Our client is a well-established manufacturing organization undergoing a significant transformation focused on operational performance, leadership capability, and continuous improvement. They are looking for a Regional Director of Operational Excellence to lead transformation initiatives across multiple manufacturing facilities. This is a highly visible leadership role working closely with senior executives, plant leadership, and operational teams to improve performance, establish consistent operating practices, and build a sustainable culture of continuous improvement. This is an opportunity for an experienced Operational Excellence or Lean leader to have a meaningful impact across a multi-site manufacturing environment.
Responsibilities:
- Lead the deployment of operational excellence and continuous improvement initiatives across multiple manufacturing sites.
- Translate strategic business objectives into practical operational improvement plans.
- Partner with senior and site leadership to identify priorities, remove barriers, and accelerate results.
- Identify opportunities to standardize and improve processes across facilities.
- Lead initiatives focused on improving safety, quality, delivery, cost, inventory, productivity, and employee engagement.
- Establish and strengthen Lean and continuous improvement methodologies across the organization.
- Drive the use of Lean tools including Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping, Daily Management, structured problem solving, and Root Cause Analysis.
- Ensure improvement initiatives are implemented effectively and sustained over time.
- Coach and advise Plant Managers, operational leaders, and continuous improvement teams.
- Develop leadership capability in Lean principles, problem solving, performance management, and accountability.
- Facilitate workshops, Kaizen events, site assessments, and improvement sessions.
- Build internal capability so that continuous improvement becomes embedded within day-to-day operations.
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations, Business, Manufacturing, or a related discipline.
- 10+ years of progressive experience in Operational Excellence, Lean, Continuous Improvement, Manufacturing Excellence, or a related discipline.
- Proven experience leading multi-site or enterprise-wide transformation initiatives within a manufacturing environment.
- Strong practical knowledge of Lean methodologies, Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping, Daily Management, Root Cause Analysis, and structured problem solving.
- Demonstrated success improving operational performance and delivering measurable business results.
- Experience developing KPI dashboards, scorecards, governance structures, and executive-level reporting.
- Strong ability to influence and collaborate with senior leaders, Plant Managers, and cross-functional teams.
- Demonstrated experience coaching leaders and building organizational capability.
- Strong change management and communication skills.
- Ability to operate strategically while remaining comfortable working directly with operational teams.
- Willingness to travel regularly between manufacturing facilities.
