Operations Excellence Manager

Position Summary
The Operations Excellence Manager will lead, implement, and sustain a culture of continuous improvement across our manufacturing operations.

This role is responsible for driving significant and measurable improvements in key performance indicators related to safety, quality, delivery, and cost through the application of Lean methodologies. The ideal candidate is a skilled change agent and mentor who can effectively engage and influence teams at every level to achieve and sustain operational excellence.

Reporting directly to the VP of Operations, the role will be immersed in a dynamic, multi-plant environment, building an end-to-end understanding of our business.

Key Responsibilities

• Operational Leadership: Immerse yourself in all facets of plant operations, gaining expertise in production, maintenance, supply chain, quality, and engineering through a structured rotation. Take increasing ownership of daily plant performance, driving results across key metrics (Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, and People).
• Strategic Project Management: Partner with the Plant Managers and VP of Operations to lead and execute strategic projects aligned with corporate goals. Support the deployment of Hoshin Kanri (strategy deployment), translating high-level objectives into actionable, plant-level plans.
• Continuous Improvement (CI): Champion a culture of Continuous Improvement by leading and supporting Lean and CI initiatives. Facilitate Kaizen events, implement standard work, establish daily management systems, and drive waste reduction activities to optimize processes.
• Performance and Analysis: Conduct root cause analysis to identify systemic issues and implement effective corrective actions. Track and report project progress, quantifying improvements in cost savings, productivity, and throughput to demonstrate tangible business impact.
• Talent Development: Supervise, mentor, and coach supervisors, team leaders, and staff, building their leadership capabilities and fostering a culture of accountability and engagement.
• Financial Acumen: Participate actively in budgeting, financial analysis, and cost control initiatives, gaining the necessary experience for future P&L ownership.
• Compliance and Quality: Ensure all operations meet quality standards, customer requirements, and regulatory guidelines.
• Performance Management: Establish, track, and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the effectiveness of improvement projects and ensure the sustainability of results.
• Change Management: Actively drive and facilitate a culture of continuous improvement and accountability. Work with cross-functional teams to manage the change process effectively and overcome resistance.
• Problem Solving: Utilize advanced problem-solving techniques, such as Root Cause Analysis (RCA), to address complex manufacturing challenges and implement corrective actions.

Qualifications

• Education: A bachelor's degree in engineering, operations, business or a related technical field is required. A master's degree is preferred.
• Experience:
• 7+ years of progressive leadership experience in a manufacturing environment with multi-functional exposure.
• A proven track record of success in operations management or similar roles.
• Demonstrated experience leading Lean/Continuous Improvement projects with measurable outcomes.
• Experience in metal, vinyl, or window manufacturing is a plus but not required.
• Skills & Attributes:
• Strategic & Analytical: Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills with a data-driven approach.
• Technical Proficiency: Advanced knowledge of process improvement tools (Kaizen, 5S, VSM, etc.) and proficiency with data analysis tools.
• Leadership: A highly motivated and effective leader with the ability to build rapport and drive team excellence. A hands-on, resilient, and collaborative approach is essential.
• Communication: Excellent communication and facilitation abilities, capable of engaging with all levels of the organization, from the plant floor to the executive suite.
• Accountability: A results-oriented mindset with a focus on delivering high-quality outcomes.

What We Offer

• Accelerated Growth: A structured and intentional development path designed to prepare you for future Plant Manager responsibilities.
• Executive Mentorship: Direct and dedicated mentorship from the VP of Operations and other experienced Plant Managers.
• Diverse Experience: Exposure to a variety of products, processes, and best practices across our network of 10 plants.
• Company Culture: A challenging and supportive environment focused on safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Position Summary
The Operations Excellence Manager will lead, implement, and sustain a culture of continuous improvement across our manufacturing operations with a focus on our Vinyl, Composite and Metal plants.

This role is responsible for driving significant and measurable improvements in key performance indicators related to safety, quality, delivery, and cost through the application of Lean methodologies. The ideal candidate is a skilled change agent and mentor who can effectively engage and influence teams at every level to achieve and sustain operational excellence.

Reporting directly to the VP of Operations, Vinyl, Composite & Metal, the role will be immersed in a dynamic, multi-plant environment, building an end-to-end understanding of our business. Your initial focus will be on our Ennis, TX vinyl plant, where you will lead strategic initiatives to drive operational excellence, improve efficiency, and teach people.

Key Responsibilities

• Operational Leadership: Immerse yourself in all facets of plant operations, gaining expertise in production, maintenance, supply chain, quality, and engineering through a structured rotation. Take increasing ownership of daily plant performance, driving results across key metrics (Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, and People).
• Strategic Project Management: Partner with the Plant Managers and VP of Operations to lead and execute strategic projects aligned with corporate goals. Support the deployment of Hoshin Kanri (strategy deployment), translating high-level objectives into actionable, plant-level plans.
• Continuous Improvement (CI): Champion a culture of Continuous Improvement by leading and supporting Lean and CI initiatives. Facilitate Kaizen events, implement standard work, establish daily management systems, and drive waste reduction activities to optimize processes.
• Performance and Analysis: Conduct root cause analysis to identify systemic issues and implement effective corrective actions. Track and report project progress, quantifying improvements in cost savings, productivity, and throughput to demonstrate tangible business impact.
• Talent Development: Supervise, mentor, and coach supervisors, team leaders, and staff, building their leadership capabilities and fostering a culture of accountability and engagement.
• Financial Acumen: Participate actively in budgeting, financial analysis, and cost control initiatives, gaining the necessary experience for future P&L ownership.
• Compliance and Quality: Ensure all operations meet quality standards, customer requirements, and regulatory guidelines.
• Performance Management: Establish, track, and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the effectiveness of improvement projects and ensure the sustainability of results.
• Change Management: Actively drive and facilitate a culture of continuous improvement and accountability. Work with cross-functional teams to manage the change process effectively and overcome resistance.
• Problem Solving: Utilize advanced problem-solving techniques, such as Root Cause Analysis (RCA), to address complex manufacturing challenges and implement corrective actions.

Qualifications

• Education: A bachelor's degree in engineering, operations, business or a related technical field is required. A master's degree is preferred.
• Experience:
• 7+ years of progressive leadership experience in a manufacturing environment with multi-functional exposure.
• A proven track record of success in operations management or similar roles.
• Demonstrated experience leading Lean/Continuous Improvement projects with measurable outcomes.
• Experience in metal, vinyl, or window manufacturing is a plus but not required.
• Skills & Attributes:
• Strategic & Analytical: Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills with a data-driven approach.
• Technical Proficiency: Advanced knowledge of process improvement tools (Kaizen, 5S, VSM, etc.) and proficiency with data analysis tools.
• Leadership: A highly motivated and effective leader with the ability to build rapport and drive team excellence. A hands-on, resilient, and collaborative approach is essential.
• Communication: Excellent communication and facilitation abilities, capable of engaging with all levels of the organization, from the plant floor to the executive suite.
• Accountability: A results-oriented mindset with a focus on delivering high-quality outcomes.