Specialist Operational Excellence

The Specialist will collaborate closely with SAO Program Managers, Technical Program Manager, and Project Managers to develop and implement standard processes, procedures, and tools in support of our SAO customers. As standards are established, this person will lead the identification and execution of process improvement initiatives that enhance efficiency, consistency, and customer satisfaction. This role partners with the EESS Operational Excellence team to ensure alignment with broader organizational goals and best practices. They will be expected to build a deep understanding of the programs and customers we support, becoming a trusted resource for internal teams and external stakeholders. In this role you will: Develop, implement, and assess standardized project management processes to ensure consistency and a superior customer experience across SAO accounts. Establish and maintain project controls for cost, schedule, progress tracking, forecasting, and change management to support effective project oversight. Create and execute onboarding and professional development plans for team roles, aligning with business needs and promoting project management excellence. Collaborate with SAO program and project managers to design, document, and implement standardized processes that support strategic customer accounts and streamline execution across Identify, develop, and deploy digital tools that enhance support for SAO customers and internal teams Establish and monitor Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that align with customer expectations and promote consistent, high-quality project execution across SAO accounts Identify and pursue automation opportunities to streamline tasks performed by SAO Coordinators and Project Managers, improving efficiency and reducing manual effort Conduct process mapping and analysis to assess current workflows and design optimized future-state processes for both existing and new programs Create and standardize operational tools such as forms, templates, and work instructions tailored to specific customer requirements (e.g., testing protocols, reporting formats, invoicing procedures) Maintain comprehensive process documentation, working with the division's Operational Excellence team to ensure standard work is captured and stored in a centralized repository (e.g., E-Vault) Lead and facilitate continuous improvement initiatives, including root cause analysis, A3 problem-solving, and business process improvement (BPI) activities Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution Minimum of 5 years of direct experience in project management, operations, or process improvement Must reside within a 50-mile radius of an international airport, no relocation is being offered Must be authorized to work in the United States without company sponsorship Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in Industrial Engineering, business, operations management Project Management certification (e.g. PMP, CAPM, etc..) is highly desirable. Certification in Lean, Six Sigma, or a related methodology. Proven track record of managing complex projects, including experience with project controls, process improvement, and cross-functional collaboration. Experienced in working closely with cross-functional stakeholders to align efforts and ensure seamless support for customer objectives Adept at analyzing, documenting, and visualizing processes to support consistency, training, and cross functional alignment Proficient in designing and implementing dashboards, KPIs, and reporting tools that provide visibility into performance and drive continuous improvement Capable of analyzing existing workflows and implementing enhancements that lead to measurable cost savings, efficiency gains, and improved service delivery Able to identify and recommend new tools, technologies, or methodologies that streamline operations, reduce waste, and drive cost savings/avoidance Organized and detail-oriented, with a proven ability to lead initiatives from planning through execution, ensuring documentation and sustainability of improvements Strong interpersonal and communication skills to manage expectations, build trust, and maintain alignment across diverse stakeholder groups Outstanding and effective communication, presentation, and leadership skills Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and projects in a dynamic environment Self-motivated with a continuous improvement mindset and a willingness to learn new tools and methodologies