Operational Excellence Engineer

Operational Excellence Engineer
Overview
We are seeking a high-impact Operational Excellence Engineer to lead enterprise Continuous Improvement and Lean Manufacturing initiatives at the plant level. This role is responsible for driving measurable business outcomes through process standardization, waste elimination, and variation reduction, resulting in sustained improvements in cost, quality, safety, and productivity.

This individual will serve as a key driver of the Operational Excellence culture, executing structured improvement initiatives and ensuring disciplined execution across all manufacturing functions. Success in this role requires a hands-on leader who thrives in a fast-paced production environment and is equally comfortable facilitating strategy, training teams, and driving on-the-floor execution.

This role is centered on delivering monthly, high-impact improvement projects with quantifiable results, leveraging Lean and Six Sigma methodologies, structured problem-solving, and data-driven decision-making.

Location

• On-site role based in Logan, Utah

Relocation Support

• $10,000 relocation bonus
• Comprehensive relocation assistance for candidates relocating more than 50 miles

Key Responsibilities
Operational Excellence Strategy & Culture Development

• Lead and embed the Operational Excellence culture across the plant through training, coaching, and reinforcement of Continuous Improvement principles
• Develop capability across teams by teaching Lean Manufacturing and problem-solving methodologies
• Promote disciplined execution and accountability at all levels of the organization

Lean Manufacturing & Continuous Improvement Execution

• Lead Lean and Six Sigma initiatives focused on cost reduction, quality improvement, and operational efficiency
• Execute structured DMAIC-based projects that directly impact plant KPIs
• Drive plant-level initiatives that eliminate waste, reduce variation, and improve process capability
• Apply Lean tools including:
  • Root Cause Analysis
  • Value Stream Mapping
  • 5S
  • Centerlining
  • Standard Work
  • Digital Standard Work systems (e.g., Dozuki)
  • Process Optimization methodologies

Project Leadership & Performance Management

• Lead and deliver monthly improvement projects with quantified financial and operational impact
• Manage multiple concurrent initiatives, balancing priorities across plant departments
• Execute structured improvement frameworks including 5-3-1 project prioritization models
• Track, analyze, and report progress against plant KPIs and critical process metrics
• Establish baselines, monitor performance trends, and define exception thresholds using data analysis

Data, Metrics & Analytical Excellence

• Collect, interpret, and analyze production line and operational data to identify improvement opportunities
• Conduct statistical and financial impact analysis to quantify project outcomes
• Leverage tools such as Minitab and Excel to support decision-making and validation of improvements
• Drive data transparency to support plant-level decision-making and prioritization

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Leadership

• Partner with Plant Leadership, Operations, Quality, Safety, Maintenance, and Engineering teams to identify and execute improvement opportunities
• Maintain strong cross-functional relationships to ensure alignment on operational priorities
• Influence stakeholders at all levels through data-driven storytelling and facilitation skills
• Support alignment between customer requirements and internal process capabilities

Standardization & Process Control

• Drive standardization of plant processes, operational practices, and performance systems
• Support development and refinement of process controls, standard work, and operating procedures
• Ensure alignment between customer requirements and production execution standards
• Continuously improve process stability through disciplined execution frameworks

Food Safety, Quality & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with all applicable regulatory and customer requirements, including:
  • OSHA
  • USDA
  • FDA
  • EPA
  • EEOC
  • OFCCP
• Partner with leadership to establish, audit, and maintain:
  • PCPs (Process Control Plans)
  • CCPs (Critical Control Points)
  • SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures)
• Investigate deviations and ensure corrective actions…