Operational Excellence Manager

Freudenberg • Durham, NC

8d

About The Position

Working at Freudenberg: We will wow your world! Responsibilities: Lead regional OpEx strategy execution, transformation programs, and continuous improvement initiatives. Serve as a regional OpEx ambassador, aligning efforts with business priorities like digitalization, sustainability, and customer satisfaction. Apply Lean, Six Sigma, and standardized OpEx frameworks to improve processes across multiple sites. Develop and deliver OpEx training programs, support Green/Black Belt certifications, and mentor practitioners. Support deployment of the FPM “Road to OpEx” framework and maintain high-quality process documentation and best practices. Integrate digital tools (dashboards, process mapping, analytics) into OpEx activities to enhance visibility and decision‑making. Track KPIs, project milestones, and outcomes; ensure long‑term sustainability of implemented improvements. Ensure governance, risk management, and compliance with OpEx standards, internal quality systems, and audit requirements. Facilitate cross‑functional collaboration, workshops, and stakeholder communication to drive engagement and alignment.

Requirements

• Lean Green Belt certification with demonstrated process improvement capability
• Practical experience applying Six Sigma tools and data-driven problem‑solving
• Proven background in process management and operational excellence
• Minimum 3 years of experience in a continuous improvement, manufacturing, or engineering role
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related technical field
• Strong foundation in manufacturing environments

Nice To Haves

• Experience working with SAP or other ERP systems
• Proficiency with statistical analysis tools (JMP, Minitab, SPSS)
• Six Sigma Black Belt certification
• Industry experience in paper, nonwovens, or plastic/film extrusion

Responsibilities

• Lead regional OpEx strategy execution, transformation programs, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Serve as a regional OpEx ambassador, aligning efforts with business priorities like digitalization, sustainability, and customer satisfaction.
• Apply Lean, Six Sigma, and standardized OpEx frameworks to improve processes across multiple sites.
• Develop and deliver OpEx training programs, support Green/Black Belt certifications, and mentor practitioners.
• Support deployment of the FPM “Road to OpEx” framework and maintain high-quality process documentation and best practices.
• Integrate digital tools (dashboards, process mapping, analytics) into OpEx activities to enhance visibility and decision‑making.
• Track KPIs, project milestones, and outcomes; ensure long‑term sustainability of implemented improvements.
• Ensure governance, risk management, and compliance with OpEx standards, internal quality systems, and audit requirements.
• Facilitate cross‑functional collaboration, workshops, and stakeholder communication to drive engagement and alignment.

What This Job Offers

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