Global Continuous Improvement & Operational Excellence Manager

NOV Inc.•Houston, TX

15h•Remote

About The Position

The Global Operational Excellence Manager is responsible for driving consistent execution, compliance, and continuous improvement of the Quality Management System (QMS) across all operations. This role leads the creation of Dashboards and Metrics, audits data integrity pulled from ERP and data analytic systems, and coordinates QMS-focused training and competency development, conducts high-level audits, and partners with operations leadership to strengthen compliance with ASME RTP-1, ISO, API, and internal standards. The position serves as a global resource to develop and mature local operations management teams, ensuring accountability through corrective action governance, audit follow-up, and performance-based reporting. The role is critical to advancing operational excellence and supporting the organization’s accelerated transformation strategy.

Requirements

8–12+ years of experience in Quality, Operational Excellence, or Manufacturing Operations.
Strong working knowledge of: ISO 9001, API standards.
Proven experience conducting audits and leading corrective action programs.
Demonstrated ability to influence and partner with operations leadership.
Experience leading or coordinating training teams and QMS training programs.
Strong analytical, communication, and presentation skills.
Experience with API Q1, ISO 9001, and API product specifications.
Proven experience leading audits, managing certification programs, and interacting with customers.
Demonstrated ability to lead change and influence across functional boundaries.
Strategic thinker with strong business and quality acumen.
Decisive leader with a high level of integrity and accountability.
Coach and mentor with focus on creating high-performing teams.
Strong understanding of QMS principles, ISO 9001:2015, and API Q1 standards.
Proficiency in Statistical Process Control (SPC), Statistical Quality Control (SQC), and quality tools.
Advanced proficiency in risk management, FMEA, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement tools.
Skilled in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and data analysis tools.
Strong working knowledge of SPC, SQC, and quality data analytics.
Knowledge of inspection techniques and process control strategies.

Responsibilities

Act as a global subject-matter expert and resource for operations leadership on compliance to: ASME RTP-1, ISO 9001, API standards, Internal NOV Quality and Operational standards.
Support site leadership in translating standards into effective, sustainable operational practices.
Drive alignment between Quality requirements and operational execution.
Ensures effective delivery of QMS-related training programs in coordination with Training and Competency with respect to Operational systems.
Drive development, deployment, and maintenance of QMS training aligned to risk, audit findings, and operational needs.
Ensure training content supports consistent interpretation and application of standards across regions.
Partner with Training & Competency leadership to ensure training effectiveness and competency validation.
Plan and conduct high-level internal audits across global operations, focusing on system effectiveness, compliance, and maturity.
Review audit results and develop clear, prioritized action plans in collaboration with operations leadership.
Drive accountability for corrective actions through: Corrective action audits, Effectiveness reviews, Leadership follow-ups.
Ensure corrective actions address root causes, not symptoms, and are sustained over time.
Coach and develop local operations management teams on: QMS/Operational Systems expectations, Coordinates between Finance/Operations/QA/Engineering to ensure data integrity, Compliance ownership, Continuous improvement mindset.
Act as a trusted advisor to plant managers and regional leaders on quality and compliance risks.
Develop, analyze, and present global reports to leadership on: QMS training completion and effectiveness, Audit trends and systemic issues, Corrective action performance and recurrence, Operational Metrics (OTD, Utilization, HSE, COPQ, etc).
Identify trends and emerging risks and recommend proactive improvement actions.
Use data and dashboards to drive transparency and informed decision-making.