Transformation Change Agent

Makers Pride•Downers Grove, IL

22h•Remote

About The Position

The Change Agent – Operations Excellence is responsible for driving the successful implementation of operational excellence initiatives across the organization. This role partners closely with site leadership and cross-functional teams to identify productivity improvements ideas through embed continuous improvement principles, standardize processes, and sustain performance gains. The ideal candidate is a hands-on leader who can influence change, build capability, and deliver measurable business results. This position requires strong technical Lean Manufacturing, Operational, Engineering, and hands-on leadership skills.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Business, related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience in a manufacturing environment
5+ years of experience in manufacturing, Engineering or operations roles
Lean Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or Black Belt) preferred
Experience with TPM, Daily Management Systems, and Tiered Accountability structures preferred
Proven experience leading change initiatives and driving measurable improvements
Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement tools
Demonstrated ability to influence without authority and lead through change
Excellent communication, facilitation, and coaching skills
Data-driven mindset with strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities
Ability to work in fast-paced, dynamic environments
Travel - must be willing to travel 70%+
Proficiency in MS Office Suite, Excel, and PowerPoint

Responsibilities

Drive Operational Excellence Initiatives: Lead deployment of continuous improvement programs (Lean, Six Sigma, TPM, etc.). Support implementation of tiered management systems, daily management, and performance routines. Identify gaps in current processes and develop action plans to close them.
Change Leadership & Adoption: Act as a change champion, ensuring alignment and buy-in across all levels of the organization. Develop and execute change management plans, including communication and engagement strategies. Coach leaders and frontline teams on new ways of working.
Capability Building: Train and mentor teams on operational excellence tools and methodologies. Build internal capability to sustain improvements (problem solving, root cause analysis, standard work). Facilitate workshops, kaizen events, and training sessions.
Performance Management: Establish KPIs and visual management systems to track progress. Monitor and report on implementation success, including productivity, quality, safety, and cost metrics. Drive accountability through structured follow-ups and governance routines.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with Operations, Quality, Maintenance, and Supply Chain teams. Support alignment between site-level initiatives and broader organizational strategy. Share best practices across sites to accelerate adoption.
Continuous Improvement Culture: Foster a culture of accountability, discipline, and continuous improvement. Reinforce behaviors aligned with operational excellence principles. Recognize and promote successes to sustain momentum.