Director - Operations Excellence Continuous Improvement

Position Summary

The Director of Continuous Improvement (CI) is responsible for leading initiatives to improve operational performance, eliminate waste, and drive a culture of continuous improvement using Lean, Six Sigma, and related methodologies throughout the TPC organization. This role partners closely with executive leadership, operations, quality, finance, and supply chain teams to deliver measurable improvements in safety, quality, delivery, cost, and employee engagement.

Key Responsibilities

Strategy & Leadership
- Develop and execute the organization’s Continuous Improvement strategy aligned with business objectives
- Serve as the enterprise expert on Lean, Six Sigma, and Operational Excellence principles
- Lead a team, coach, and develop CI practitioners (Black Belts, Green Belts, CI Managers)
- Influence senior leadership to adopt and sustain CI behaviors and mindset

Program Management
- Identify, prioritize, and manage high-impact CI projects across operations, manufacturing, and support functions
- Establish governance, project selection criteria, and performance tracking systems
- Ensure CI projects deliver measurable financial and operational benefits
- Lead kaizen events, value stream mapping, and breakthrough improvement initiatives

Operational Excellence
- Drive standard work, visual management, 5S, problem-solving, and root cause analysis
- Integrate CI principles into daily management systems
- Partner with operations leaders to improve throughput, quality, safety, and cost
- Support capital projects and new product introductions with Lean design principles

Measurement & Reporting
- Define KPIs and dashboards to track CI performance and benefits realization
- Report progress and results to executive leadership
- Validate savings in partnership with Finance

Change Management & Culture
- Build a sustainable culture of continuous improvement and accountability
- Lead change management efforts to ensure adoption and long-term sustainability
- Deliver training and capability development at all levels of the organization

Qualifications

Required
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Operations, Business, or related field
- 10+ years of experience in Continuous Improvement, Operational Excellence, or Lean Six Sigma roles
- Proven track record delivering large-scale improvement initiatives
- Strong leadership, facilitation, and influencing skills
- Experience working cross-functionally in complex organizations

Preferred
- Master’s degree (MBA or MS Engineering)
- Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt certification
- Experience in manufacturing, industrial, or regulated environments
- Strong financial acumen and benefits validation experience

Reporting Relationship

Reports to: VP of Operations

Success Metrics 

- Year-over-year productivity and cost improvements
- CI project completion and benefits realization
- Adoption of standard work and CI practices
- Employee engagement in continuous improvement initiatives

All applicants must be eligible to work for any employer in the United States without needing any company sponsorship