Operational Excellence Lead

WireCo is the strength behind the world's evolution, through deep legacy and forward thinking, we create premium ropes that inspire innovation without limits. Our global footprint includes manufacturing plants, distribution facilities, and research and development centers around the world.

WireCo offers a competitive wage, incentive programs, growth opportunities, and excellent benefits offerings for employees and their families. Benefits include paid time off, paid holidays, medical, dental and vision insurance, 401(k) retirement plan with generous company match, 100% company-paid life insurance, and 100% company-paid disability insurance.

For more information, check out our website atwww.wireco.comand the following videos:

• https://youtu.be/zzplYW7PMFg

• https://youtu.be/xfhKBDf0tJs

Role Description

The ideal candidate will lead efforts to optimize processes, reduce waste, improve productivity, and enhance product quality by deploying Lean, Six Sigma, and other improvement methodologies. This role will work cross-functionally with production, quality, engineering, supply chain, and leadership teams to foster a culture of continuous improvement and accountability.

The Operational Excellence Lead must exhibit and proactively motivate others in the behaviors of the WireCo Business System (WBS):

• Teamwork - welcomes an environment of inclusiveness and healthy debate that reflects our team's strength
• Accountable - celebrates our successes, learn from failures, avoid excuses, and own the outcomes of our efforts
• Self-Aware - demonstrates an understanding of our strengths and needs, considering how our actions impact others
• Noble Intent - acts in the interests of others, approaching our work with integrity to ensure the best outcome
• Determined - takes initiative, share ideas and find solutions to win and achieve our goals
• Transparent - promotes open and honest communication and constructive feedback for clarity and truth
• Curious - seeks knowledge and outside input to test our way of thinking, challenging the status quo

Duties & Responsibilities

• Examines current processes to identify inefficiencies and areas to improve process-flow through the use of different tools such as Value Stream Mapping, Process-Flow Mapping, etc.
• Strongly supports plant leaders to develop and implement strategies from scratch to optimize operations, reduce cycle times and improve quality.
• Engages with stakeholders from various departments to understand their needs, challenges, and feedback. Works closely with them to align improvement initiatives with business goals.
• Provides training and guidance to employees on new Lean processes, Lean methodologies and best practices.
• Supports the coordination and facilitation of local Lean Bootcamps, workshops, and cultural transformation initiatives to promote Lean adoption and operational excellence. Manages continuous improvement projects related to Operational Excellence strategy from inception to completion, including planning, execution and follow-ups.
• Continuously monitors Process Performance Indicators (PPIs) and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to ensure improvements are sustained. Identifies further opportunities for optimization.
• Prepares and presents reports on the effectiveness of process improvements to management and stakeholders
• Creates and maintains documentation of Operational Excellence processes, procedures, and improvements for future references. Makes sure these are aligned with the Quality Management System in place.
• Lead and implement Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and Kaizen initiatives to drive operational efficiency.
• Identify improvement opportunities using data-driven analysis (e.g., value stream mapping, root cause analysis, process mapping).
• Collaborate with functional leaders to develop and execute improvement projects that align with business goals.
• Develop, track, and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) to monitor progress and impact of initiatives.
• Facilitate cross-functional workshops and training to embed continuous improvement methodologies throughout the organization.
• Standardize best practices and ensure sustainability of implemented solutions.
• Support deployment of a structured Operational Excellence framework and maturity model.
• Drive a culture of problem-solving, employee engagement, and innovation on the shop floor.
• Act as a change agent by promoting lean thinking and operational discipline across the plant.
• Ensure compliance with all safety, quality, and environmental regulations while improving operational performance.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in a continuous improvement role, preferably in manufacturing environments (aerospace, automotive, etc.)
• Strong experience in industrial, manufacturing, or metallurgical environments with a focus on implementing and sustaining Continuous Improvement initiatives
• Experience on managing projects, defining clear tasks, assignees and dates. Involvement on constant follow ups with the group(s) he's leading or co-leading.
• Certification in project management (e.g., PMP) or related experience.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office software (e.g., Excel, Power Point, Word, etc)
• Strong understanding and experience of Lean Manufacturing concepts and methodologies such as but not limited to:
  • 5S
  • 8 Wastes
  • Value Stream Mapping (VSM)
  • Problem Solving (5W+2H, 5 Whys, 8D's, QRQC, etc.)
  • Single Minute Exchange of Die (SMED)
  • Autonomous Maintenance
  • Andon
  • Kanban
  • Every Part Every Interval (EPEI, also commonly known as "Set-up wheels")
  • Cycle time, Lead time, Takt time.
  • Line Balancing (+Yamazumi Charts)
  • First In First Out (FIFO)
  • Visual Management
  • Lean Daily Management system
  • Gemba walks
  • Leader Standard Work
• Knowledge of Quality Management Systems (QMS) and experience in maintaining compliance with industry standards and regulations
• Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish(verbal and written)

Preferred Qualifications

• Lean Six Sigma Yellow, Green or Black belt certifications
• Experience working in environments where Continuous Improvement initiatives must be introduced and developed from the ground up, including with teams that have limited or no prior exposure to such practices.
• Familiarity on metallurgical processes such as Wire Rope stranding or closing

Materials and Equipment Directly Used

• Standard office equipment such as computers, keyboard, mouse and copiers.
• Personal protective equipment (PPE) including safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, and steel-toed safety shoes

Additional Information

• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without restriction.
• An applicant must complete a satisfactory background check post-offer of employment. A criminal conviction will not be an automatic bar to employment.
• Must be willing and able to pass a post-offer drug screen and physical (if required)
• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disability