Sr. Manager Operational Excellence & Digital Transformation

Michigan (US-MI)

Sr. Manager Operational Excellence & Digital Transformation

Location: Nexteer Automotive Corporation Saginaw MI (USA)

Reports To: U.S. Division President

About the Role

We are seeking a highly motivated change agent to lead enterprise-wide business transformation initiatives that simplify processes eliminate waste and improve operational performance across our U.S. organization. Reporting directly to the U.S. Division President this leader will partner with business and functional leaders to identify opportunities redesign processes and implement sustainable improvements using Lean methodologies digital technologies automation and data analytics.

This role is not simply about implementing technology it is about understanding how work gets done challenging the status quo and helping the organization build more efficient standardized and scalable processes. The successful candidate will be equally comfortable facilitating a value stream mapping workshop on the plant floor redesigning an administrative process with Finance or HR or deploying digital tools that improve decision making and execution.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as an enterprise-wide change agent leading strategic business transformation initiatives that improve productivity quality customer service and cost competitiveness.
• Facilitate Value Stream Mapping (VSM) process mapping Kaizen events and waste identification workshops across manufacturing and business functions.
• Analyze current-state processes to identify bottlenecks redundancies non-value-added activities and opportunities for standardization and automation.
• Lead cross-functional teams in redesigning business processes using Lean principles operational excellence methodologies and digital technologies.
• Develop and execute a digital transformation roadmap aligned with the companys strategic priorities.
• Partner with Manufacturing Supply Chain Engineering Quality Finance HR Purchasing and IT to improve end-to-end business processes.
• Evaluate opportunities to leverage automation AI business intelligence workflow tools and advanced analytics to improve operational effectiveness.
• Drive organizational adoption of new processes by leading change management efforts stakeholder engagement and employee training.
• Establish performance metrics and dashboards to measure process improvements and sustain gains.
• Partner with IT to ensure technology solutions support business objectives while simplifying user experience and reducing manual work.
• Build a culture of continuous improvement where employees routinely identify and eliminate waste.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives across both manufacturing operations and administrative functions.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in Engineering Operations Management Industrial Engineering Business Information Systems or related discipline.
• 8 years of progressive leadership experience in business transformation operational excellence continuous improvement manufacturing industrial engineering or digital transformation.
• Demonstrated success leading enterprise-wide process improvement initiatives with measurable business impact.
• Strong experience applying Lean methodologies including:
• Value Stream Mapping
• Process Mapping
• Kaizen
• Root Cause Analysis
• Standard Work
• Visual Management
• Waste Elimination
• Proven ability to facilitate cross-functional workshops and build consensus among diverse stakeholders.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities with the ability to translate data into actionable business improvements.
• Experience leading organizational change and influencing leaders without direct authority.
• Excellent communication and executive presentation skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience implementing digital manufacturing technologies automation AI or workflow automation tools.
• Lean Six Sigma Black Belt or equivalent continuous improvement certification.
• Knowledge of manufacturing systems including ERP MES IoT and data visualization platforms.
• Experience with Power BI Tableau SQL or business intelligence tools.
• Experience in automotive or complex manufacturing environments.
• Experience leading business process redesign across manufacturing and corporate functions.

Leadership Competencies

• Passion for challenging the status quo and driving meaningful organizational change.
• Systems thinker who understands end-to-end business processes.
• Strong facilitator capable of bringing teams together to solve complex problems.
• Curious data-driven decision maker who seeks root causes rather than symptoms.
• Influential leader who builds trust accountability and engagement across all levels of the organization.
• Results-oriented with a relentless focus on delivering measurable business value.
• Champion of continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Why Join Us

• Lead transformational initiatives that directly influence the future direction of our U.S. operations.
• Partner with executive leadership to shape strategy and improve business performance.
• Drive meaningful improvements across manufacturing supply chain engineering finance HR and other critical business functions.
• Build a culture where continuous improvement is part of everyday work.
• Competitive compensation executive visibility and significant opportunities for professional growth.

About the Role: We are seeking a dynamic and visionary Manager or Director to lead our digital transformation and manufacturing IT strategy. As a direct report to our U.S. Division President and a key member of their staff you will be responsible for developing and executing strategies that drive operational excellence digital innovation and cultural change across our manufacturing operations. You will serve as a change agent partnering with cross-functional leaders to deliver scalable digital solutions foster a culture of continuous improvement and ensure our teams are equipped for the future of smart manufacturing.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute a digital transformation roadmap aligned with business and operational priorities.
• Lead cross-functional initiatives to deploy digital tools advanced analytics automation and AI in manufacturing environments.
• Champion change management driving adoption of new technologies and data-driven decision making.
• Oversee the integration and optimization of manufacturing IT systems (MES IoT traceability analytics platforms).
• Ensure data governance cybersecurity and compliance with quality and customer requirements.
• Provide strategic and operational leadership to IT and digital teams fostering talent development and high performance.
• Translate complex technical challenges into actionable business solutions.
• Deliver measurable improvements in productivity quality and cost through digital initiatives.
• Partner with Finance HR and Supply Chain to assess and optimize back-office business systems & processes identifying opportunities for automation data integration & workflow improvement.
• Build and develop an IT and digital team with organizational structure and size defined based on evolving business priorities and growth needs.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelors or Masters degree in Information Technology Computer Science Engineering Data Science or a related field.
• 8 years of progressive experience in IT digital transformation or manufacturing technology with at least 2 years in a multinational or industrial environment.
• Proven track record of leading digitalization and change management initiatives in manufacturing or industrial settings.
• Deep understanding of manufacturing IT systems (MES IoT traceability automation analytics cloud platforms).
• Strong experience with SQL data platforms and integration technologies.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage complex projects.
• Excellent communication analytical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Fluent in English (spoken and written).

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with AI/machine learning applications in operations.
• Familiarity with data visualization tools (Power BI Tableau etc.).
• Knowledge of IT security backup/recovery and compliance standards.
• Experience in developing and delivering training to technical and operational teams.
• Experience with ERP platforms (SAP QAD Microsoft Dynamics or equivalent) in a manufacturing or industrial context.
• Proven ownership of a BI or reporting capability not just tool familiarity but building and sustaining reporting infrastructure that business stakeholders actually rely on.

Leadership Competencies:

• Strategic thinker with a digital innovation mindset.
• Strong business partnership and customer focus.
• Integrity accountability and a passion for quality.
• Collaborative transparent communicator and relationship builder.
• Commitment to continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Why Join Us

• Be a key driver of digital transformation at a global manufacturing leader.
• Work directly with executive leadership and influence company-wide strategy.
• Lead high-impact projects that shape the future of our operations.
• Competitive compensation and opportunities for professional growth.

This position is not eligible for employer-sponsored work authorization. Do not apply for this role if you will need immigration sponsorship now or in the future. This includes direct company sponsorship entry of Nexteer as the immigration employer of record on a government form and any work authorization requiring a written submission or other immigration support from the company (e.g. H1-B OPT STEM OPT CPT TN J-1 etc.)

Nexteer is an Equal Opportunity Employer Disabled/Minorities/Veterans/Women

Nexteer is an E-Verify employer. E-Verify is an internet-based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA) that allows participating employees to electronically verify the employment eligibility of their newly hired employees in the United States.

Accessibility for Applicants with Disabilities:If you need a reasonable accommodation for the online application process due to a disability please email Please provide your contact information and details about the posted position of interest. Only inquiries regarding assistance for those who need an accommodation with the online application process due to a disability will be returned.

About Nexteer

Nexteer Automotive is a global leader in advanced steering and motion control systems enabling intuitive safe and comfortable mobility for drivers around the world. Our innovative product portfolio includes Electric Power Steering (EPS) Steer-by-Wire Driveline and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) technologies that support electrification software-defined vehicles and autonomous driving.

With approximately 13000 employees and operations in more than 20 manufacturing plants and multiple technical centers globally Nexteer partners with nearly every major global and regional automotive manufacturer.