Operational Excellence Director
About The Position
The Director of Operational Excellence, AMS is a strategic leader responsible for driving continuous improvement, operational efficiency, and fostering a culture of innovation across Viant. This role reports into a central Center of Excellence and will work within the Advanced Metal Solutions business unit and across all related functions to lead Operational Excellence and continuous improvement activities. The Advanced Metal Solutions business unit is comprised of 7 sites located across the Midwest and East Coast. The ideal candidate will have experience leading operational excellence functions across multiple sites and ideally have experience with metals machining, turning, and drawing manufacturing processes. This role is half strategic, half tactical. Strategic elements include identifying and implementing Lean methodologies to drive savings and operational efficiencies, developing talent throughout the network, and leading events to achieve Viant’s strategic goals. Tactical elements include leading kaizens, acting as an expert problem-solver, and solving business-critical needs as they arise. This is not a corporate training role; it is hands-on. Individuals who succeed in this role act as a player-coach, able to seamlessly switch between coaching, facilitating, and doing.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Operations Management, or related field (Master’s or relevant certification preferred).
- 8+ years of experience in operational excellence, process improvement, or operations leadership, preferably in a manufacturing or regulated environment.
- Proven track record of 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 with implementation of automation, standard work, and technology in operational settings
- Exceptional communication, facilitation, and interpersonal skills; strong active listening and interpretation abilities; proven capacity to influence and build alignment across all levels of the organization.
- Willingness and ability to travel (approximately 20-50%)
Nice To Haves
- experience with metals machining, turning, and drawing manufacturing processes
Responsibilities
- Identify and deliver multi-year road map of savings to achieve annual savings target
- Work with business unit and functional leaders to identify and implement operational improvements including OEE, tiered daily management, and leader standard work
- Facilitating kaizens spanning multiple sites, functions, and programs to deliver transformational business results including technology adoption and culture change
- Develop and upskill all individuals in the OpEx network, ranging from individual coaching to identifying and facilitating enterprise-wide trainings through external training partners
- Influence OpEx at all levels within the organization, driving adoption of best practices and continuous improvement
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision benefits
- Company-paid life insurance and disability benefits
- Generous Paid time off and 10 paid Holidays
- 401k Plan with Company Match
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Voluntary Universal Life and Long-Term Care
- Voluntary Legal Plan
- Pet Insurance
- Home Ownership Program
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Director
