Strivector Corp is a National Recruiting and Staffing agency established in 2012 and headquartered in Austin, Texas. We are a preferred partner for several Fortune 500 companies nationwide. Strivector has been consistently rated a rare 4.6/5 on Google, Indeed, and Glassdoor by our candidates, customers, employees and contractors.
Elevate your professional journey with us. Strivector s premier client (a well-known market leader in their space) is hiring for the following full-time position.
POSITION OVERVIEW
As an Operational Excellence Manager, you will lead the site's continuous improvement strategy, champion Lean and Six Sigma practices, and drive measurable improvements across manufacturing operations. This is a highly visible plant leadership role focused on building a culture of structured problem-solving, operational discipline, and sustainable business performance.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Champion the company's Continuous Improvement System (ECIS), Business System (EBS), Lean, and Six Sigma across the manufacturing facility.
- Partner with plant leadership to develop and execute the site's continuous improvement roadmap, governance process, and annual improvement priorities.
- Establish and strengthen daily management practices, including leader standard work, visual management, Gemba walks, and accountability routines.
- Lead Operational Assessments, identify performance gaps, develop action plans, and ensure sustainable improvements.
- Apply Lean and Six Sigma methodologies to eliminate waste, improve workflow, reduce process variation, and enhance operational performance.
- Coach and mentor employees and leaders through Kaizen events, Rapid Improvement Events, Six Sigma projects, and other capability-building initiatives.
- Analyze operational metrics and develop data-driven action plans to improve safety, quality, delivery, cost, productivity, and customer satisfaction.
- Lead cost-reduction and productivity initiatives to achieve annual savings targets.
- Build cross-functional engagement and translate business priorities into practical improvement actions and measurable results.
QUALIFICATIONS
The ideal candidate will have:
- A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
- At least 7 years of experience in manufacturing, operations, engineering, quality, supply chain, or another cross-functional manufacturing discipline.
- At least 3 years of experience in continuous improvement, Lean, Six Sigma, or operational excellence.
- At least 3 years of experience leading people, projects, and cross-functional teams.
- Strong understanding of Lean management systems and their connection to business strategy and daily operations.
- Experience with Lean tools such as value stream mapping, 5S, continuous flow, setup reduction, Total Productive Maintenance (TPM), error-proofing, pull systems, and standardized work.
- Strong analytical, facilitation, and structured problem-solving skills, including 8D and statistical analysis.
- Ability to lead, influence, and develop teams at all organizational levels, with a hands-on approach to shop-floor improvement.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master's degree from an accredited institution.
- Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.
- Project management experience or PMP certification.
- Experience or certification in TPM, setup reduction, Kaizen, structured problem-solving, or Lean material flow.
We understand that even experienced professionals may not have every preferred qualification. If your background aligns with the core requirements, we encourage you to explore this opportunity.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Compensation: $130,000 $190,000 annual base salary, depending on experience and qualifications. Eligible for a variable incentive program.
Minimum Education: Bachelor's degree
Minimum Experience: 7 years in a manufacturing environment, including 3 years in continuous improvement / Lean / Six Sigma and 3 years leading people, projects, or cross-functional teams.
Type of Position: Full-time permanent position with benefits
Location: Lincoln, Illinois
Work Arrangement: Fully onsite, Monday through Friday
Relocation: Relocation assistance available