Senior Director of Operational Excellence

This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, which manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Senior Director of Operational Excellence based in the United States.

This is a high-impact executive leadership opportunity for an experienced manufacturing transformation leader to drive operational performance across a U.S. manufacturing network. Reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer, the Senior Director will shape the organization’s Operational Excellence strategy, strengthen plant capabilities, and establish a scalable manufacturing operating system. The role combines strategic direction with hands-on execution to improve productivity, efficiency, cost performance, and profitability. Working closely with plant leaders and cross-functional teams, this individual will embed continuous improvement into everyday operations while building a culture of accountability and ownership. The successful candidate will translate operational opportunities into measurable financial results and create sustainable improvements that support long-term business growth.

Accountabilities:

• Operational Excellence Strategy & Transformation:

  • Develop and execute a network-wide Operational Excellence strategy aligned with business growth and manufacturing priorities.

  • Design and implement a standardized manufacturing operating system to improve performance visibility, accountability, and operational consistency.

  • Partner with plant leadership to establish improvement roadmaps, performance expectations, and disciplined execution practices.

  • Identify, document, and scale best practices across manufacturing facilities.

  • Manufacturing Performance & Financial Impact:

    • Lead strategic initiatives to improve Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), throughput, labor productivity, asset utilization, and manufacturing capacity.

    • Drive sustainable cost reductions through waste elimination, improved material yields, equipment reliability, and greater manufacturing efficiency.

    • Collaborate with Finance and Operations to quantify improvement opportunities, validate savings, and deliver measurable EBITDA improvements.

    • Establish relevant performance metrics and management routines that strengthen ownership, accelerate problem-solving, and sustain results.

    • Continuous Improvement & Operational Discipline:

      • Advance the adoption of the KCOP Continuous Improvement program and structured problem-solving methodologies.

      • Strengthen operational consistency through standard work, visual management, root cause analysis, and performance accountability.

      • Lead cross-functional initiatives to eliminate manufacturing losses and unlock additional capacity.

      • Build sustainable processes and capabilities that make continuous improvement part of daily operations.

      • Leadership, Culture & Capability Building:

        • Champion a high-performance, merit-based culture built on personal accountability, operational ownership, and measurable outcomes.

        • Coach and influence plant leaders and cross-functional teams to strengthen execution, problem-solving, and change leadership.

        • Develop organizational capabilities through targeted training, leadership development, and knowledge sharing.

        • Foster collaboration across Operations, Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, Finance, and Human Resources to accelerate transformation.

        Requirements:

        • Education: Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Operations Management, Business, or a related discipline. An advanced degree is preferred.

        • Professional Experience: At least 12 years of progressive leadership experience in manufacturing operations, Operational Excellence, or continuous improvement.

        • Multi-Site Transformation: Demonstrated success designing, implementing, and sustaining manufacturing operating systems across multiple facilities.

        • Industry Background: Experience in food manufacturing, consumer packaged goods (CPG), or comparable high-volume manufacturing environments is strongly preferred.

        • Operational Performance: Proven ability to deliver measurable improvements in OEE, productivity, waste reduction, manufacturing costs, and profitability.

        • Continuous Improvement Expertise: Strong command of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Total Productive Maintenance (TPM), and structured continuous improvement methodologies. Black Belt certification or equivalent is preferred.

        • Financial Acumen: Ability to connect operational performance improvements to measurable business value and financial outcomes.

        • Leadership & Influence: Exceptional leadership, communication, and influencing skills, with a track record of driving organizational change across functions and locations.

        • Strategic & Execution Mindset: Ability to combine long-term transformation planning with practical manufacturing expertise and disciplined implementation.

        • Culture Building: Strong ability to develop leaders, encourage accountability at every level, and establish sustainable continuous improvement practices.

        Benefits:

        • Competitive Salary: Annual salary range of $180,000–$240,000.

        • Remote Work: Fully remote position based in the United States.

        • Executive Visibility: Direct reporting relationship to the Chief Operating Officer and close partnership with plant leadership teams.

        • Strategic Impact: Opportunity to shape manufacturing performance, build organizational capabilities, and drive lasting operational improvements across a U.S. manufacturing network.