Director of Operational Excellence

Company

Family-owned manufacturing company with ~$500m in revenue and 800 employees across 4 facilities.

Position

Client is seeking an experienced Director of Operational Excellence to lead operational excellence initiatives within their manufacturing facility. This role will have a dual focus: driving measurable improvements in efficiency, quality, and safety, while also empowering front-line workers through robust training and upskilling programs. Additionally, you will design and implement leadership development initiatives to grow front-line managers into future organizational leaders. Position reports directly to another veteran.

Responsibilities

Continuous Improvement Leadership:

• Lead the development, implementation, and monitoring of CI initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma, and other methodologies.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Manufacturing, Quality, Maintenance, HR, and Business Analytics) to align CI efforts with business objectives.
• Drive a culture of continuous improvement by encouraging employee engagement and fostering a problem-solving mindset at all levels.

Training and Upskilling Programs:

• Develop and execute training programs to upskill front-line workers in key competencies such as technical skills, process improvement, and problem-solving techniques.
• Partner with HR and training teams to create accessible and relevant training materials that enhance shop floor performance.
• Measure training program effectiveness using metrics and KPIs, ensuring alignment with business goals.

Leadership Development:

• Collaborate with HR and leadership to design programs aimed at developing front-line managers into future senior leaders.
• Foster a growth-oriented environment where leadership capabilities are prioritized and developed.

Performance Metrics & Reporting:

• Establish and track KPIs for CI projects, training outcomes, and leadership development programs.
• Provide regular updates and reports to senior leadership, highlighting successes, areas for improvement, and ongoing strategies.

Requirements

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Business Administration, or a related field. Master’s degree preferred for Director-level candidates.
• 7+ years of relevant experience, with at least 1–2 years in a leadership role.

Skills and Qualifications:

• Proven success implementing Lean, Six Sigma, or similar CI methodologies with measurable results.
• Experience developing and delivering training and leadership development programs in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong project management and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and team-building abilities.
• Analytical mindset with experience working with data analysts to inform CI strategies.
• You thrive on driving operational excellence and building a culture of continuous improvement.
• You’re passionate about upskilling and empowering the workforce.
• You can simplify complex challenges into clear, actionable plans.
• You have a talent for building strong teams and developing future leaders.

Compensation: $160k - $200k

Location: Modesto, California