Director, Operational Excellence

Dover Corporation • Elon, NC

7h • Remote

About The Position

Since 1892, OPW customers have been able to count on us to revolutionize fluid-handling operations around the world. As a global leader in fluid-handling solutions, the mission of OPW is to be a developer of a comprehensive array of innovative fluid-handling solutions that our customers can consistently and reliably count on. These include loading and unloading systems for high-value hazardous and non-hazardous bulk products; railcar and transport tank-truck valves, gauging devices and tank-monitoring systems; automated storage-terminal controls and systems; and regulators, fittings, valves, vaporizers, vacuum-jacketed piping and gas-handling systems for the safe handling and distribution of cryogenics and industrial gases. OPW has more than 2,000 employees with manufacturing operations in North America, Europe and China, and sales offices around the world. OPW is part of the Clean Energy & Fueling segment of Dover (NYSE: DOV). Reporting to the Vice President, Operations for OPW, the Director, Operational Excellence will lead the development and execution of a global continuous improvement strategy, driving measurable business results across OPW’s operations. This role is responsible for embedding a culture of Operational Excellence, enabling performance improvement across Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Cost (SQDC), and advancing standardized processes, capability building, and value stream optimization across the enterprise.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations, or a related field required.
• Minimum of 5+ years of leadership experience in Operations and/or Continuous Improvement within a manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated success driving measurable operational improvements and cultural transformation.
• Strong project and program management experience, with the ability to lead complex, cross-functional initiatives.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools (Excel, Word, Project); familiarity with PowerPoint and Visio preferred.
• Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally (up to 75%).

Nice To Haves

• Formal Lean/Six Sigma certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Define and deploy OPW’s global Operational Excellence strategy aligned to business priorities and growth objectives.
• Identify, prioritize, and lead high-impact continuous improvement initiatives tied directly to operational and financial performance.
• Establish and monitor KPIs to measure effectiveness of CI initiatives, ensuring visibility, accountability, and sustained results.
• Serve as a thought leader and coach to operations leadership, fostering a culture of accountability, empowerment, and continuous improvement.
• Mentor leaders across sites to strengthen execution rigor and drive SQDC performance.
• Build organizational capability through training, coaching, and development of Lean and Six Sigma skillsets, including Green and Black Belt programs.
• Champion and standardize Daily Management Systems, including visual management and tiered accountability processes.
• Lead training and implementation of core CI tools and methodologies, including: Value Stream Mapping / Design, Standard Work, A3 Problem Solving, 5S and Visual Management, Plan for Every Part (PFEP), Sales, Inventory & Operations Planning (SIOP).
• Continuously assess and introduce additional tools and best practices to enhance operational performance.
• Lead large-scale, cross-functional transformation initiatives as a program leader and change agent.
• Partner with site leadership to develop and execute project plans, including scope, timelines, resources, and financial impact.
• Ensure successful implementation, knowledge transfer, and sustainment of improvements within operations teams.
• Partner with Dover corporate and OPW leadership to align on Operational Excellence priorities and secure resources to support execution.
• Act as a key liaison across global operations to ensure alignment, consistency, and sharing of best practices.
• Lead the development and execution of multi-year CI roadmaps, leveraging Value Stream Design to optimize footprint and workflows.

Benefits

• a 401(k) savings plan with employer contributions
• medical, dental and vision insurance
• wellness programs
• health savings account
• health care and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• company paid short-term disability and long-term disability
• company paid employee basic life and AD&D insurance
• supplemental employee and dependent life insurance
• optional accident, hospital indemnity and critical illness insurance
• adoption, surrogacy, and fertility benefits and assistance
• commuter benefits
• parental, military, jury duty, and bereavement leaves of absence
• paid time off, including 11 paid holidays per calendar year, paid vacation days beginning at 120 hours annually, 24 paid sick leave hours annually or as provided under state and local paid sick leave laws
• business travel services
• employee discounts
• an employee assistance program that includes company paid counseling sessions and legal services

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees