Category Operational Excellence Manager - MaterialsWe are seeking a high-impact
Category Operational Excellence Manager - Materials to lead enterprise-wide initiatives focused on optimizing material performance, improving operational effectiveness, and driving measurable gains in quality, cost, and customer satisfaction. This strategic leadership role will serve as a key driver in transforming how raw materials, ingredients, packaging, and manufacturing processes integrate across the business to deliver world-class products and operational excellence.
This individual will champion continuous improvement initiatives by leveraging Lean Six Sigma methodologies, data analytics, process optimization, and cross-functional leadership to identify opportunities and implement sustainable solutions. Success in this role requires a balance of technical expertise, business acumen, hands-on operational leadership, and the ability to influence diverse teams across manufacturing and corporate functions.
Key Responsibilities- Lead enterprise-wide operational excellence initiatives focused on materials optimization, process efficiency, product quality, and cost reduction.
- Drive continuous improvement efforts using structured methodologies including Lean, Six Sigma, DMAIC, and other process improvement tools.
- Partner cross-functionally with Operations, Supply Chain, Sourcing, Finance, Engineering, R&D, Quality, and external suppliers to identify and implement material and process improvements.
- Analyze manufacturing processes, material specifications, performance trends, and operational data to identify opportunities for optimization and sustainable results.
- Develop and maintain systems, metrics, and controls that monitor process performance and ensure long-term improvement sustainability.
- Train, mentor, and coach teams on operational excellence principles, problem-solving techniques, statistical tools, and continuous improvement practices.
- Support material identification, testing, implementation, and deployment activities across multiple product categories and manufacturing environments.
- Lead root cause analysis efforts and facilitate resolution of complex operational challenges impacting quality, cost, delivery, and efficiency.
- Participate in product, process, equipment, and materials deployment initiatives across multiple locations.
- Partner with leadership teams to identify, evaluate, and support capital and non-capital investment opportunities that enhance operational performance.
- Maintain awareness of industry standards and regulatory requirements impacting manufacturing operations and material processes.
Qualifications- Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related technical field required.
- 12+ years of engineering, manufacturing, operational excellence, or technical leadership experience within food, dairy, consumer products, or related manufacturing environments.
- Demonstrated success leading enterprise-level continuous improvement and operational transformation initiatives.
- Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification strongly preferred; equivalent experience with a proven track record driving operational excellence will also be considered.
- Master Black Belt certification preferred.
- Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, materials, ingredients, packaging systems, and process optimization methodologies.
- Experience utilizing data analytics and statistical methods to drive business decisions and measurable operational improvements.
- Project management experience with the ability to lead complex, cross-functional initiatives.
- Strong business acumen with understanding of financial analysis, investment justification, and operational metrics.
- Proven leadership skills with a self-directed, ownership-oriented, servant leadership mindset.
- Ability to travel approximately 30-50% based on business needs.
Ideal Candidate ProfileThe ideal candidate is a strategic and hands-on operational leader who thrives in complex manufacturing environments and brings a strong bias toward action, innovation, and measurable results. This individual possesses the ability to connect people, process, materials, and data to create sustainable improvements and drive meaningful business impact across a large-scale organization.
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