Senior Manager, Operational Excellence & Engineering

Position Summary

The Sr. Operational Excellence and Engineering Manager leads the deployment and sustainment of the Apogee Management System (AMS) across manufacturing operations. This role is accountable for driving measurable improvements in safety quality delivery and cost by applying disciplined problem solving standard work and engineering-based solutions. Additionally this role has greater responsibility to drive standardization and alignment across multiple sites for one or more of the following Capital Spend and Budget Management Strategic Business Infrastructure Project Management Manufacturing Process Consistency or Facilitation and Implementation of Continuous Improvement Initiatives.

The role partners closely with Operations Engineering Quality Supply Chain and HR to identify performance gaps prioritize improvement work and embed AMS principles into daily addition the position provides technical leadership for manufacturing engineering ensuring ownership and continuous improvement of core manufacturing systems and capabilities.

Success in this role requires strong leadership presence clear prioritization and a hands-on approach to execution. The Operational Excellence and Engineering Manager builds credibility with manufacturing leaders supports effective change adoption and delivers sustained operational results.

Key Responsibilities

Lead the deployment and sustainment of the Apogee Management System (AMS) across assigned manufacturing sites

Coach and develop supervisors engineers and operators in continuous improvement behaviors standard work and problem-solving discipline

Drive measurable improvements in safety quality productivity throughput scrap reduction and cost through structured improvement initiatives

Partner with plant leadership to identify prioritize and execute improvement work aligned with business goals and operational metrics

Facilitate and apply operational excellence methods (e.g. Kaizen value stream mapping standard work visual management) to embed continuous improvement into daily operations

Apply structured problem-solving approaches (A3 PDCA DMAIC root cause analysis) to resolve operational issues and prevent recurrence

Analyze production quality and labor data to identify trends performance gaps and improvement opportunities

Lead change adoption efforts to ensure improvements are implemented consistently and sustained across departments and shifts

Track communicate and report results of improvement initiatives including performance gains and cost savings

Provide multi-site ownership of Capital Spending Management Strategic Business Infrastructure Project Management Manufacturing Process Consistency or Facilitation and Implementation of Continuous Improvement Initiatives as directed.

Engineering & Technical Leadership

Provide technical ownership and governance of paint anodize thermal and extrusion processes standards and best practices

Provide technical expertise in order to support problem solving develop new products and developing standards for supporting the implementation of automation systems

Lead process capability yield scrap and throughput improvements across these technologies

Support new product introductions equipment selection and capital projects related to paint anodize thermal and extrusion operations

Previous experience and participation within AAC (Aluminum Anodizers Council) NASF (National Association for Surface Finishing) or IFCA (Industrial Finishing & Coating Association) is preferred

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

Core Skills

Ability to influence without authority and work effectively across all levels of the organization

Strong analytical capability with the ability to translate data into clear actionable improvements

Effective communication facilitation and coaching skills to drive understanding and adoption

Strong collaboration skills with the ability to work across operations engineering and support functions

Proficiency with standard productivity and data tools (e.g. Excel BI tools manufacturing systems)

Strong Project Management skills including project planning structured cadence risk mitigation action management scope clarity and deadline management

Leadership Attributes

Results-oriented with a strong sense of accountability for outcomes

Organized and able to manage multiple priorities and initiatives simultaneously

Adaptable and effective in a changing fast-paced manufacturing environment

Demonstrated commitment to continuous learning and professional development

Education and Experience

Education

Bachelors degree in Engineering Manufacturing Industrial Engineering Chemistry or a related field

Experience

Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in a manufacturing or industrial environment with demonstrated impact on operational performance

Minimum of 5 years experience in Anodize Paint or coating manufacturing

Owns a capability across the segment

Leads portfolios and multi-year transformational roadmaps.

Influences plant and functional leaders

Owns business cases investment decisions and benefits realization

Establishes governance and common standards

Strong working knowledge of Lean manufacturing principles and operational excellence frameworks applied in real operating environments

Experience leading Kaizen events and cross-functional improvement efforts from identification through sustained results

Work Environment/Travel Requirements

Frequent exposure to manufacturing environment

Overnight travel will vary based on projects and business needs and is expected to average up to 10% including approximately one week per quarter and occasional additional travel for corporate meetings or training.

Physical Requirements

o Ability to work in both office and manufacturing environments.

o Lift up to 10 lbs.

Our Benefits

Apogee and our brands are an Equal Opportunity Employer.