Job Description

Operational Excellence Manager
Portland, TN

Position Overview
A leading manufacturing organization in the automotive sector is seeking an experienced Operational Excellence Manager to support the implementation and ongoing improvement of a sustainable continuous improvement management approach. In this role, you will lead continuous improvement programs using Total Quality Production System (TQPS) and Lean methodologies across multiple plant sites to drive targets in safety, quality, production, cost, and service. The ideal candidate will partner closely with manufacturing leadership to execute high-impact initiatives, develop plant floor teams, and foster an organizational culture of continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

• Promote and drive systematic Lean and Continuous Improvement processes to improve safety, quality, productivity, net cost of production, delivery performance, and Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE).
• Partner with site leadership to identify, scope, and execute complex continuous improvement projects, Value Stream Mapping (VSM), and Kaizen / TQPS events.
• Define, track, and report on Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and project financials, ensuring sustained savings and positive operational impacts.
• Develop, coordinate, and deliver TQPS/Lean training programs to plant staff across all organizational levels.
• Coach, mentor, and build problem-solving capabilities within plant leadership and divisional operational excellence leaders.
• Collaborate with cross-functional leadership to integrate TQPS initiatives and drive process optimizations across manufacturing, assembly, tooling, and supply chain.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Business Administration, Operations Management, or a related technical discipline.
• 5–10 years of progressive experience in a manufacturing operations or supply chain environment.
• 3–5 years in a management role with direct supervisory responsibilities.
• 10+ years of hands-on experience driving lean manufacturing processes with a proven track record of tangible results.
• Demonstrated experience implementing lean practices across multiple plant facilities.
• Expertise in structured problem-solving methods (DMAIC, PDCA, 8D, 5-Why) and lean tools (Kaizen, 5S, SMED, Standardized Work, Kanban).
• Working knowledge of manufacturing processes, assembly, welding, tooling, automation, robotics, MRP systems, and equipment operation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in a related field.
• Lean / Six Sigma Black Belt certification or formal professional certification in TQPS/TPS principles.
• Experience within an OEM, Tier 1, or Tier 2 automotive supplier setting.
• Prior multi-site operational excellence or continuous improvement responsibility.

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