Manager Manufacturing Excellence Jobs in Racine, WI

Job Summary:

We are looking to add a full-time Site Operational Excellence Leader to support a designated site and help advance key business and operational objectives. Partnering closely with site leadership, this role will drive the implementation of continuous improvement strategies, operational best practices, and company-wide initiatives designed to improve productivity, quality, and overall business performance.

The successful candidate will lead training, coaching, and deployment of Lean and Six Sigma methodologies, utilizing tools such as 5S, Value Stream Mapping, Kanban, SMED, Standard Work, and Just-in-Time principles. Working collaboratively with regional and corporate continuous improvement teams, this individual will identify opportunities for improvement, develop and manage a robust project pipeline, and deliver measurable operational and financial results. Success in this role will be defined by the ability to sustain a culture of continuous improvement while achieving annual site performance and PCIS objectives.

Key Responsibilities & Duties:

• Support the ongoing advancement and deployment of the company's Operational Excellence framework throughout the manufacturing facility.
• Champion the adoption of Lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies across all plant functions.
• Partner with plant leadership and regional Operational Excellence teams to identify cost-reduction opportunities and execute initiatives that improve profitability and operational performance.
• Establish, monitor, and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) to drive improvements in safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).
• Facilitate root cause analysis, structured problem-solving activities, and continuous improvement events to address production challenges and eliminate waste.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify business priorities and implement operational excellence tools that support customer requirements and plant objectives.
• Measure the effectiveness of improvement initiatives and adjust strategies as needed to ensure sustainable gains in performance, efficiency, and financial results.
• Promote the sharing of best practices, lessons learned, and standardized processes across manufacturing operations and other company locations.
• Lead high-impact continuous improvement projects focused on process optimization, cost savings, quality enhancement, throughput improvements, and manufacturing system enhancements.
• Provide project leadership, coaching, and mentorship to team members while ensuring initiatives remain on schedule and achieve defined objectives.
• Manage the site's continuous improvement project pipeline, tracking progress against annual savings, productivity, and performance targets.
• Communicate project status, key risks, financial impacts, and implementation progress to plant leadership, business unit management, and corporate stakeholders.
• Perform additional duties and special projects in support of plant operations and business objectives as required.

An individual in this position must be able to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities listed above. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

The above list reflects the general details necessary to describe the principle and essential functions of the position and shall not be construed as the only duties that may be assigned for the position.

Education & Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, Business, Industrial Technology, or a related discipline; equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
• Minimum of four years of experience in a manufacturing environment with responsibilities in engineering, production, quality, process improvement, or operational excellence.
• Formal training in Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies required; Six Sigma Black Belt certification or equivalent continuous improvement credentials strongly preferred.
• Proven ability to influence change across cross-functional teams, driving results through collaboration, coaching, and consensus-building rather than direct authority.
• Demonstrated success leading continuous improvement initiatives focused on waste reduction, productivity enhancement, quality improvement, cost optimization, and operational performance gains within a manufacturing setting.
• Experience facilitating Kaizen events, root cause analysis, value stream mapping, and structured problem-solving activities in support of plant objectives and customer requirements.
• Strong project management capabilities, including the ability to prioritize initiatives, manage multiple improvement projects simultaneously, and deliver measurable business results.
• Proven leadership skills with the ability to engage production, engineering, maintenance, quality, and supply chain teams in achieving operational excellence goals.
• Experience working within fast-paced, high-volume manufacturing environments; automotive, Tier-1 supplier, or OEM experience is highly preferred.
• Strong analytical, communication, presentation, and organizational skills with the ability to effectively communicate at all levels of the organization.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and develop teams while fostering a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.

Physical & Mental Demands:

• Frequent sitting while working at a computer and collaborating with technical teams.
• Occasional standing, walking, bending, reaching, or handling office equipment.
• Occasional climbing, kneeling, crawling, or lifting/moving up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to analyze complex technical issues, communicate effectively, and manage multiple priorities.
• May require operation of office technology and equipment associated with the position.

Work Environment:

• Work is typically performed in an indoor office environment or on a Manufacturing Floor.
• Exposure may include office noise, machinery, dust, and public interaction.
• Standard business hours with occasional flexibility based on project and operational needs.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

We are proud to foster an inclusive and diverse workplace culture. We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetics, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We value diversity and believe that a diverse and inclusive workforce is essential to drive innovation, foster creativity, and achieve success. We welcome and encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and are dedicated to ensuring a fair and equitable recruitment and employment process for everyone.