Operational Excellence Director

Viant•Minneapolis, MN

About The Position

The Director of Operational Excellence, AMS drives continuous improvement, Lean transformation, and operational performance across Viant's Advanced Metal Solutions network of seven manufacturing sites. Reporting to the Center of Excellence, this hands-on leader partners with site teams to deliver cost savings, improve efficiency, develop talent, and support strategic business objectives. The role combines strategy and execution, leading Lean initiatives, kaizen events, and problem-solving efforts while building a culture of operational excellence. The ideal candidate brings multi-site manufacturing experience, preferably within metal machining, turning, or drawing environments, and works as a player-coach who can lead, coach, and execute. This is a hands-on role rather than a corporate training position. Viant is a global medical device partner providing design, development, manufacturing, and assembly services through capabilities in materials, plastics, metals, extrusion, and automation. It has nearly 6,000 employees across 24 worldwide locations.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field.
At least 8 years of experience in operational excellence, process improvement, or operations leadership, preferably in a manufacturing or regulated environment.
Proven track record leading large-scale change management, transformation, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Trainer-level competency in Lean, Six Sigma, or similar problem-solving methodologies, with demonstrated enterprise-level execution experience.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills; proficiency in data analysis and performance metrics.
Demonstrated experience implementing automation, standard work, and technology in operational settings.
Exceptional communication, facilitation, and interpersonal skills; strong active listening and interpretation abilities; and the capacity to influence and build alignment across all organizational levels.
Willingness and ability to travel approximately 20–50%.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree or relevant certification.
Multi-site manufacturing experience, preferably in metal machining, turning, or drawing environments.

Responsibilities

Identify and deliver a multi-year roadmap of savings to achieve annual savings targets.
Partner with business unit and functional leaders to identify and implement operational improvements, including OEE, tiered daily management, and leader standard work.
Facilitate kaizen events spanning multiple sites, functions, and programs to deliver transformational business results, including technology adoption and culture change.
Develop and upskill individuals in the OpEx network through individual coaching and enterprise-wide training facilitated with external training partners.
Influence OpEx at all organizational levels, driving adoption of best practices and continuous improvement.