Operational Excellence Leader

Fairbanks Morse Defense•Cincinnati, OH

51d

About The Position

Fairbanks Morse is looking for a Fairbanks Morse Operating System (FMOS) Leader to join our team. The FMOS Leader is responsible for driving a culture of continuous improvement, operational efficiency, and process excellence across the organization. This role focuses on identifying opportunities, implementing solutions, and enabling teams to achieve sustainable improvements in quality, productivity, and cost-effectiveness. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker with hands-on Lean, Six Sigma, and change management experience.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Operations, or related field (Master's preferred).
Minimum of five years of work experience in manufacturing/operations, supply chain and/or logistics.
Minimum of two years of experience applying continuous / process improvement methodology such as Lean, or Six Sigma.
Lean Six Sigma certification (Green Belt required; Black Belt preferred).
Strong project management and change management skills.
Excellent communication and facilitation skills.
Experience with process mapping, data analysis, and performance improvement tools (e.g., DMAIC, PDCA, Value Stream Mapping).
Proficiency in tools like Power BI, or similar analytical/reporting software.
Demonstrated ability to accurately assess key business metrics and situations from a "general manager's" point of view, and ability to design, develop, and implement a roadmap for an operating business.
Proven ability to consistently deliver results while influencing leaders without authority. Including but not limited to coaching leaders at different altitudes while driving change and leveraging change management best practices.
Demonstrated success in cross-functional teams with ability to work and execute across boundaries and matrices.

Nice To Haves

Results-oriented with a passion for continuous improvement.
Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
Strategic mindset with attention to detail and process discipline.
Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
Demonstrated commitment to FMOS Fundamentals, holding a CP (Certified Practitioner) or ACP (Advanced Certified Practitioner) in VSM (Value Stream Map), TPI (Transactional Process Improvement), PSP (Problem Solving Process), Daily Management, Total Productive Maintenance (TPM), War Rooms.

Responsibilities

Lead cross-functional continuous improvement initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma, and Kaizen methodologies.
Develop and implement strategies that promote operational efficiency and excellence across all business units.
Conduct root cause analysis and data-driven assessments to identify inefficiencies and recommend improvements.
Partner with leadership teams to establish KPIs, performance metrics, and process dashboards.
Facilitate workshops, training, and coaching to develop Lean and Six Sigma capabilities across teams.
Support strategic projects, including digital transformation, cost reduction, and process automation.
Track and report on operational excellence project results and benefits realization.
Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and high performance.
Partner with the operations site leadership to enhance functional efficiency, boost productivity, and drive business growth to achieve key organizational objectives.
Directly provide formal and informal FMOS training and coaching, taking complex internal/external problems - breaking them down and recommending best approach to solution.
Drive the kaizen process, including kaizen funnel development, prioritization, resourcing, activation, and execution.
Ensure effective sustainment of results and support problem solving as needed to close gaps to targets.
Promote and facilitate diagnosis of work-flow impediments and other wastes throughout the business.
Provides counsel on appropriate tools to eliminate them.