Director Operational Excellence

MC Test Service Inc•Melbourne, FL

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Director, Operational Excellence is responsible for developing, leading, and continuously improving the company’s global Operational Excellence strategy and operating system across manufacturing locations. This role drives sustainable improvements in safety, quality, delivery, cost, productivity, and operational performance through the application of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, structured problem-solving, and continuous improvement principles. Working closely with Operations, Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, Planning, Program Management, Finance, and site leadership, the Director, Operational Excellence establishes standardized methodologies, tools, performance expectations, and governance across the organization while building a culture of continuous improvement and operational discipline. The role partners with site and functional leaders to identify performance gaps, prioritize improvement opportunities, eliminate waste and variation, improve manufacturing flow, and develop organizational capability to sustain results.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations, Industrial Engineering, Business, or a related field required; advanced degree preferred.
Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification required; Master Black Belt certification strongly preferred.
Minimum 7 years of progressive experience in manufacturing, operations, engineering, Operational Excellence, Lean, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement, including significant leadership responsibility.
Demonstrated experience leading Operational Excellence or continuous improvement programs across multiple manufacturing sites, regions, or business units.
Demonstrated expertise applying Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Kaizen, value stream mapping, standard work, visual management, root cause analysis, and structured problem-solving methodologies.
Experience within electronics manufacturing, contract manufacturing, aerospace and defense, medical, semiconductor, industrial, or another complex manufacturing environment strongly preferred.
Demonstrated experience leading productivity, cost reduction, cycle-time reduction, yield improvement, capacity optimization, and manufacturing efficiency initiatives.
Experience establishing Operational Excellence governance, project pipelines, performance metrics, benefit tracking, and management operating systems.
Demonstrated ability to quantify and validate operational and financial benefits in partnership with Finance and business leadership.
Proven ability to lead change and influence senior leaders, site leadership, and cross-functional teams in a global, matrixed manufacturing environment.
Ability to sit for extended periods while performing computer-based work.
Ability to use a computer, keyboard, mouse, telephone, and other office equipment for prolonged periods.
Ability to communicate effectively in person, by telephone, and through electronic communication methods.
Ability to occasionally stand, walk, bend, reach, and lift office materials up to 20 pounds.
Ability to visually review documents, reports, spreadsheets, and computer displays with or without corrective lenses.
Ability to move throughout office and production areas as business needs require.
Ability to travel as required by business needs.
Ability to visually review documents, reports, presentations, production information, and computer displays with or without corrective lenses.
The employee is required to exercise strategic thinking, sound judgment, and independent decision-making in support of departmental and organizational objectives.
The role requires the ability to analyze complex information, evaluate risks, resolve conflicts, manage multiple priorities, and make timely decisions in a dynamic environment.
Employees must effectively communicate, influence, coach, and collaborate with individuals at all levels of the organization while maintaining professionalism and confidentiality.
The position requires strong problem-solving skills, adaptability, and the ability to balance short-term operational needs with long-term business objectives.

Nice To Haves

advanced degree preferred
Master Black Belt certification strongly preferred
Experience within electronics manufacturing, contract manufacturing, aerospace and defense, medical, semiconductor, industrial, or another complex manufacturing environment strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute the global Operational Excellence strategy, operating system, and roadmap in alignment with business, customer, and manufacturing objectives.
Establish and govern enterprise standards for Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, continuous improvement, structured problem-solving, and operational performance management.
Lead deployment of Lean principles and tools, including value stream mapping, 5S, visual management, standard work, Kaizen, cellular flow, pull systems, mistake-proofing, setup reduction, and other methodologies appropriate to manufacturing operations.
Apply Six Sigma and data-driven methodologies, including DMAIC, process capability analysis, statistical analysis, root cause analysis, and variation reduction, to improve manufacturing performance and process stability.
Partner with site and operations leadership to identify, prioritize, and execute improvement initiatives based on business impact, customer requirements, operational performance, and financial opportunity.
Lead initiatives to improve manufacturing productivity, throughput, cycle time, yield, labor efficiency, equipment utilization, capacity, quality, and on-time delivery while reducing waste and operating cost.
Establish a consistent framework for identifying, chartering, executing, validating, and sustaining Operational Excellence projects across the organization.
Develop and maintain Operational Excellence KPIs, dashboards, project pipelines, benefit tracking, and executive-level reporting to measure progress and ensure accountability for results.
Partner with Finance to establish methodologies for validating and tracking financial benefits, including cost savings, cost avoidance, productivity improvements, capacity gains, and working capital opportunities.
Facilitate value stream assessments, Kaizen events, process reviews, root cause analyses, and other structured improvement activities involving cross-functional and site teams.
Develop and deploy standard work, visual management, tiered accountability, daily management, and other operating disciplines that strengthen execution and sustain performance improvements.
Build Lean Six Sigma and continuous improvement capability throughout the organization through training, coaching, mentoring, certification support, and hands-on development of leaders and employees.
Partner with Engineering and Operations to incorporate Lean principles, Design for Manufacturability, process optimization, and operational excellence practices into new product introduction, manufacturing transfers, equipment investments, and process changes.
Benchmark performance and best practices across company locations and external organizations to identify opportunities for standardization, replication, and continuous improvement.
Lead change management associated with Operational Excellence initiatives, building leadership commitment, employee engagement, accountability, and adoption of new ways of working.
Lead by example through integrity, ethical decision-making, professionalism, and compliance with company policies, procedures, and applicable regulations.
Communicate organizational priorities, departmental goals, and performance expectations while promoting employee engagement and collaboration.
Foster a culture of safety, quality, accountability, respect, and continuous improvement consistent with SMTC values and business objectives.
Support employee development through coaching, training, feedback, performance management, and recognition initiatives.
Develop and execute functional strategies that support site, regional, and corporate business objectives. Lead organizational change initiatives and ensure alignment across multiple departments and stakeholder groups.
Establish performance standards, governance practices, and operational frameworks that drive sustainable results.
Influence business decisions through data-driven analysis, strategic planning, and risk assessment.