Operations Excellence Leader

Job Description - Operations Excellence Leader

Fairbanks Morse is looking for a Fairbanks Morse Operating System (FMOS) Leader, also known as Operations Excellence Leader, to join our team. The Operations Excellence Leader is responsible for driving a culture of continuous improvement, operational efficiency, and process excellence across the organization. This role focuses on identifying opportunities, implementing solutions, and enabling teams to achieve sustainable improvements in quality, productivity, and cost-effectiveness.

The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker with hands‑on Lean, Six Sigma, and change management experience.

• Lead cross‑functional continuous improvement initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma, and Kaizen methodologies.
• Develop and implement strategies that promote operational efficiency and excellence across all business units.
• Conduct root cause analysis and data‑driven assessments to identify inefficiencies and recommend improvements.
• Partner with leadership teams to establish KPIs, performance metrics, and process dashboards.
• Facilitate workshops, training, and coaching to develop Lean and Six Sigma capabilities across teams.
• Support strategic projects, including digital transformation, cost reduction, and process automation.
• Track and report on operational excellence project results and benefits realization.
• Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and high performance.
• Partner with operation site leadership to enhance functional efficiency, boost productivity, and drive business growth to achieve key organizational objectives.
• Directly provide formal and informal FMOS training and coaching, breaking down complex internal/external problems and recommending the best approach to solution.
• Drive the Kaizen process, including funnel development, prioritization, resourcing, activation, execution, and sustainment of results.
• Promote and facilitate diagnosis of workflow impediments and eliminate waste across the business using appropriate tools and methodologies.

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Operations, or related field (Master’s preferred).
• Minimum 5 years of experience in manufacturing, operations, supply chain, or logistics.
• Minimum 2 years applying Lean, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies.
• Strong project management and change management skills.
• Excellent communication and facilitation skills.
• Experience with DMAIC, PDCA, Value Stream Mapping, and process improvement tools.
• Proficiency in Power BI or similar analytical/reporting tools.
• Ability to assess business metrics from a general manager’s perspective and build execution roadmaps.
• Proven ability to influence without authority and drive change across all levels.
• Strong cross‑functional leadership and matrix organization experience.
• This position requires access or potential access to Unclassified Naval Nuclear Propulsion Information, which is Not Releasable to Foreign Nationals (NOFORN) data. Therefore, to meet NOFORN requirement, you will have to provide proof of US Citizenship and attest that you do not have dual citizenship. Acceptable proof of US Citizenship is a US Passport, US Birth Certificate or Naturalization Certificate.

• Results‑oriented with a strong continuous improvement mindset.
• Strong interpersonal and stakeholder influence skills.
• Strategic thinker with disciplined execution.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment.

• FMOS Fundamentals certification (CP or ACP).
• Value Stream Mapping (VSM)
• Transactional Process Improvement (TPI)
• Problem Solving Process (PSP)
• Daily Management systems
• Total Productive Maintenance (TPM)
• War Room leadership experience

• Travel: