autonomous Maintenance
  • Andon
  • Kanban
  • Every Part Every Interval (EPEI also commonly known as Set-up wheels)
  • Cycle time Lead time Takt time.
  • Line Balancing (Yamazumi Charts)
  • First In First Out (FIFO)
  • Visual Management
  • Lean Daily Management system
  • Gemba walks
  • Leader Standard Work
• Knowledge of Quality Management Systems (QMS) and experience in maintaining compliance with industry standards and regulations
• Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish (verbal and written)

Preferred Qualifications

• Lean Six Sigma Yellow Green or Black belt certifications
• Experience working in environments where Continuous Improvement initiatives must be introduced and developed from the ground up including with teams that have limited or no prior exposure to such practices.
• Familiarity on metallurgical processes such as Wire Rope stranding or closing

Additional Information :

Materials and Equipment Directly Used

• Standard office equipment such as computers keyboard mouse and copiers.
• Personal protective equipment (PPE) including safety glasses hearing protection gloves and steel-toed safety shoes

Additional Information

• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without restriction.
• An applicant must complete a satisfactory background check post-offer of employment.  A criminal conviction will not be an automatic bar to employment.
• Must be willing and able to pass a post-offer drug screen and physical (if required)
• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disability

Remote Work :

No

Employment Type :

Full-time