Operational Excellence Manager
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Maker's Pride Talent Acquisition Team
Downers Grove, IL, US
Summary
The Transformation Change Agent is responsible for driving operational excellence initiatives and leading continuous improvement programs across the organization. This role involves coaching teams, establishing performance metrics, and fostering a culture of accountability to deliver measurable business results.
Job Description
Job Summary
The Operational Excellence Manager is responsible for driving the successful implementation of operational excellence initiatives across the organization. This role partners closely with site leadership and cross-functional teams to identify productivity improvements ideas through embed continuous improvement principles, standardize processes, and sustain performance gains. The ideal candidate is a hands-on leader who can influence change, build capability, and deliver measurable business results. This position requires strong technical Lean Manufacturing, Operational, Engineering, and hands-on leadership skills.
Job Duties
Duties may include, but are not limited to the following:
Drive Operational Excellence Initiatives
- Lead deployment of continuous improvement programs (Lean, Six Sigma, TPM, etc.)
- Support implementation of tiered management systems, daily management, and performance routines.
- Identify gaps in current processes and develop action plans to close them.
Change Leadership & Adoption
- Act as a change champion, ensuring alignment and buy-in across all levels of the organization.
- Develop and execute change management plans, including communication and engagement strategies.
- Coach leaders and frontline teams on new ways of working.
Capability Building
- Train and mentor teams on operational excellence tools and methodologies
- Build internal capability to sustain improvements (problem solving, root cause analysis, standard work)
- Facilitate workshops, kaizen events, and training sessions.
Performance Management
- Establish KPIs and visual management systems to track progress.
- Monitor and report on implementation success, including productivity, quality, safety, and cost metrics.
- Drive accountability through structured follow-ups and governance routines.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Partner with Operations, Quality, Maintenance, and Supply Chain teams
- Support alignment between site-level initiatives and broader organizational strategy.
- Share best practices across sites to accelerate adoption.
Continuous Improvement Culture
- Foster a culture of accountability, discipline, and continuous improvement.
- Reinforce behaviors aligned with operational excellence principles.
- Recognize and promote successes to sustain momentum.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Business, related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience in a manufacturing environment
- 5+ years of experience in manufacturing, Engineering or operations roles
- Lean Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or Black Belt) preferred
- Experience with TPM, Daily Management Systems, and Tiered Accountability structures preferred
- Proven experience leading change initiatives and driving measurable improvements
- Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement tools
- Demonstrated ability to influence without authority and lead through change
- Excellent communication, facilitation, and coaching skills
- Data-driven mindset with strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities
- Ability to work in fast-paced, dynamic environments
- Travel - must be willing to travel 70%+
- Proficiency in MS Office Suite, Excel, and PowerPoint
The pay range for this full-time, salaried position is $97,210-$145,814/year. Individual base pay depends on work location and additional factors such as experience, job-related skills, and relevant education or training. The position is eligible for a discretionary annual incentive based on company and individual performance. We offer a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, 401k and wellness benefits beginning on the first day of employment.
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Manufacturing the world’s most iconic foods.
Hearthside Foods is one of the fastest-growing companies in the industry and a preferred employer. With over 25 locations across North America, Hearthside’s employees make delicious foods millions of people enjoy daily. Yet, most people have never heard of our company. Hearthside is a contract manufacturer serving many of the world’s finest brands. Growing from four locations in 2009, our customers are category-leading food companies and global consumer brands across categories that include snacks, baked goods, nutrition, fresh foods, frozen entrees, and more.
The secret to our growth and success? Without a doubt, our people. Our dynamic environment is always changing – yet is laser-focused on customer satisfaction, innovation, sustainability, and efficiency. Beginning with respect for the individual, we empower our people and teams to continually create new value for customers, find better ways, and always be learning. Our continual growth and evolution require us to promote from within constantly. Our strong company culture rewards performance, and our people are here to build a career.
If you are considering a career in the food manufacturing industry, Hearthside wants to talk to you. Contact us today. We look forward to hearing from you.
Founded
2009
Company size
10,001+ employees
Industry
Food and Beverage Manufacturing
Org type
Privately Held
Manufacturing the world’s most iconic foods.
Hearthside Foods is one of the fastest-growing companies in the industry and a preferred employer. With over 25 locations across North America, Hearthside’s employees make delicious foods millions of people enjoy daily. Yet, most people have never heard of our company. Hearthside is a contract manufacturer serving many of the world’s finest brands. Growing from four locations in 2009, our customers are category-leading food companies and global consumer brands across categories that include snacks, baked goods, nutrition, fresh foods, frozen entrees, and more.
The secret to our growth and success? Without a doubt, our people. Our dynamic environment is always changing – yet is laser-focused on customer satisfaction, innovation, sustainability, and efficiency. Beginning with respect for the individual, we empower our people and teams to continually create new value for customers, find better ways, and always be learning. Our continual growth and evolution require us to promote from within constantly. Our strong company culture rewards performance, and our people are here to build a career.
If you are considering a career in the food manufacturing industry, Hearthside wants to talk to you. Contact us today. We look forward to hearing from you.
Founded
2009
Company size
10,001+ employees
Industry
Food and Beverage Manufacturing
Org type
Privately Held