Operational Excellence Engineer

Position Overview

We are seeking a results-driven Operational Excellence Engineer to lead continuous improvement initiatives within a high-volume manufacturing environment. This role serves as a strategic partner to plant leadership, leveraging Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and data-driven methodologies to improve safety, quality, productivity, equipment reliability, and overall operational performance.

As a trusted advisor across the plant, you will use data and analytics to uncover opportunities, drive measurable process improvements, and influence operational decision-making. Success in this role requires a highly collaborative leader who thrives on the manufacturing floor, builds strong relationships with cross-functional teams, and proactively identifies solutions that create lasting business impact.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on change agent who embraces Gemba principles, develops frontline teams, coaches leaders on Continuous Improvement tools, and drives a culture where operational excellence becomes part of everyday work.

Location: Monett, Missouri (100% Onsite)

Relocation Assistance: Comprehensive relocation package available, including a $10,000 relocation bonus for candidates relocating more than 50 miles.

Please Note: Employment sponsorship is not available for this position. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without current or future visa sponsorship.

What You'll DoChampion Operational Excellence

• Lead the implementation of Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement initiatives that improve safety, quality, productivity, cost, and manufacturing performance.
• Foster a culture of operational excellence by coaching, mentoring, and educating plant leaders and frontline employees on Lean and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Serve as a trusted resource to plant partners by proactively identifying opportunities, facilitating improvement discussions, and helping teams prioritize initiatives that deliver measurable results.
• Promote a hands-on, Gemba-focused approach to continuous improvement and employee engagement.
  
  

Drive Data-Driven Process Improvement

• Analyze production data, operational metrics, and process performance to identify root causes, uncover improvement opportunities, and develop executable solutions.
• Lead Lean, Kaizen, A3, DMAIC, and Root Cause Analysis projects that reduce process variation, eliminate waste, improve throughput, and increase manufacturing capacity.
• Develop and maintain plant improvement roadmaps that clearly communicate project priorities, implementation timelines, projected savings, and operational impact.
• Utilize statistical analysis and financial impact assessments to validate project success and support business decisions.
  
  

Develop People & Build Capability

• Train, mentor, and develop hourly team members on Continuous Improvement tools and problem-solving methodologies.
• Educate plant leaders on Lean principles, Daily Management Systems, Standard Work, 5S, SMED, A3 Problem Solving, Process Controls, and other Operational Excellence tools to ensure consistent adoption and long-term sustainability.
• Facilitate cross-functional workshops, Kaizen events, and structured problem-solving sessions that empower teams to continuously improve plant performance.
  
  

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Partner closely with Operations, Engineering, Maintenance, Quality, Safety, and Supply Chain teams to identify opportunities that improve operational performance.
• Organize and coordinate cross-functional improvement initiatives while maintaining clear visibility into project schedules, savings targets, and execution milestones.
• Influence organizational change by building strong relationships and driving alignment across all levels of the plant.
  
  

Quality, Food Safety & Compliance

• Ensure manufacturing processes comply with Food Safety, Food Quality, and customer requirements.
• Develop, maintain, and audit Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Process Control Plans (PCPs), and Critical Control Points (CCPs).
• Lead root cause investigations and implement corrective actions to improve process reliability and product quality.
• Maintain working knowledge of applicable regulatory requirements, including OSHA, USDA, FDA, EPA, EEOC, and OFCCP standards.
  
  

QualificationsRequired

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related technical discipline.
• Equivalent technical experience (6+ years) may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• 3+ years of experience in Manufacturing Engineering, Continuous Improvement, Operational Excellence, Industrial Engineering, Process Engineering, or a related technical role.
• ASQ Green Belt Certification is required.
• Demonstrated success leading Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma initiatives that deliver measurable operational and financial results.
• Strong experience using production data and statistical analysis to identify problems, determine root causes, and implement sustainable solutions.
• Technical expertise in:
• Lean Manufacturing
• Six Sigma
• DMAIC
• Kaizen
• A3 Structured Problem Solving
• Root Cause Analysis
• Change Management
• Standard Work
• Daily Management Systems
• Experience within high-volume, continuous manufacturing environments.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Minitab, and manufacturing data analysis tools.
• Excellent communication, facilitation, coaching, and presentation skills.
• Proven ability to influence cross-functional teams, develop leaders, and build a culture of continuous improvement.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States without current or future employment sponsorship.

Preferred

• ASQ Black Belt Certification.
• Design for Six Sigma (DFSS) experience.
• Experience with Digital Standard Work platforms such as Dozuki.
• Knowledge of manufacturing systems, supply chain operations, inventory management, quality systems, and production logistics.
• Experience facilitating enterprise-wide Lean transformations and Kaizen events.
  
  

Travel

• Up to 10% travel as required.
  
  

What You'll Bring

• Passion for Operational Excellence and continuous improvement.
• A data-driven mindset with the ability to transform operational insights into actionable solutions.
• Strong leadership presence and a hands-on approach to coaching and problem solving.
• Ability to build trusted partnerships across all levels of the organization and become a valued resource for operational teams.
• Excellent project management skills with the ability to organize improvement initiatives, communicate timelines, and deliver measurable savings.
• Commitment to developing others and creating a sustainable culture of continuous improvement.
• Dedication to driving safety, quality, reliability, and operational excellence through collaboration and innovation.
  
  

Benefits

Qualified Candidates Will Enjoy a Comprehensive Rewards Package, Including

• Competitive compensation with performance-based incentive opportunities
• 401(k) with generous employer matching
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
• Medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage
• Paid vacation and company holidays
• Relocation assistance
• Education assistance and ongoing professional development
• Wellness programs and fitness reimbursement
• Long-term career growth within a stable, industry-leading manufacturing organization
  
  

If you're passionate about using data to solve complex manufacturing challenges, developing high-performing teams, and leading Lean transformations that deliver measurable business results, we encourage you to apply.