Operation Excellence Manager

Daikin Applied Americas • Faribault, MN

3d • $90,000 - $153,300 • Hybrid

About The Position

Daikin Applied is hiring an Operational Excellence Manager to lead the design, deployment, and sustainment of continuous improvement initiatives across the organization. The role partners with business leaders to improve processes, reduce waste, increase efficiency, and enhance customer and employee experiences using Lean, Six Sigma, and other continuous improvement methodologies. The position is hybrid at the North Faribault Plant.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in a STEM-related discipline.
• At least 8 years of quality-related experience in a manufacturing environment.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with Kaizen improvement processes.
• Experience with the Toyota Production System.

Responsibilities

• Lead enterprise-wide continuous improvement initiatives aligned with business strategy and performance goals.
• Identify, prioritize, and execute process improvement opportunities using Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, and problem-solving tools.
• Facilitate value stream mapping, root cause analysis, and improvement workshops across functions.
• Establish and track key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure operational performance and improvement impact.
• Coach and mentor leaders and teams on continuous improvement principles and behaviors.
• Drive standard work, visual management, and process governance to sustain improvements.
• Partner with senior leadership to translate strategic objectives into operational execution.
• Support change management efforts to embed a culture of continuous improvement.
• Lead or support training programs, such as Yellow Belt and Green Belt, to build organizational capability.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Operations, Finance, IT, HR, and other teams to remove operational barriers.

Benefits

• Multiple medical insurance plan options.
• Dental insurance.
• Vision insurance.
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer match.
• Paid time off.
• Company-paid holidays.
• Paid sick time in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local law.
• Tuition reimbursement after 6 months of continuous service.
• 10% bonus.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager