Position Overview
We are seeking a results-driven Operational Excellence Engineer to lead continuous improvement initiatives within a high-volume manufacturing environment. This role serves as a strategic partner to plant leadership, leveraging Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and data-driven methodologies to improve safety, quality, productivity, equipment reliability, and overall operational performance.
As a trusted advisor across the plant, you will use data and analytics to uncover opportunities, drive measurable process improvements, and influence operational decision-making. Success in this role requires a highly collaborative leader who thrives on the manufacturing floor, builds strong relationships with cross-functional teams, and proactively identifies solutions that create lasting business impact.
The ideal candidate is a hands-on change agent who embraces Gemba principles, develops frontline teams, coaches leaders on Continuous Improvement tools, and drives a culture where operational excellence becomes part of everyday work.
Location: Monett, Missouri (100% Onsite)
Relocation Assistance: Comprehensive relocation package available, including a $10,000 relocation bonus for candidates relocating more than 50 miles.
Please Note: Employment sponsorship is not available for this position. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without current or future visa sponsorship.
What You'll DoChampion Operational Excellence
- Lead the implementation of Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement initiatives that improve safety, quality, productivity, cost, and manufacturing performance.
- Foster a culture of operational excellence by coaching, mentoring, and educating plant leaders and frontline employees on Lean and Six Sigma methodologies.
- Serve as a trusted resource to plant partners by proactively identifying opportunities, facilitating improvement discussions, and helping teams prioritize initiatives that deliver measurable results.
- Promote a hands-on, Gemba-focused approach to continuous improvement and employee engagement.
Drive Data-Driven Process Improvement
- Analyze production data, operational metrics, and process performance to identify root causes, uncover improvement opportunities, and develop executable solutions.
- Lead Lean, Kaizen, A3, DMAIC, and Root Cause Analysis projects that reduce process variation, eliminate waste, improve throughput, and increase manufacturing capacity.
- Develop and maintain plant improvement roadmaps that clearly communicate project priorities, implementation timelines, projected savings, and operational impact.
- Utilize statistical analysis and financial impact assessments to validate project success and support business decisions.
Develop People & Build Capability
- Train, mentor, and develop hourly team members on Continuous Improvement tools and problem-solving methodologies.
- Educate plant leaders on Lean principles, Daily Management Systems, Standard Work, 5S, SMED, A3 Problem Solving, Process Controls, and other Operational Excellence tools to ensure consistent adoption and long-term sustainability.
- Facilitate cross-functional workshops, Kaizen events, and structured problem-solving sessions that empower teams to continuously improve plant performance.
Cross-Functional Leadership
- Partner closely with Operations, Engineering, Maintenance, Quality, Safety, and Supply Chain teams to identify opportunities that improve operational performance.
- Organize and coordinate cross-functional improvement initiatives while maintaining clear visibility into project schedules, savings targets, and execution milestones.
- Influence organizational change by building strong relationships and driving alignment across all levels of the plant.
Quality, Food Safety & Compliance
- Ensure manufacturing processes comply with Food Safety, Food Quality, and customer requirements.
- Develop, maintain, and audit Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Process Control Plans (PCPs), and Critical Control Points (CCPs).
- Lead root cause investigations and implement corrective actions to improve process reliability and product quality.
- Maintain working knowledge of applicable regulatory requirements, including OSHA, USDA, FDA, EPA, EEOC, and OFCCP standards.
QualificationsRequired
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related technical discipline.
- Equivalent technical experience (6+ years) may be considered in lieu of a degree.
- 3+ years of experience in Manufacturing Engineering, Continuous Improvement, Operational Excellence, Industrial Engineering, Process Engineering, or a related technical role.
- ASQ Green Belt Certification is required.
- Demonstrated success leading Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma initiatives that deliver measurable operational and financial results.
- Strong experience using production data and statistical analysis to identify problems, determine root causes, and implement sustainable solutions.
- Technical expertise in:
- Lean Manufacturing
- Six Sigma
- DMAIC
- Kaizen
- A3 Structured Problem Solving
- Root Cause Analysis
- Change Management
- Standard Work
- Daily Management Systems
- Experience within high-volume, continuous manufacturing environments.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Minitab, and manufacturing data analysis tools.
- Excellent communication, facilitation, coaching, and presentation skills.
- Proven ability to influence cross-functional teams, develop leaders, and build a culture of continuous improvement.
- Must be authorized to work in the United States without current or future employment sponsorship.
Preferred
- ASQ Black Belt Certification.
- Design for Six Sigma (DFSS) experience.
- Experience with Digital Standard Work platforms such as Dozuki.
- Knowledge of manufacturing systems, supply chain operations, inventory management, quality systems, and production logistics.
- Experience facilitating enterprise-wide Lean transformations and Kaizen events.
Travel
- Up to 10% travel as required.
What You'll Bring
- Passion for Operational Excellence and continuous improvement.
- A data-driven mindset with the ability to transform operational insights into actionable solutions.
- Strong leadership presence and a hands-on approach to coaching and problem solving.
- Ability to build trusted partnerships across all levels of the organization and become a valued resource for operational teams.
- Excellent project management skills with the ability to organize improvement initiatives, communicate timelines, and deliver measurable savings.
- Commitment to developing others and creating a sustainable culture of continuous improvement.
- Dedication to driving safety, quality, reliability, and operational excellence through collaboration and innovation.
Benefits
Qualified Candidates Will Enjoy a Comprehensive Rewards Package, Including
- Competitive compensation with performance-based incentive opportunities
- 401(k) with generous employer matching
- Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
- Medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage
- Paid vacation and company holidays
- Relocation assistance
- Education assistance and ongoing professional development
- Wellness programs and fitness reimbursement
- Long-term career growth within a stable, industry-leading manufacturing organization
If you're passionate about using data to solve complex manufacturing challenges, developing high-performing teams, and leading Lean transformations that deliver measurable business results, we encourage you to apply.