Manufacturing Automation and Operational Excellence Manager

Manufacturing Automation and Operational Excellence Manager is responsible for leading and implementing automation and continuous improvement initiatives across manufacturing operations to increase efficiency, quality, productivity, safety, and customer satisfaction. This position partners with leadership and cross-functional teams to identify improvement opportunities, develop sustainable solutions, and cultivate a culture of operational excellence using Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Kaizen, and other continuous improvement methodologies.

This role operates with a high degree of autonomy: defining priorities, managing capital project portfolios, and making technical and resourcing decisions with minimal day-to-day oversight.

• Lead new production-line and major equipment projects from concept through operational handoff.
• Develop automation roadmaps aligned with business goals, capacity needs, and capital budgets.
• Select automation technologies, equipment, and integration partners.
• Own project scope, schedule, budget, and risk, including business cases and ROI justification.
• Design, develop, and deploy new testing equipment for various production lines.
• Create standard work instructions and train operators on new and updated production lines.
• Successfully launch new products into existing and new production lines.

• Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, delivery, cost, and employee engagement.
• Develop and execute continuous improvement strategies aligned with organizational goals and business objectives.
• Facilitate Kaizen events, value stream mapping sessions, and problem-solving activities.
• Identify process improvement opportunities through data analysis, employee feedback, and operational assessments.
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure improvement effectiveness.

• Drive Lean Manufacturing principles throughout production operations.
• Implement Daily Management, standard work, visual management systems, 5S, mistake-proofing (Poka-Yoke), and waste reduction initiatives.
• Lead root cause analysis and corrective action processes utilizing tools such as 5 Why's, Fishbone Diagrams, and A3 Problem Solving.
• Optimize workflows, production layouts, and material flow to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
• Promote best practices across departments and facilities.

• Manage multiple improvement projects from concept through implementation and sustainment.
• Develop project plans, timelines, and resource requirements.
• Track improvements and quantify savings related to labor, quality, productivity, inventory, and operational expenses.
• Present project updates, findings, and recommendations to leadership.

• Train and coach employees, supervisors, and managers on Lean and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Build a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous learning.
• Facilitate employee involvement programs that encourage idea generation and process ownership.
• Mentor Lean team members and site champions.

• Analyze operational performance data to identify trends, inefficiencies, and opportunities for improvement.
• Prepare reports and dashboards to communicate project results and business impact.
• Monitor sustainability of implemented improvements and ensure compliance with established standards.

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing or Industrial Engineering, operations management, business administration, or a related field required.
• Master's degree or MBA preferred.

• 10+ years of manufacturing experience with demonstrated success leading automation and continuous improvement initiatives.
• 5+ years of leadership or project management experience preferred.
• Experience in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Operational Excellence, or related disciplines.

• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, Black Belt, or Master Black Belt.
• Certified Lean Practitioner.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) preferred.

• Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Kaizen, TPM, 5S, and Value Stream Mapping.
• Strong knowledge of industrial automation (PLCs, robotics, motion control, vision systems, SCADA/MES.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proven ability to lead change management initiatives.
• Strong project…