Director of Operational Excellence

Role SummaryThe Director of Operational Excellence is a transformational leader responsible for driving world-class performance across both Factory Operations and Supply Chain Operations. This role is the chief architect of the company's continuous improvement culture, directly accountable for developing smart KPIs, leading digitalization and AI integration, deploying the Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) program, re-engineering core processes, and systematically developing people capabilities. The ultimate objective is to shift the mindset of every employee—from the shop floor to the executive suite—toward zero-loss, high-reliability operations.Key Responsibilities1. Operational Excellence Strategy (Factory & Supply Chain)Lead the design and execution of a unified Operational Excellence strategy across manufacturing plants and supply chain (warehousing, logistics, planning).Benchmark internal processes against top-tier industry standards and drive a systematic loss elimination roadmap.Partner with Plant Managers and Supply Chain Directors to deploy Lean, Six Sigma, and Agile methodologies.2. Smart KPIs & Performance ManagementDesign, deploy, and govern "Smart KPIs" (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound, and digitally visualized) for all operational functions (Production, Maintenance, Quality, Safety, Warehousing, Transportation).Move beyond lagging indicators to implement predictive and real-time leading indicators that drive preventative action.Establish a tiered performance cockpit (Daily/Weekly/Monthly) that provides transparency from the executive level to the shop floor.3. Digitalization & AI DevelopmentLead the identification and deployment of digital enablers (MES, WMS, Power BI, IIoT) and Artificial Intelligence (predictive maintenance, demand sensing, computer vision for safety/quality).Partner with IT and Data Science teams to create a data architecture that enables automated anomaly detection and root cause analysis.Champion a "Digital First" culture, ensuring AI tools augment human decision-making rather than replace it.4. TPM Program & Mindset TransformationLead the strategic rollout of the Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) program (pillars: Autonomous, Planned, Quality, Focused Improvement, etc.).Drive cultural change to instill a Zero-Failure, Zero-Defect, Zero-Accident mindset across all levels—ensuring operators own their equipment and executives sponsor pillar teams.Facilitate behavior change via daily leader standard work, Gemba walks, and top management audits.Improve Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) and reduce unplanned downtime through sustainable TPM maturity.5. Process & Procedure DesignEstablish a robust Process Management System to map, standardize, and optimize end-to-end operational workflows (SOPs, work instructions, control plans).Implement a procedure governance model that ensures documentation is lean, accessible, and adhered to via digital work instructions.Lead cross-functional Kaizen events and value stream mapping to eliminate non-value-added activities.6. People Capability DevelopmentBuild and lead a Center of Excellence (CoE) for continuous improvement, including an internal certification program (e.g., Lean/Six Sigma White to Black Belt).Develop a skills matrix and training curriculum that upskills employees from shop floor technicians to supply chain analysts.Coach and mentor plant and supply chain leadership to become effective change agents who can sustain operational rigor.Qualifications & ExperienceEducationBachelor's degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Operations Management, or related field.MBA or Master's degree strongly preferred.Experience15+ years of progressive experience in Operations, Manufacturing, or Supply Chain, with a minimum of 5 years in a senior Operational Excellence leadership role (e.g., OpEx Director, Continuous Improvement Director, Lean Transformation Lead).Demonstrated success deploying TPM in a manufacturing environment (preferably automotive, FMCG, or heavy industrial).Proven track record leading digital transformation and AI adoption in operations.CertificationsLean Six Sigma Black Belt or Master Black Belt — required.TPM Practitioner or JIPM certification — highly desirable.Key Competencies & MindsetChange Architect: Can redesign workflows and then lead the human transition; experienced in overcoming resistance at the executive and front-line levels.Systems Thinker: Connects factory floor reliability directly to supply chain service levels and P&L outcomes.Data-Driven Leader: Comfortable with SQL, Power BI/Tableau, and basic AI/ML concepts to challenge technical teams.Coach & Mentor: Prefers developing people over simply fixing problems; leaves a legacy of capability.