Operational Excellence Lead

Lean Operations Leader

Carrier Operations is looking for a high performance & goal oriented professional to lead Lean initiatives throughout our CHVAC Charlotte factory through the full value stream (suppliers, internal operations and customers). Support the transformation of the operation to the Carrier Excellence (Cx) standards via a structured process and series of activities and events. This position provides great visibility to each Site within BU's as well as divisional WHQ.

Success will be defined by the successful transformation of sites, and improvement in the relevant KPI's. You must be an expert in Lean including Cell Design, Manufacturing Standard Work, Material Presentation, and Lean Logistics. You will be running projects as well as coaching others and developing standards. This position will report to the Carrier Excellence Manager, and be responsible for, but not limited to, the following:

This role is individual-contributor focused, reports directly to site operational leadership, and requires an on-site presence in Charlotte, NC with minimal to no travel.

• Strategic Lean Leadership:
  Drive sustainable operational improvements and guide site leadership in translating business goals into actionable Lean Macro Plans.
• Plant Transformation & Efficiency:
  Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on plant layout optimization, material flow, cell design, and logistics (including 3PL process alignment).
• Data Center Expansion Support:
  Partner with cross-functional teams to support high-priority growth initiatives for data center manufacturing lines.
• Kaizen Event Facilitation:
  Personally plan, lead, and facilitate Kaizen events and value-stream mapping activities from end-to-end.
• Financial & KPI Ownership:
  Maintain a robust pipeline of Productivity Improvement Projects (PIP) to deliver year-over-year cost savings and positive changes in key metrics (lead time, schedule stability, inventory, and Plan For Every Part/PFEP).
• Mentorship &
  
  Coaching:
  
  Coach and mentor site resources to expand the internal network of event leaders and remove project-level execution barriers.
• Cross-Functional Communication:
  Articulate technical concepts, productivity strategies, and operational results effectively to shop-floor operators, functional managers, and executive leadership.
• Audits & Standards:
  Perform workplace audits, conduct risk assessments, and establish standard work in alignment with Carrier Excellence (Cx) guidelines.

• Bachelor's Degree.
• 7+ years of experience in manufacturing operations with progressive technical or leadership responsibilities.
• 3+ years of experience in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or Operational Excellence, including demonstrated experience leading and facilitating cross-functional Kaizen events.

• Bachelor's Degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Supply Chain, or a related discipline.
• Active Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification (or equivalent recognized Lean certification, such as Gemba Academy or internal enterprise programs).
• Prior experience in high-volume manufacturing (e.g., Automotive) OR high-customization / job-shop manufacturing environments.
• Deep expertise in Manufacturing Standard Work, Cell Design, Integrated Production & Logistics, PFEP (Plan For Every Part), and Third-Party Logistics integration.
• Demonstrated ability to self-direct, execute with speed, and communicate effectively across all organizational tiers.
• Commitment to obtaining Carrier Excellence (Cx) Practitioner certification within the first 1.5 years of employment

Pay Range

The annual salary for this position is between $96,000.00 - $ annually. Factors which may affect pay within this range include, but are not limited to, skills, education, experience, and other unique qualifications of the successful candidate.

Other Compensation

This position is entitled to short-term cash incentives, subject to plan requirements.

Benefits

• Health Care Benefits:
  Medical, Dental, Vision;
  Wellness incentives
• Retirement Benefits
• Time off and Leave:
  Paid vacation days, up to 15 days; paid sick days, up to 5 days; paid personal leave, up to 5 days; paid holidays, up to 13 days; birth and adoption leave; parental leave; family and medical leave; bereavement leave; jury duty leave; military leave; purchased vacation
• Disability:
  Short-term and long-term disability
• Life Insurance and Accidental Death and Dismemberment
• Tax-Advantaged Accounts:
  Health Savings Account;
  Health Care Spending Account;
  Dependent Care Spending Account
• Tuition Assistance

Carrier EEO Statement and Accommodations Process

Carrier is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status or any other applicable state or federal protected class. Carrier provides affirmative action in employment for qualified…