Operational Excellence Manager

Job Description

• This role will be responsible for leading Lean transformation by developing and deploying Lean Business System standards and methods across the organization while improving operational performance.
• This role will drive transactional process rigor and performance across the order-to-cash value chain.
• Collaborate across all regions while working closely with cross‑functional teams to develop actionable roadmaps to increase efficiency across informational flow processes.
• The ideal candidate will have experience working in multiple operational functions from various industries applying lean processes and change management methods to transform the organization as a continuous improvement culture.

Hybrid position based near a major Quest Lab. (Secaucus NJ and Wood Dale IL Preferred)

Internal

Title:

Senior Manager, Business Transformation (Transaction)

Pay Range: $125,000 - $155,000/year + 15% Annual Incentive Plan

Salary offers are based on a wide range of factors including relevant skills, training, experience, education, and, where applicable, certifications obtained. Market and organizational factors are also considered. Successful candidates may be eligible to receive annual performance bonus compensation.

• Engage with leadership and teams to adopt Lean Business System standards.
• Identify and lead process improvements with action roadmaps to improve KPI performance focused on productivity and margin expansion.
• Leads multiple complex process improvement projects and Kaizen events through all stages of charter, prework, implementation, and post‑event sustainment.
• Support IT system and AI improvements to simplify end‑user workflows.
• Drive cultural transformation by promoting problem solving and empowering employee ownership of their roles in continuous improvement.
• Lead and coach teams in problem solving (PSP, A3, PDCA, 8‑D, DIVE) to identify root causes with action plans and develop a sustaining culture of continuous improvement.
• Lead, coach, facilitate, teams in Transactional Office Value Stream Map activities to improve business value applying Lean toolkit of standard work, visual management, DMS, information 5S.
• Provide and facilitate effective professional level training on Transactional Lean concepts using Adult learning principles.
• Apply change management strategies to foster successful implementation of standard work.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements as well as internal standards for safety, quality, and environmental sustainability.

Required

Work Experience:

• 7+ years of cross‑functional roles including leadership experience directly applying Lean methodologies.
• Experience implementing a Lean Business System in a well‑established continuous improvement organization.
• Successfully managed project budgets.
• Proven knowledge & experience applying Lean methodologies in transactional office environments and provides real Transactional Lean examples from industry (Financial, Commercial, Service, etc.)
• Demonstrates Lean leadership at leading multiple Kaizen events to achieve operational results.

Preferred

Work Experience:

• Direct experience working with Toyota Production System, Danaher Business System, Shingijutsu Kaizen.

Physical and Mental Requirements:

• Ability to visit and interact with office employees and work teams directly at national sites.

People Leader Responsibility:

• No direct reports.

Work Environment:

• Office and laboratory test environments.
• Occasional 2nd & 3rd Shift work to diagnose work processes, lead/coach teams, implement new process standards.

Travel Required

English Required

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or a related field. (Required)
• Master’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or a related field. (Preferred)
• Lean Six‑Sigma Black Belt certification, Shingijutsu Kaizen or equivalent. (Preferred)

Skills:

• Ability to diagnose current business processes, then articulate and ideal target condition, using Lean/Kata coaching methods.
• Prior successful experience applying transactional continuous flow using principles of Takt time, standard work, and single piece flow.
• Ability to accurately assess business performance from a general managers perspective and provide insights into improvement.
• Prioritize and self‑manage multiple projects.
• Exceptional communication skills with multiple levels of the organization.
• Plans and leads communication planning and change management methods.

Equal Opportunity

Employer:

Race/Color/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/Religion/National Origin/Disability/Vets or any other legally protected status.