Purpose
The Operational Excellence (OpEx) Analyst is responsible for leading and sustaining Lean and continuous improvement initiatives. This role is critical to driving operational efficiency, reducing waste, and improving key business metrics (Safety, Quality, Delivery, Inventory, Productivity, and Engagement). The OpEx Analyst will partner with cross-functional teams to analyze processes, plan and execute improvement projects, and foster a culture of continuous improvement.
Responsibilities
Drive targeted, sustainable improvements in Safety, Quality, Delivery, Inventory, Productivity, and Engagement by leveraging Lean tools, key metrics, data analysis, and change-management skills
Work with leaders and production teams to define required Lean events or other improvement activities
Ensure activities meet required objectives, including planning events, scheduling events, assisting with participant selection, and following up to ensure the sustainment of improvements
Track operational and financial metrics for completed kaizens, to ensure results meet expectations
Recognize when improvement activity requires a kaizen event, and when it can be done without a formal event, and differentiate planning and timing accordingly
Training others on Lean tools, problem solving, root cause analysis, critical thinking, and accountability for execution to drive a culture of continuous improvement and change
Support deployment of Lean competencies such as Daily Management (DM), Visual Management (VM), Problem Solving, Root Cause Analysis (RCA), Change Management, Key Performance Indicators (KPI), Standardized Work (SW), and Workplace Organization
Implement the outcomes of operational processes to improve efficiency, reduce costs and increase customer satisfaction
Formulate or modify specifications, layouts and requirements for materials, components, and processes leading to enhancement in safety, quality, and cost reduction
Maintain a safe and respectful workplace environment
Monitor lean operation implementations for production
Lead cost improvement projects as assigned
Focus efforts towards continuous improvement of product quality using our ISO 9001:2015.
Must follow all safety procedures, policy and JSA (Job Safety Analysis)
Competencies
Demonstrated proficiency with an assortment of Lean tools, such as Value Stream Mapping, Transactional Process Improvement (TPI) or Business Process Improvement (BPI), Standard Work, Flow, Pull, Kanban, Agile, Daily Management, Problem Solving, Error-proofing, etc.
Strong analytical and critical-thinking capabilities, with an affinity for fact-finding and data-centric decision making
Track record of delivering results in a high-paced and constantly changing environment
Strong written and oral communication skills, and able to teach employees in a classroom or in a kaizen event
Able to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously while meeting challenging deadlines
High intellectual curiosity and learning agility
Strong work ethic with self-motivation, drive for results, and the ability to work independently
Experience with an ERP system (e.g., planning, scheduling, routing, BOM maintenance, creating work orders, etc.)
Computer skills, specifically the Microsoft Office365 Suite of applications (Excel skills should be intermediate or advanced)
Hands-on and fostering a team environment for collaboration and results
Passion for an environment of rapid changes and a sense of urgency
Exceptional communication & scheduling skills.
Successful experience in a team environment.
REQUIREMENTS:
A business, engineering, or related field degree is required.
Proficiency in English and Spanish speaking, reading, and writing is required.
5 years of experience related to Engineering or Manufacturing Operations leadership roles required.
Lean certification required.
Six Sigma certification preferred.
Proficiency in MS Excel, PowerPoint, and Word required.
Strong presentation skills required.