Head of Operational Excellence

Finning • Edmonton, AB

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

This is a unique opportunity to step into a high impact enterprise transformation role that goes far beyond traditional operations leadership. As the Head of Operational Excellence, you will architect and embed a best in class Operational Excellence (OE) operating system that reshapes how the organization performs, while leading a team accountable for transforming Finning’s performance across dealer differentiated capabilities through the Caterpillar program, and driving Operational Excellence in both the rebuild, repair and response environment and administrative job management. This is about building something enduring, designing the frameworks, disciplines, and culture that unlock breakthrough improvements in people, quality, velocity and cost, while elevating performance across every function and level of the business. Success in this role requires more than expertise – it demands a true Operational Excellence practitioner with the vision and credibility to lead a multi year transformation in a complex rebuild, repair and response environment. You will influence without authority, aligning senior leaders and frontline teams around a shared way of working, while embedding the tools, mindset, and capabilities that sustain long term results. This is a rare chance to drive meaningful enterprise-wide change and leave a lasting impact on how the organization operates and competes.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s (required) and MBA or master’s (preferred) in engineering, operations, or business.
• Lean Six Sigma Black Belt or Master Black Belt with deep OE technical expertise.
• 10–15+ years in hands-on Operational Excellence leadership, not general operations.
• 7–10+ years leading enterprise-wide transformations, from design to full deployment.
• Proven ability to build and scale OE operating systems (standards, governance, routines, KPIs).
• Strong background in manufacturing, heavy equipment, or OEM/dealer environments.
• Demonstrated success shifting culture from projects to sustained continuous improvement.
• Experience leading through influence across complex, matrixed organizations without direct authority.
• Track record of building, coaching, and scaling high-performing OE teams and senior leaders.
• Ability to blend strategy and execution, including modern OE integration with digital tools, analytics, and automation.

Nice To Haves

• MBA or master’s degree

Responsibilities

• Designs the core service operating model across administration, job planning, job management, scheduling, and execution.
• Applies advanced OE methods (lean, value stream design, takt planning, flow optimization).
• Integrates emerging capabilities including agentic AI, predictive analytics, automation, and digital workflow tools.
• Leads the development and performance of a balanced, standardized operating scorecard and KPIs.
• Establishes strong benchmarking discipline and performance routines (daily/weekly/monthly) across service leadership.
• Drives adoption through capability-building versus top-down direction.
• Leads rapid improvement workshops and transformation events.
• Deploys small expert cross‑functional “OE SWAT teams” for targeted 1–2 week cycles.
• Rotates improvement teams to eliminate constraints and uplift performance with sustained results.
• Leads OE alignment within the Caterpillar partnership.
• Represents the organization in capability, benchmarking, and dealer maturity programs.
• Leverages Caterpillar insights to accelerate internal OE maturity.
• Builds systems where frontline employees surface, prioritize, and execute improvements.
• Embeds simple, effective CI mechanisms linked to enterprise objectives.
• Develops leaders who coach and model OE behaviors, shifting culture from firefighting to continuous improvement.

Benefits

• We continuously strive to enhance our outreach to individuals of all backgrounds and identities.
• We do not discriminate against applicants based on gender identity, race, national and ethnic origin, religion, age, sexual orientation, marital and family status, and/or mental or physical disabilities.
• Finning is committed to collaborating with and providing reasonable accommodations /adjustments to individuals with disabilities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior