Operational Excellence Leader

Job Description

Job Description

AMVAC, an American Vanguard company is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Operational Excellence Leader. The successful candidate will use their in-depth knowledge of Lean Six Sigma methodologies to lead and drive a continuous improvement program charged with implementing projects to improve safety, efficiency and financial performance of the manufacturing and supply chain functions in the company. The Operational Excellence Leader will have Black Belt equivalent Lean Six Sigma experience and will be expected to train and coach staff in various improvement practices

American Vanguard company, has successfully served the results‐driven global markets through development, manufacturing and marketing of products for agricultural and commercial use. At American Vanguard, we believe in growth, innovation, and opportunity. We understand that a successful business is built on the strength of its people which is why we are dedicated to nurturing talent, fueling success and cultivating potential.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Design an operational excellence strategy for the company. Develop the roadmap for deployment and execute against the plan across manufacturing.
• Utilize Lean Six Sigma methodologies to identify and quantify improvement opportunities. Guide continuous improvement idea generation sessions with all manufacturing stakeholders and partners. Manage, record and report out savings and improvement results periodically as required in the designated format.
• Lead process improvement projects to meet business objectives and deliver quantifiable results using lean and six sigma methodologies. Actively manage Kaizen events and other lean activities as part of project deliverables or supporting other initiatives.
• Create and administer the company’s Lean Six Sigma training and certification program. Conduct training sessions as needed to support continuous improvement activities for all levels within the organization. Coach operations staff on lean principles or other various continuous improvement methodologies as required.
• Install organizational structure for continuous improvement (reviews, communications, rewards, software). Design and maintain a continuous improvement idea database for the corporation.
• Analyzing the existing operations and initiating process improvements using time studies, line balancing, and other tools. Apply lean six sigma tools such as visual management, 5S, standard work, variation reduction, SMED, process maps, value stream mapping, and problem solving. Use of statistical software packages to validate improvements.

Skills & Qualifications:

• Knowledge: A deep understanding of Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma principles and techniques, including use of standard statistical analysis software such as Minitab or MS Excel.
• Safety: Familiarity with all risks associated with operating in an industrial facility and prepared to identify unsafe conditions or behaviors.
• Quality: Experience using lean six sigma tools to ensure high quality products are produced and processes are well documents to support the quality management system.
• Productivity: Ability to understand the productivity bottlenecks within the manufacturing processes and continually explore methods to improve efficiency.
• Leadership : Collaborates within and across functions such as commercial, R&D, finance, HR, Regulatory, quality, EHS and manufacturing using influence to support achievement of business goals.
• Discretion/Latitude: Makes decisions independently and without appreciable guidance. Able to exercise full latitude in the direction of their work to achieve agreed upon strategic goals as an individual contributor.
• Problem Solving: Capable of developing solutions to complex problems using ingenuity and creativity. Able to make strategic decisions to achieve solutions to long-term problems.
• Travel: This position includes up to 25% travel. Must be able to travel independently to remote locations to solve complex technical issues to achieve business objectives

Education Requirements:

• Bachelor's Degree: B.S. in a STEM related discipline is required (i.e. Science, Math, Engineering, Project Management, etc.).
  Other degrees will be considered with significant evidence of recent successful Lean Six Sigma used in a similar role.

Experience Requirements:

• Minimum of five (5) years experience serving in a similar role - Preference given to experience in a chemical process manufacturing environment.
• Six Sigma Green Belt Certification (Company or Institute Issued). Black Belt or higher certification preferred.
• Possess excellent leadership skills with distinct experience in leading through influence
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment.
• Familiarity with a strong culture of safety and environmental compliance.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint) is required
• Must also pass post‐offer drug test, background check and other appropriate tests as required

This Position includes:

Health insurance including Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Health Savings Account (HSA) / Flexible Spending Account (FSA). 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan and Employee Stock Purchasing Plan offered. Additional benefits include Vacation & Holiday time off as well as a Wellness program.

American Vanguard Company (NYSE: AVD) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We use e-Verify.