Operational Excellence Manager

Join our team and help build what comes next.

GENERAL SUMMARY

To support the implementation and ongoing improvement of a sustainable operational excellence management approach through development and day to day management of divisional operational excellence leaders. Leads sustainable continuous improvement programs using Total Quality Production System (TQPS) methodologies that will drive and deliver safety, quality, production, cost, and service targets from NASG. The Operational Excellence Manager will work with each plant’s leadership to execute continuous improvement initiatives that support organizational goals while developing and mentoring.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Promote and drive continuous improvement throughout all of NASG.

Lead and drive systematic and sustainable Lean and Continuous Improvement Process to achieve safety, quality, productivity, net cost of production, Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), and world class service level with outstanding delivery performance.

Drives the future state and improvement plan for each manufacturing site in the identification, selection, scope and execution of projects; utilizing Key Process Indicators (KPI’s) and TQPS methodologies.

Promote and lead change by shifting paradigms.

Challenge status quo and demonstrate sustainable results.

Support TQPS goals and successes.

Execute complex continuous improvement projects and Kaizen / TQPS events as assigned to increase productivity, improve quality, and maximize profitability.

Make recommendations for integrating TQPS initiatives in partnership with various departments to drive projects to completion.

Assist in the identification of high impact projects within assigned scope.

Manage projects and Kaizen / TQPS events, develop Problem Solving team members throughout the organization as directed by the company.

Manage projects through communication of milestones and deliverables to the VP of Operational Excellence as well as Operation’s management and appropriate project stakeholders.

Provide support to TQPS projects, which includes scoping and defining projects, analyzing the data, assisting with Kaizen / TQPS events, and reviewing team progress with follow-up audits.

Utilize TQPS processes and tools in data formulation, documentation, project execution, deliverables, and reporting.

Ensure that KPI’s are defined, developed, and tracked and that improvements result in a positive impact for each project.

Oversee the data reporting and documentation processes of leading and lagging indicators associated with the projects, including but not limited to verification of data collection and monitoring, and timely data reporting.

Responsible for managing project sustainment and calculating relevant financial results.

Exceed annual continuous improvement savings metric as established by NASG leadership.

Develop, coordinate, and conduct TQPS training to all plant staff throughout all of NASG.

Through training and development assist all associates in bettering themselves in TQPS.

Foster associate involvement and engagement at all levels, building a foundation for sustainable business results.

Collaborate with manufacturing leadership to develop an overall operational improvement strategy and identify opportunities for improvement.

Promote awareness of TQPS methodologies to managers and process owners in order to educate them on the use of the TQPS tools across all divisions.

Provide guidance, direction, and mentoring / coaching as it pertains to TQPS, developing the appropriate balance of “Methodology Approach” vs. “Tools Approach”.

Ensure appropriate level of “synergy” within NASG regarding the successful expansion and execution of TQPS to improve processes.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS

Education:

Bachelor's Degree with emphasis in Engineering, Business Administration, Operations Management, or related technical discipline.

Master's degree in related field and/or Professional certification is preferred.

Training or certification in applying TQPS and/or TPS principles and methodologies.

Lean / Six Sigma Black Belt certification is preferred.

Experience:

5 - 10 years of progressive experience in a supply chain and/or manufacturing operations environment.

3 - 5 years of management role with supervisory responsibilities.

10+ years "hands-on" experience in lean manufacturing process with a proven track record of delivering results.

Must have implemented lean practices in several different plants or operating environments.

Prior experience with multi-site responsibility in a manufacturing setting preferred.

Experience at an OEM and / or Tier 1 / Tier 2 supplier in automotive market is preferred.

Personal / Technical

Skills

Strong problem-solving ability using a DMAIC, PDCA, 8D structure, or another industry recognized approach.

Understands the Lean concepts of Flow, Pull, and Push principles within a comprehensive Supply Chain.

Capable of leading and implementing the practical application of the full range of lean methods on the plant floor.

Proven, demonstrated skill and abilities in developing, driving, and executing comprehensive Value Stream Mapping with tangible levels of success and results.

Thorough understanding and application of TQPS methodologies and processes including PDCA, Kaizen, 5s, SMED, Standardized Work, 5-Why, Problem Solving, and Kanban.

General understanding and working knowledge of manufacturing, assembly, welding, tooling (including design), automation, robotics, or manufacturing processes that relate to automotive stamping and assembly.

Thorough understanding of company product, trade terminology, quality management and control systems and techniques, manufacturing processes including material controls, workflow, scheduling, MRP systems, kanban, and equipment and machine operation.

Ability to coach, mentor, and evaluate others.

Must be a self-starter with ability to prioritize multiple projects and tasks.

Ability to create momentum and foster organizational change while balancing the strategic and operational objectives.

Excellent judgment, problem solving skills, and decision making.

Team player; must be able to establish teams and manage projects.

Strong negotiation and consulting skills, with the ability to influence others.

Talent for recognizing better and innovative ways to accomplish objectives.

Proven ability to manage projects with limited resources.

Strong customer service orientation with both internal and external customers.

Results-driven with a positive attitude, exhibit flexibility, and be adaptable to change.

Demonstrated training and presentation skills.

Good understanding of a variety of measurement techniques and good analytical skills.

Ability to develop and implement strategic plans through persuasion, education, and training.

Must be data-driven and possess a high level of attention to detail, accuracy, and data analysis.

Excellent communicator as well as listener to lead teams through Kaizen / TQPS events or similar activities.

Versatility, flexibility, and a willingness to work within constantly changing priorities and processes.

Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, supervisors and others.

Ability to communicate on a one-to-one basis and before groups to obtain or provide information.

Ability to effectively manage multiple projects / initiatives within budget limits and time constraints.

Outstanding interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate with and include others in the organization.

Ability to communicate clearly, concisely, logically, persuasively, and accurately, both verbally and in writing.

Ability to work independently with minimal supervision; self-starter with high drive and a quality results orientation.

Ability to effectively communicate and work well with people at all organizational levels and from various backgrounds.

Willing to work in a team environment, adapt to the changing needs of the organization, and provide support as workloads fluctuate.

Excellent skills in dealing with fast pace, challenging and often "impossible" situations; must like solving problems and getting the job done.

Willingness and ability to collaborate with internal customers and other functional groups to provide optimal solutions while complying with corporate guidelines.

Strong leadership skills demonstrated through championing accountability, maximizing team and individual strengths, seeking and implementing change, and aligning with critical plant and business objectives.