Operational Excellence Specialist

Ball • City of Saratoga Springs, NY

2d • $66,700 - $93,160 • Onsite

About The Position

The Operational Excellence Specialist is an entry-level development role that serves as both a facilitative leader and a learner, working under the supervision of the Regional Manager Lean Six Sigma or Regional Operational Excellence Manager. The specialist learns and understands the can-making process and participates in day-to-day plant operations. The role focuses on standardizing the plant management process by working with employees across shifts and teams, and leading process-improvement assignments and projects that improve productivity, throughput, and quality. The assignment is approximately two years. Following solid performance, candidates may have an opportunity to grow into a Plant Supervisor role and pursue other future leadership roles.

This position requires regular in-person engagement at a plant. Travel and local commuting between Ball locations and other possible non-Ball locations may be required. The role is eligible to participate in the annual incentive compensation plan. Expected hiring salary is $66,700–$93,160, determined in part by the applicant’s education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, internal equity, and market data. U.S. work authorization is required; Ball will not sponsor employment visas for this opening.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Ability to prioritize multiple projects, perform complex tasks, organize work, follow through consistently, and work under pressure to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Proven team-building and leadership ability.
• Strong written and oral communication, facilitation, and presentation skills.
• Ability to influence upward, across, and down without formal authority.
• Willingness to take risks, challenge the status quo, and work under ambiguous circumstances.
• Intellectual, emotional, and logical capability and confidence to quickly gain credibility and become a trusted advisor.
• Computer skills, including MS Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.
• Legal authorization to work in the United States; visa sponsorship is not available.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, science, supply chain, or equivalent work-related experience.
• Job-related process improvement or project management experience.
• Manufacturing experience.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate and execute plant standardization of the management system, working with employees at all levels to facilitate, train, and track implementation to standard.
• Lead and facilitate improvement teams, workshop teams, and individual improvement projects aligned with plant or department priorities.
• Participate as a team member, problem-solving resource, and group facilitator on plant or department improvement teams, as well as in daily problem-solving activities.
• Collaborate with the plant team to conduct process analysis and performance reporting in support of internal or external client needs.
• Learn and practice Lean tools and techniques, including DMAIC, PDCA, root cause analysis, risk assessment/FMEA, and kaizen.
• Collaborate with plant training resources to support the development, documentation, training, sustainment, and improvement of standardized work.
• Support and facilitate adoption of best practices to eliminate waste and improve performance for assigned plants or functions.
• Present, educate, train, and facilitate at all levels and for external audiences.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED