Operational Excellence Manager

Overview

Facilitate end-to-end lean and six sigma transformation projects, including planning, implementation, and evaluation phases using Lean and Continuous Improvement concepts, systems, methodologies and tools; collaborate with cross-functional team members to identify improvement opportunities and develop comprehensive lean and six sigma strategies aligned with organizational goals; develop and sustain a culture of continuous improvement using various CI tools with focus on achieving world class safety and manufacturing performance;

accountable for project identification, prioritization, and achievement by applying the models, methods, and standards available, including Visual Management Systems, KPI Metric boards and Tools aligned with plant, department, and program objectives; analyze existing processes, identify inefficiencies, and implement lean methodologies to streamline workflows, reduce waste, and enhance productivity; utilize tools such value stream mapping, Kaizen events, TPM, and 5S to drive process improvements;

utilize innovative problem solving experience tools including Ishikawa, 5why, A3, 8D, PDCA, DMAIC, and 6 Sigma. Provide guidance and support to stakeholders at all levels to ensure buy-in and successful implementation of lean initiatives; develop and delivery training programs on lean principles, tools, and techniques to build capability and empower associates to drive improvement at all levels of the organization.

• Lead end-to-end lean and six sigma transformation projects across planning, implementation, and evaluation phases using Lean and Continuous Improvement concepts, systems, methodologies and tools.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify improvement opportunities and develop comprehensive lean and six sigma strategies aligned with organizational goals.
• Develop and sustain a culture of continuous improvement using CI tools with a focus on world-class safety and manufacturing performance.
• Identify, prioritize, and realize improvements by applying Visual Management Systems, KPI metrics, and other tools aligned with plant, department, and program objectives.
• Analyze existing processes, identify inefficiencies, and implement lean methodologies to streamline workflows, reduce waste, and increase productivity.
• Utilize tools such as value stream mapping, Kaizen events, TPM, and 5S to drive process improvements.
• Apply innovative problem-solving tools including Ishikawa, 5 Why, A3, 8D, PDCA, DMAIC, and Six Sigma; provide guidance to stakeholders to ensure buy-in and successful implementation of lean initiatives.
• Develop and deliver training programs on lean principles, tools, and techniques to build capability and empower associates to drive improvement at all levels.

• Bachelor's Degree in logistics, industrial engineering or related discipline and 3 years of experience as a project engineer, operations analyst engineer, continuous improvement engineer, or related engineering occupation.
• Specific skills and other requirements:
  • 3 years of experience with innovative problem solving tools including A3, 8D, PDCA, DMAIC, 6 Sigma and Shanin.
  • 1 year of experience with Lean manufacturing methodologies.
  • 1 year of experience managing and leading a team.

25-30% Travel. The Operational Excellence Manager will be located in South Dakota and serve a corridor that stretches roughly 200 miles north to south and east to west across the eastern half of the state. Core travel is about 25-30% of working time that covers the company s five South Dakota sites:
Brookings, Aberdeen, Mitchell, Sioux Falls, and Elkton. These locations lie within a two to three hour drive of one another, enabling efficient day trip or short overnight visits. In addition, the role includes periodic trips (typically quarterly or as business needs dictate) to corporate headquarters in Plymouth, Minnesota—approximately a 3½-hour drive or a short regional flight from Sioux Falls. This regional footprint allows the Manager to maintain a strong onsite presence while leveraging proximity to the Twin Cities for alignment with executive leadership and shared-services teams.

Job location:

Mitchell, SD