Senior Director - Production Cycle/PMO for Operational Excellence

SEDAA•Oakland, CA

About The Position

The Senior Director, Production Cycle & PMO for Operational Excellence is a transformational leader and certified Lean Six Sigma for Service Master Black Belt who drives strategic process optimization, quality assurance, and operational efficiency across the organization. This position oversees the Operational Excellence Project Management Office (PMO) and quality assurance functions, leading a team of senior professionals to deliver measurable improvements in client experience, cost efficiency, and service delivery. The role demands a proven track record of implementing Lean methodologies, advanced statistical analysis, and data-driven decision-making to achieve breakthrough performance in complex, matrixed real estate and facility management environments.

Requirements

Certification: Lean Six Sigma for Service Master Black Belt (required); additional certifications such as ISO Oversight a plus.
Experience: Minimum 15 years of progressive experience in operations management, quality assurance, quality initiative management, and process improvement within large, complex organizations.
Industry Expertise: At least 20 years of experience in corporate real estate, facility management, or related professional services environments.
Leadership: Proven track record of leading large, diverse, and geographically dispersed teams through influence and direct management.
Process Improvement: Demonstrated success implementing Lean and Six Sigma methodologies in large, matrixed organizations with documented financial results.
Technical Skills: Proficiency in statistical analysis software (Minitab, Sigma XL), Microsoft Office Suite, project management platforms, and process mapping tools (Visio).
Strategic Vision: Ability to translate business strategy into actionable operational excellence initiatives aligned with organizational goals.
Analytical Excellence: Advanced statistical and analytical capabilities; ability to interpret complex data sets and drive data-informed decision-making.
Change Leadership: Expert change manager and consensus builder capable of creating stakeholder buy-in across all organizational levels.
Professional Presence: Strong professional presence with ability to build confidence quickly with C-suite leaders, clients, and cross-functional teams.
Communication: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills; ability to present complex technical concepts to non-technical audiences.
Agility: Self-starter who thrives in ambiguity and can adapt quickly in fast-paced, dynamic environments.
Collaboration: Proven ability to develop and cultivate relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including clients, vendors, and cross-functional teams.
Emotional Intelligence: High EQ with demonstrated ability to deliver excellent client experiences and foster inclusive team cultures.
Expense Management: Oversight of operating budgets $20M+ annually.
Revenue Impact: Responsibility for initiatives generating cost savings.
Management Scope: Leadership of and/or collaboration with large, multi-functional teams across multiple geographic regions.
Capital Planning: Participation in capital budgeting and zero-based budgeting processes for enterprise-wide initiatives, as may be required.

Nice To Haves

additional certifications such as ISO Oversight a plus.

Responsibilities

Lead the development and execution of enterprise-wide operational excellence strategy aligned with corporate objectives and client commitments.
Take ownership of quality, efficiency, and continuous improvement goals within the global business plan.
Establish and drive key performance indicators (KPIs) and service level agreements (SLAs) across production cycles, ensuring consistent delivery of excellence.
Provide reporting and insights to executives and/or C-suite stakeholders on operational performance, risk mitigation, and improvement initiatives.
Champion a culture of innovation, quality, and continuous improvement across all operational functions.
Apply Master Black Belt expertise in Lean Six Sigma for Service methodologies to identify, prioritize, and execute high-impact improvement projects.
Lead deployment of Voice of Customer (VOC), DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control), and DFSS (Designed for Six Sigma) frameworks to drive process redesign and optimization.
Utilize advanced quality tools including FMEA (Failure Mode and Effects Analysis), control charts, process capability analysis, and root cause analysis to eliminate defects and variation.
Design and implement Lean tools such as value stream mapping, 5S, Kaizen events, and waste elimination strategies to streamline production cycles.
Establish robust quality assurance frameworks and compliance standards to ensure PMO excellence.
Develop and administer a Project Excellence Program encompassing QA/QC audits, process compliance, and continuous improvement protocols.
Oversee the creation, optimization, and maintenance of comprehensive process documentation, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and work instructions.
Lead the development and refinement of RACI matrices (Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, Informed) to clarify roles, responsibilities, and decision-making authority.
Apply Lean principles to simplify and standardize process documentation, driving out non-value-add steps and making the overall process faster, better and cheaper.
Ensure all documentation adheres to industry best practices, regulatory requirements, and client specifications.
Implement document control systems and version management protocols to maintain accuracy and accessibility.
Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of quality assurance and PMO professionals through influence and/or direct management.
Responsible for end-to-end talent management including recruitment, onboarding, performance management, coaching, and succession planning.
Build and sustain a PMO community of practice, fostering collaboration, knowledge sharing, and professional development across regional teams.
Create an inclusive, solution-oriented environment that attracts and retains top-tier talent.
Provide training and certification pathways in Lean Six Sigma methodologies for team members and stakeholders.
Research, evaluate, and implement cutting-edge technology solutions to drive market differentiation, operational efficiency, and revenue enhancement.
Ensure teams have access to best-in-class tools, platforms, and training to deliver superior client experiences.
Leverage data analytics, automation, and digital transformation to optimize production cycles and decision-making.
Monitor technology adoption metrics and drive continuous improvement in system utilization.