Regional Operational Excellence Manager

Responsibilities of the Regional Operational Excellence Manager:

• Lead regional Operational Excellence initiatives across North America manufacturing facilities, driving improvements in safety, quality, delivery, productivity, cost, labor efficiency, scrap reduction, and downtime.
• Develop and execute continuous improvement strategies, including Lean Manufacturing, HPPS deployment, kaizen events, daily management systems, and standardized best practices.
• Conduct operational assessments, analyze KPIs, identify performance gaps, and implement sustainable corrective actions and process improvements.
• Partner cross-functionally with Operations, Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, Finance, and Maintenance teams to support plant performance, launches, audits, automation, and capital improvement initiatives.
• Drive cost savings initiatives, validate operational improvements with Finance, and track project progress, savings, and implementation results across multiple sites.
• Coach and train plant leadership teams on Lean tools, problem-solving, standard work, and continuous improvement methodologies to strengthen operational discipline and accountability.
• Support compliance with IATF 16949, ISO 14001, safety, environmental, and customer-specific requirements while promoting a culture of continuous improvement and teamwork.
• Travel regularly throughout North America to support manufacturing operations, share best practices, and ensure consistent execution of operational standards.

Qualifications and Skills:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, Operations, Manufacturing, Business, or related field preferred; equivalent manufacturing experience considered.
• 7+ years of experience in manufacturing, operations, engineering, operational excellence, or continuous improvement, including leadership of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, HPPS, kaizen, and productivity improvement initiatives.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing operations, plant performance, cost reduction strategies, and continuous improvement methodologies in automotive or high-volume manufacturing environments.
• Experience with Lean and Six Sigma tools including DMAIC, 5S, TPM, Standard Work, Value Stream Mapping, Visual Management, and root cause analysis.
• Proven project management and cross-functional leadership experience with the ability to drive initiatives across multiple manufacturing locations.
• Strong analytical, financial, and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret operational KPIs and implement measurable performance improvements.
• Excellent communication, coaching, presentation, and organizational skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office, advanced Excel, and data analysis tools.
• Ability to work effectively with plant leadership, production teams, technical teams, and executive leadership in a multi-site manufacturing environment.
• Hands-on, self-directed leader with strong attention to detail and willingness to travel regularly throughout North America.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior experience as a Plant Manager, Operations Manager, Value Stream Manager, or senior manufacturing leader.
• Multi-site manufacturing and automotive industry experience.
• Six Sigma Green Belt, Black Belt, Lean certification, or equivalent continuous improvement certification.
• Experience supporting IATF 16949, ISO 14001, ERP systems, production reporting systems, or business intelligence tools.
• Experience with automotive acoustic, soft trim, carpet, foam, fibrous products, plastics, or related manufacturing processes.

Behaviors Required:

• Team Player: Works well as a member of a group and partners effectively across functions and locations.
• Detail Oriented: Capable of carrying out tasks with all details necessary to achieve strong results.
• Dedicated: Devoted to the role, business objectives, and continuous improvement with loyalty and integrity.
• Self-Starter: Inspired to perform without outside help and able to drive results independently.
• Hands-On Leader: Comfortable working directly on the plant floor with operations teams.
• Change Agent: Able to challenge current practices and influence others toward improved processes.
• Results Driven: Focused on measurable improvements in safety, quality, delivery, cost, productivity, and operational discipline.
• Accountable: Takes ownership of projects, follow-up actions, and sustainable implementation.

Benefits of the Regional Operational Excellence Manager:

• Competitive pay and generous benefits package along with the opportunity to be a part of a strong team and growing one's career.
• Salary range is $130,000 - $150,000. Specific salary is commensurate with experience and factors such as relevant experience, education, certifications and licenses, skills, and training.
• Excellent medical, dental, and vision insurance options from day one.
• Generous and flexible paid time off.
• 401(K) match, fully vested.
• Company provided life insurance, short term and long-term disability insurances, employee assistance program.
• Variety of automobile purchase discounts (Stellantis (FCA), BMW, Ford, GM, Subaru-many others)
• Tuition reimbursement and professional development.