Land O Lakes

Regional Operational Excellence Manager

Land O Lakes • $123K — $185K *
US-AnywhereRemote in United States
Manufacturing & Automotive
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification required.
  • 7+ years in operational excellence, Lean, or continuous improvement in manufacturing or production environments.
  • Demonstrated success with Black Belt level initiatives showing measurable financial benefits.
  • Strong coaching, facilitation, and change leadership skills.
  • Proven track record of driving cultural transformation and long-lasting behavioral change.
  • Willingness to travel 50% of the time.

Responsibilities

  • Collaborate with leaders to develop a regional Operational Excellence strategy.
  • Identify high-impact opportunities balancing resources and timelines.
  • Influence senior leaders to adopt and reinforce Op Ex systems.
  • Lead Black Belt level cross-functional and cross-site improvement projects.
  • Conduct advanced problem solving using Lean Six Sigma tools.
  • Ensure financial validation of projects in partnership with Finance.
  • Coach and develop skills in Op Ex principles and methodologies.

Benefits

  • Opportunity to lead impactful projects across multiple sites.
  • Collaborative environment with senior management and site leaders.
  • Role supports both personal and professional development in operational excellence.
  • Access to comprehensive training resources.
  • Dynamic work schedule with substantial travel, enhancing on-site experience.
Full Job Description
Regional Operational Excellence Manager

The Regional Operational Excellence Manager is responsible for driving continuous improvement, operational efficiency, and strategic capability-building across multiple production sites and/ or support areas within a designated region. This role partners closely with site leaders, functional stakeholders, and senior management to identify opportunities, prioritize high-impact initiatives, and deploy Operational Excellence methodologies that strengthen performance, quality, culture, and long-term capability.

This leader is a subject-matter-expert in Lean Six Sigma, structured problem solving, and Black Belt level project execution, with strong accountability for ensuring the improvement initiatives are financially validated, deliver measurable ROI, and drive sustainable business impact.

Strategic Leadership and Partnership:

  • Collaborate with regional leaders, site leaders, and functional stakeholders to develop and execute a regional Op Ex strategy and improvement roadmap.

  • Identify and prioritize opportunities with the highest potential business impact, balancing resources, timelines, and strategic priorities.

  • Influence senior leaders to adopt and reinforce Op Ex systems, behaviors, and decision0making disciplines.

Project Leadership:

  • Lead Black Belt level projects, including cross0functional and cross0site initiatives addressing systemic operational, quality, and cost challenges.

  • Conduct advanced problem solving using Lean Six Sigma, statistical analysis, and structured improvement tools.

  • Ensure rigorous financial validation of all projects, partnering with Finance to confirm baseline performance, projected benefits, and post0implementation results.

  • Establish and maintain operating systems, standard work, visual management, and performance routines across sites to stabilize gains and prevent regression.

  • Proactively remove roadblocks to accelerate project execution and sustainment.

Capability Building and Coaching:

  • Coach leaders, project teams, and frontline employees in Op Ex principles, behaviors, tools, and problem0solving methods.

  • Develop and deliver Op Ex training including Lean fundamentals, Six Sigma, root cause analysis, daily management, and structured problem solving.

  • Coach and mentor Green Belts, project leaders, and aspiring Black Belts; oversee certification processes and capability growth.

  • Embed a culture of continuous improvement and data0driven decision making across the region.

Performance Management, Governance and Financial Accountability:

  • Partner with Finance to confirm savings, validate assumptions, and ensure alignment with corporate accounting standards.

  • Provide leadership with regular visibility into regional Op Ex performance, including pipeline health, ROI, risks, and mitigation plans.

  • Ensure adherence to Op Ex standards, project management discipline, and governance frameworks across all sites.

Required Experience/Knowledge/Skills:

  • Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification.

  • 7+ years experience leading operational excellence, Lean, or continuous improvement in a manufacturing, supply chain or production environment.

  • Demonstrated success leading Black Belt level initiatives with validated financial impact.

  • Strong coaching, facilitation, influence, and change-leadership capabilities.

  • Proven ability to drive cultural transformation and sustain long-term behavioral change.

  • 50% travel required for this position.

Salary Range: $123,920 - $185,880. In most cases, candidates offered employment can expect to be hired at a pay rate near the middle of our salary ranges.

About Land O Lakes

Land O' Lakes Inc. is one of America's premiere member-owned cooperatives. They offer local cooperatives and agricultural producers across the nation an extensive line of agricultural supplies, as well as state-of-the-art production and business services. They also are a leading marketer of dairy-based food products for consumers, foodservice professionals and food manufacturers.

Land O'Lakes Careers

Join the vibrant team at Land O'Lakes, a leader in agribusiness and food production, renowned for its commitment to quality and innovation. As part of our dynamic team, you will have the opportunity to work alongside professionals who are leaders in their fields, contributing to projects that impact food systems globally.

Work You'll Do

At Land O'Lakes, we offer a variety of job opportunities that allow you to bring your passion and innovation to help us grow and lead in the industry. Whether you're looking for a position in research and development, marketing, sales, or operations, we have a place for you. Our team is at the forefront of developing new technologies and solutions that continue to advance agriculture and food production.

Career Growth and Development

We believe in nurturing the professional growth of our employees. Land O'Lakes provides extensive leadership and diversity training programs designed to enhance your skills and advance your career. From internships to full-time positions, every role at Land O'Lakes is a step towards future-proofing your career in an ever-evolving industry.

Culture and Benefits

Our company culture is rooted in a commitment to excellence and inclusivity. At Land O'Lakes, you'll find a supportive network that values diversity and leadership. We offer competitive benefits that ensure the well-being of our employees and their families, including health, dental, and vision insurance, as well as retirement plans and employee wellness programs.

Innovation and Team Collaboration

Innovation is at the heart of everything we do at Land O'Lakes. Join our team and collaborate on groundbreaking projects that set industry standards. Our employees are encouraged to think creatively and bring new ideas to the table, ensuring that we stay ahead of the curve in a competitive market.

Join Our Team

Explore the employment opportunities at Land O'Lakes where your skills and passion can lead to exceptional career growth. We are actively hiring and looking for individuals who are curious, creative, and eager to drive innovation in the agriculture and food sectors.

Prepare for Your Interview

Ready to join Land O'Lakes? Prepare your resume to highlight your relevant experience and skills. Our interview process is designed to understand your professional background and how it aligns with the goals of our company. We seek passionate, solution-driven team players who are ready to make a difference.

Stay Connected

Keep up to date with the latest from Land O'Lakes by following our careers blog. Gain insider perspectives and industry-leading insights that can help you navigate your professional journey. Personalize your experience by signing up for job alert emails tailored to your career preferences and be the first to know about new openings. At Land O'Lakes, we are more than just a company; we are a community that fosters growth, leadership, and innovation. Join us and be part of a team that is dedicated to making a significant impact in the world.
Learn more about Land O Lakes
Size
9,000 employees
Industry
Founded
1921

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