Operational Excellence Engineer

Position Overview

We are seeking a results-driven Operational Excellence Engineer to lead continuous improvement initiatives within a high-volume manufacturing environment. This role serves as a strategic partner to plant leadership, leveraging Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and data-driven methodologies to improve safety, quality, productivity, equipment reliability, and overall operational performance. As a trusted advisor across the plant, you will use data and analytics to uncover opportunities, drive measurable process improvements, and influence operational decision-making.

Success in this role requires a highly collaborative leader who thrives on the manufacturing floor, builds strong relationships with cross-functional teams, and proactively identifies solutions that create lasting business impact. The ideal candidate is a hands‑on change agent who embraces Gemba principles, develops frontline teams, coaches leaders on Continuous Improvement tools, and drives a culture where operational excellence becomes part of everyday work.

Location: Monett, Missouri (100% Onsite)
Relocation Assistance: Comprehensive relocation package available, including a $10,000 relocation bonus for candidates relocating more than 50 miles.
Please Note:
Employment sponsorship is not available for this position. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without current or future visa sponsorship.

• Lead the implementation of Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement initiatives that improve safety, quality, productivity, cost, and manufacturing performance.
• Foster a culture of operational excellence by coaching, mentoring, and educating plant leaders and frontline employees on Lean and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Serve as a trusted resource to plant partners by proactively identifying opportunities, facilitating improvement discussions, and helping teams prioritize initiatives that deliver measurable results.
• Promote a hands‑on, Gemba‑focused approach to continuous improvement and employee engagement.

• Analyze production data, operational metrics, and process performance to identify root causes, uncover improvement opportunities, and develop executable solutions.
• Lead Lean, Kaizen, A3, DMAIC, and Root Cause Analysis projects that reduce process variation, eliminate waste, improve throughput, and increase manufacturing capacity.
• Develop and maintain plant improvement roadmaps that clearly communicate project priorities, implementation timelines, projected savings, and operational impact.
• Utilize statistical analysis and financial impact assessments to validate project success and support business decisions.

• Train, mentor, and develop hourly team members on Continuous Improvement tools and problem-solving methodologies.
• Educate plant leaders on Lean principles, Daily Management Systems, Standard Work, 5S, SMED, A3 Problem Solving, Process Controls, and other Operational Excellence tools to ensure consistent adoption and long‑term sustainability.
• Facilitate cross‑functional workshops, Kaizen events, and structured problem‑solving sessions that empower teams to continuously improve plant performance.

• Partner closely with Operations, Engineering, Maintenance, Quality, Safety, and Supply Chain teams to identify opportunities that improve operational performance.
• Organize and coordinate cross‑functional improvement initiatives while maintaining clear visibility into project schedules, savings targets, and execution milestones.
• Influence organizational change by building strong relationships and driving alignment across all levels of the plant.

• Ensure manufacturing processes comply with Food Safety, Food Quality, and customer requirements.
• Develop, maintain, and audit Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Process Control Plans (PCPs), and Critical Control Points (CCPs).
• Lead root cause investigations and implement corrective actions to improve process reliability and product quality.
• Maintain working knowledge of applicable regulatory…