Operational Excellence Manager

North American Stamping•Portland, TN

About The Position

The Operational Excellence Manager supports the implementation and ongoing improvement of a sustainable operational excellence management approach by developing and managing divisional operational excellence leaders. The role leads continuous improvement programs using Total Quality Production System (TQPS) methodologies to deliver safety, quality, production, cost, and service targets across NASG. Working with plant leadership, the manager executes initiatives that support organizational goals while developing and mentoring associates. The position leads sustainable Lean and continuous improvement efforts, identifies and executes projects across manufacturing sites, and manages Kaizen and TQPS events. It supports project scoping, data analysis, team progress reviews, follow-up audits, KPI tracking, documentation, reporting, and sustainment. The manager is also responsible for calculating project financial results and exceeding the annual continuous improvement savings metric established by NASG leadership. The role develops and delivers TQPS training throughout NASG, fosters associate involvement, and advises managers and process owners on TQPS tools and methodologies. It collaborates with manufacturing leadership to establish operational improvement strategies and provides guidance, mentoring, and coaching to support the successful expansion and execution of TQPS.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree with emphasis in Engineering, Business Administration, Operations Management, or a related technical discipline.
Training or certification in applying TQPS and/or TPS principles and methodologies.
5–10 years of progressive experience in supply chain and/or manufacturing operations.
3–5 years in a management role with supervisory responsibilities.
10 or more years of hands-on lean manufacturing experience with a proven record of delivering results.
Experience implementing lean practices in several different plants or operating environments.
Strong problem-solving ability using DMAIC, PDCA, 8D, or another recognized approach.
Understanding of Lean flow, pull, and push principles within a comprehensive supply chain.
Ability to lead and implement practical applications of a full range of lean methods on the plant floor.
Demonstrated ability to develop, drive, and execute comprehensive Value Stream Mapping with tangible results.
Thorough understanding and application of TQPS methodologies and processes, including PDCA, Kaizen, 5S, SMED, Standardized Work, 5-Why, problem solving, and Kanban.
Working knowledge of manufacturing, assembly, welding, tooling and tooling design, automation, robotics, or manufacturing processes related to automotive stamping and assembly.
Understanding of company products, trade terminology, quality management and control systems, manufacturing processes, material controls, workflow, scheduling, MRP systems, Kanban, and equipment and machine operation.
Ability to coach, mentor, and evaluate others.
Ability to prioritize multiple projects and tasks and to manage projects with limited resources.
Ability to create momentum and foster organizational change while balancing strategic and operational objectives.
Excellent judgment, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
Ability to establish teams and manage projects.
Strong negotiation and consulting skills and ability to influence others.
Strong customer-service orientation toward internal and external customers.
Results-driven, positive, flexible, and adaptable to change.
Demonstrated training and presentation skills.
Understanding of measurement techniques and strong analytical skills.
Ability to develop and implement strategic plans through persuasion, education, and training.
Data-driven approach with high attention to detail, accuracy, and data analysis.
Excellent communication and listening skills for leading teams through Kaizen/TQPS events or similar activities.
Ability to maintain effective working relationships and communicate with individuals and groups across organizational levels and backgrounds.
Ability to manage multiple projects and initiatives within budget and time constraints.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and a strong quality and results orientation.
Willingness to work in a team environment, adapt to changing organizational needs, and support fluctuating workloads.
Ability to collaborate with internal customers and functional groups to provide solutions while complying with corporate guidelines.
Strong leadership skills, including championing accountability, maximizing team and individual strengths, implementing change, and aligning with plant and business objectives.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in a related field and/or professional certification.
Lean/Six Sigma Black Belt certification.
Prior multi-site responsibility in a manufacturing setting.
Experience with an OEM and/or Tier 1 or Tier 2 supplier in the automotive market.

Responsibilities

Promote and drive continuous improvement throughout NASG.
Lead systematic and sustainable Lean and continuous improvement processes to achieve safety, quality, productivity, net cost of production, OEE, and service-level targets.
Develop future-state plans and improvement plans for manufacturing sites, including identifying, selecting, scoping, and executing projects using KPIs and TQPS methodologies.
Lead organizational change, challenge the status quo, and demonstrate sustainable results in support of TQPS goals.
Execute complex continuous improvement projects and Kaizen/TQPS events to increase productivity, improve quality, and maximize profitability.
Recommend ways to integrate TQPS initiatives across departments and identify high-impact projects.
Manage projects and Kaizen/TQPS events and develop problem-solving team members throughout the organization.
Communicate project milestones and deliverables to the VP of Operational Excellence, operations management, and relevant stakeholders.
Support TQPS projects through scoping, data analysis, event assistance, team progress reviews, and follow-up audits.
Use TQPS processes and tools for data formulation, documentation, project execution, deliverables, and reporting.
Ensure KPIs are defined, developed, and tracked, and that projects produce positive impacts.
Oversee reporting and documentation of leading and lagging indicators, including data collection, monitoring, and timely reporting.
Manage project sustainment and calculate relevant financial results.
Exceed the annual continuous improvement savings metric established by NASG leadership.
Develop, coordinate, and conduct TQPS training for plant staff throughout NASG.
Support associates' development in TQPS and foster involvement and engagement at all levels.
Collaborate with manufacturing leadership to develop operational improvement strategies and identify improvement opportunities.
Promote awareness of TQPS methodologies among managers and process owners and educate them on using TQPS tools across divisions.
Provide guidance, direction, mentoring, and coaching on TQPS, balancing methodology and tools approaches.
Support synergy across NASG in expanding and executing TQPS to improve processes.