Sr. Regional Ops. Excellence Manager - North

Position Overview

Reporting to the Senior Director of Operations, the Senior Regional Operations Excellence Manager leads the development and implementation of Operational Excellence across multiple plants. The role provides coaching on the Refresco Management System (RMS), Kaizen methodologies, and the broader operational excellence strategy, driving improvements in safety, first-pass quality, line productivity, yield, indirect labor, and maintenance. The manager deploys change management initiatives, operational playbooks, and standardized software tools while enhancing talent capabilities and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

• Partner with leadership to develop, standardize, and implement company strategies and KPIs across the region.
• Support the development of tools and processes to implement and sustain continuous improvement initiatives and cost savings.
• Champion a Lean culture throughout the region and across the company.
• Teach and mentor employees—both CI and non-CI—in Kaizen methodology.
• Drive cultural change by developing standardized training and mentoring others in Lean tools, approaches, and techniques to foster continuous improvement and enhance safety, quality, delivery, and cost efficiency.
• Serve as a liaison to share and implement best practices across the organization.
• Coach and lead cost-saving initiatives with CI and Operations to improve safety, first-pass quality, direct labor, yield, and indirect labor year over year.
• Identify and lead large‑scale projects to ensure successful implementation across the organization.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring alignment with strategic goals.
• Identify high-potential employees, coaching and mentoring them to lead and execute improvement initiatives while supporting their career growth.
• Assist in identifying and driving cost optimization projects to enhance operational efficiency.
• Operate cross‑functionally to assure information flow and understanding of overall process improvement direction and expected results.
• Work closely with cross‑functional team members to improve standardized dashboarding capabilities.

• Multi‑site experience with a proven track record of overseeing operations across multiple locations.
• Demonstrated success in driving change, implementing sustainable improvements, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
• Basic understanding of how manufacturing equipment operates and functions.
• Expertise in Lean deployment, including hands‑on experience with Lean methodologies and tools.
• Project management experience with the ability to lead and execute initiatives effectively.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint; experience with SAP is a plus.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities, with a results‑driven mindset.
• Budget planning and management experience, ensuring cost‑effective operations and resource allocation.

• Leadership – build relationships based on trust, lead courageously, and inspire growth with a clear vision.
• Independence & Accountability – take ownership, prioritize assignments, and work independently with minimal supervision.
• Organization & Time Management – maintain strong organizational skills to manage competing deadlines.
• Communication & Collaboration – excellent verbal and written skills to engage stakeholders at all levels.
• Adaptability & Resilience – thrive in dynamic environments, embrace change, and maintain focus under pressure.

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business Management, Operations, or related field.
• Five to seven years’ experience in Continuous Improvement (Lean manufacturing) and Training; beverage or food industries strongly preferred.
• Lean Six Sigma Black Belt (or higher) or equivalent Kaizen expertise and proven leadership in strategy deployment.

• Visual/Sensory – requires attention to detail and the ability to focus with one or two senses at a time.
• Work Environment – fast‑paced production plant with moving parts, requiring hearing protection and varying temperatures.
• Mental Stress – significant pressure from deadlines, project management, and accuracy demands.