Operational Excellence Change Agent

What you will do:

• Conduct comprehensive value stream analyses to assess current operational and transactional performance, identify process inefficiencies, and define future-state improvements that enhance flow, effectiveness, customer value, and overall business results.
• Review existing and proposed procedures, workflows, controls, and supporting systems to identify barriers to performance, uncover improvement opportunities, and develop actionable plans that support effective implementation and sustainment of change.
• Lead the planning, coordination, and execution of Lean improvement activities, including Kaizen events, Blitz events, Rapid Improvement Events (RIEs), and Just Do It (JDI) activities, ensuring strong participation, effective facilitation, and alignment to safety, quality, delivery, cost, and productivity objectives.
• Train, coach, and support Team Leaders, Supervisors, Managers, and cross-functional teams through daily engagement, team meetings, and Gemba walks, reinforcing effective problem solving and the practical application of Lean tools, principles, and methodologies.
• Coach and support the use of daily management practices, including Mission Control, MDI, A3 problem solving, standard work, visual controls, and area control boards, to improve accountability, highlight normal versus abnormal conditions, and strengthen team performance.
• Create, implement, improve, and sustain standard work, visual work aids, and other workplace controls that promote consistency, clarity, and adherence to desired processes.
• Apply Lean diagnostic and analytical tools such as value stream mapping, cycle time analysis, time studies, line balancing, workplace analysis, and error-proofing methods to identify waste, improve flow, and optimize operational performance.
• Support leaders and teams in resolving issues that arise during and after Lean improvement events, helping ensure actions are completed, barriers are removed, and desired future-state outcomes are achieved and sustained.
• Monitor, track, and communicate key improvement metrics and results through visual management systems, control boards, and other reporting methods to confirm effectiveness, sustain gains, and support informed decision-making.
• Partner closely with the Sr. Value Stream Coach, Site Leader, Department Managers, Supervisors, and cross-functional stakeholders to address challenges during implementation and sustainment phases, ensuring improvement initiatives remain aligned with operational and business objectives.
• Support the ongoing Lean transformation by identifying training needs, reinforcing management practices, promoting employee engagement, and helping build a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence.
• Serve as a backup to the Sr. Value Stream Coach when needed, providing leadership continuity and ongoing support for site-wide continuous improvement efforts.

What you will bring:

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in Lean manufacturing, operational excellence, or continuous improvement, with demonstrated success in managing, training, coaching, and developing others in Lean tools, principles, and methodologies; or equivalent operations leadership experience applying Lean principles and methodologies.
• Demonstrated knowledge and practical application of Lean manufacturing concepts, continuous improvement tools, and problem-solving methodologies, including value stream mapping, standard work, visual management, waste elimination, and structured event facilitation.
• Demonstrated success leading and facilitating Kaizen, Blitz, Rapid Improvement Events (RIEs), or similar structured improvement activities, with a strong track record of delivering measurable operational and financial results.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate clearly and effectively with employees at all levels, from frontline team members to senior leadership, and to facilitate productive group discussions and training sessions.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify issues, collect and interpret data, evaluate process performance, and support practical, sustainable solutions.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Visio, or similar business and process-mapping tools.
• Experience applying Lean or continuous improvement principles in transactional or administrative processes is preferred.
• Associate or bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering, mechanical engineering, manufacturing engineering, or a related field preferred; equivalent education, training, and relevant work experience will be considered in lieu of a formal degree.

Annual Base Salary Range or Hourly Base Pay Range:

$75,700.00 - $135,834.99

Compensation Type:

Salary

Incentive Eligible:

No

Sales Commission Eligible:

No

Disclaimer: We strive to provide competitive compensation for this position, tailored to a variety of factors. The actual compensation will depend on elements such as seniority, merit, geographic location, education, experience, travel requirements, and union designation. Our compensation range is generally based on the national average for the country. Additionally, benefits may vary depending on the region, business alignment, union involvement, and employee status.

Thrive at work and at home:

• Benefits kick in on DAY ONE for you and your family, including health insurance and holistic wellness programs that include generous incentives – WE DARE TO CARE!
• Family building benefits include fertility coverage and adoption/surrogacy assistance.
• Paid time off includes up to 15 vacation days, paid holidays, sick leave, and additional options to support volunteer and parental leave.
• 401K match up, educational and training opportunities through company programs along with tuition assistance and student debt support.

Disclaimer: Benefit offerings may vary by site as well as Collective Bargaining Agreements and local/state regulations

Safety Sensitive Role:

Yes

The company designates certain roles as Safety Sensitive. Safety Sensitive roles may require that you pass additional drug screening.

We offer competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits and programs. We are an equal opportunity employer; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, pregnancy, age, marital status, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any legally protected status.