Operational Excellence Engineer

Position Overview:

This role supports Operational Excellence by driving Continuous Improvement and Lean Manufacturing initiatives at the plant level. The Process Excellence Leader will champion efforts that reduce variation, eliminate waste, and deliver measurable cost and quality improvements through project execution, coaching, training, and technical problem-solving. This role collaborates closely with cross-functional plant teams to ensure the effective deployment and sustainability of process optimization strategies.

What You'll Do:

Continuous Improvement & Lean Leadership

• Champion Lean, DMAIC, and problem-solving methodologies across plant operations.

• Execute data-driven improvement projects that positively impact plant KPIs and performance metrics.

• Lead the application of structured problem-solving tools such as Root Cause Analysis and FMEA.

• Support and coach teams in Lean principles, Centerlining, 5S, and Digital Standard Work.

Training & Culture Building

• Foster a culture of continuous improvement by coaching and developing team members on CI tools and methods.

• Train partners on structured approaches to problem solving, waste reduction, and process standardization.

• Reinforce organizational values and partner empowerment through collaborative leadership.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Build strong working relationships with teams across Quality, Safety, Operations, Maintenance, and Engineering.

• Align improvement projects with business needs by partnering with Plant Leadership and key stakeholders.

• Interpret and communicate customer and regulatory requirements to plant teams and ensure alignment with SOPs and process control points.

Data & Metrics Management

• Analyze plant data to establish baselines, identify exceptions, and uncover improvement opportunities.

• Track, analyze, and report on project results, plant metrics, and initiative effectiveness.

• Use tools such as Minitab and Excel for data interpretation and performance tracking.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field preferred (6+ years of relevant technical experience may be considered in lieu of a degree).

• 0-6 years of experience in a technical, engineering, or operations improvement role.

• ASQ Green Belt certification required; Black Belt preferred.

• Experience with Lean, DMAIC, Kaizen, and Change Management techniques.

• Proficiency with statistical analysis software (Minitab) and Microsoft Office Suite.

• High-volume manufacturing experience and an understanding of continuous process flow.

• Strong analytical, facilitation, and communication skills.

• Basic knowledge of supply chain, inventory systems, safety, and quality standards.

• Ability to travel up to 10% as needed.

Compliance & Food Safety:

• Partner with the leadership team to ensure compliance with Food Safety and Food Quality Plans.

• Establish, audit, and refine Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Process Control Points (PCPs), and Critical Control Points (CCPs).

• Review deviations from procedures and determine appropriate corrective actions.