Manufacturing Operations Excellence Consultant - Milwaukee, WI

WMEP Manufacturing Solutions•Milwaukee, WI

1d•Remote

About The Position

WMEP is a mission-driven, non-profit consulting firm dedicated to optimizing stakeholder value for Wisconsin manufacturers. We provide targeted consulting services that expand manufacturers' capabilities to grow, innovate, and achieve operational success. As an affiliate of the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s (NIST), WMEP is at the forefront of advancing manufacturing excellence in Wisconsin. Our decades of manufacturing experience, range of services, and passion for manufacturing translates into a consistently high return on investment for our clients. We meet manufacturers where they are in their business journeys and develop custom strategies and solutions to make their organizations more competitive and profitable. Our team values the deep satisfaction gained by helping WI Manufacturers and their employees succeed. Employment with WMEP provides team members an opportunity to develop and deploy their skills, knowledge, and experience to help manufacturers improve their business. The unique and energizing work environment at WMEP offers employees: Great Work-Life Balance with built-in flexibility Professional development and career growth opportunities Access to industry experts and national network of resources A team oriented, collaborative, engaging culture. The Operational Excellence Consultant plays a critical role in driving operational improvements and fostering a collaborative work environment within manufacturing companies. The successful candidate will be a proactive and results-oriented professional with a strong passion for Operational Excellence and Continual Improvement. The Operations Excellence Consultant will travel statewide, within Wisconsin, to work closely with WMEP manufacturing clients to guide them through operational improvements. The Consultant will be responsible for assessing manufacturers’ needs and implementing impactful solutions, on-time, within budget and with quantifiable impact. The Consultant will team with Business Development Leaders and Account Executives on sales calls to understand customer needs and develop solutions.

Requirements

Expertise in Lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and other methodologies to drive efficiency and reduce waste.
Profound knowledge of manufacturing processes, quality systems, supply chain management, and industrial engineering principles.
Analytical skills to identify root causes of issues and develop innovative solutions.
Experience in managing projects from inception to implementation, ensuring timelines and deliverables are met.
Building and maintaining long-term relationships based on trust, integrity, and mutual respect.
Ability to prioritize the needs of clients and stakeholders, focusing on their growth and success.
Effective communication, active listening, and empathy to understand client challenges deeply.
Skill in guiding organizations through transitions, fostering acceptance and commitment to change initiatives.
Ability to work closely with diverse teams, fostering a cooperative environment to achieve common goals.
Capability to educate and train client teams in best practices and new technologies.
Flexibility to tailor approaches based on client culture, industry trends, and evolving business needs.
Understanding of financial metrics, ROI analysis, and strategic planning to align consulting efforts with client business objectives.
Ability to deliver engaging presentations, including public speaking.

Nice To Haves

Lean Six Sigma Black or Green Belt Certification, preferred but not required
Bachelor’s degree in business or manufacturing-related discipline or equivalent
Experience leading a team and managing direct reports is preferred

Responsibilities

Promote a positive team culture aligned with WMEP’s values.
Plan and manage independent and cross-functional projects with internal/external teams.
Apply change, risk, and resource management to achieve project goals.
Communicate timely, accurate information and solutions to internal/external stakeholders.
Leverage knowledge of services, policies, and systems to perform the role effectively.