Operational Excellence Manager

The Operational Excellence Leader at our manufacturing site in Chattanooga, Tennessee, plays a critical role in driving Astec Industries' Lean Systems throughout the organization. This leader is responsible for advancing strategy deployment, implementing lean methodologies, and aligning plant-level initiatives with corporate strategic goals. The role also serves as a liaison between the General Manager and the Astec corporate team to ensure cohesion in strategy and execution.

• Support capital investment planning by conducting ROI analysis and evaluating the operational impact of proposed projects.
• Develop and maintain True North Boards and PQVC (People, Quality, Velocity, Cost) dashboards to ensure performance visibility and alignment with business objectives.
• Deliver periodic updates to corporate leadership regarding initiative progress, risks, and opportunities.
• Build internal problem-solving capability by coaching teams to sustain gains and independently lead improvement efforts.
• Plan and facilitate cross-functional Kaizen events that drive measurable improvements across manufacturing, sales, and support functions.
• Facilitate cross-functional alignment sessions to identify priorities, remove barriers, and foster collaboration across departments.
• Champion and oversee the deployment of Total Productive Maintenance (TPM), including the implementation of pillars like autonomous maintenance, planned maintenance, quality maintenance, and early equipment management.
• Lead by example on the shop floor and in office settings.
• Coach and mentor employees and leaders in structured problem-solving methods such as A3 thinking to build capability and foster ownership.
• Integrate Lean thinking into onboarding and leadership development programs to reinforce a culture of continuous improvement from day one.
• Act as a hands-on liaison between the site and corporate teams, ensuring strategic alignment and effective communication across all improvement initiatives.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across both shop floor and office operations, supporting functional leaders in achieving performance targets.
• Act as a trusted partner and strategic advisor on lean transformation efforts.
• Implement core Lean Systems and tools such as 5S, standard work, visual management, value stream mapping, TPM, and continuous flow to eliminate waste and improve efficiency.
• Collaborate with corporate leadership to align operational improvements with business growth strategies, including capacity expansion and new product introductions.
• Design and deliver structured Lean and TPM training programs that teach tools, principles, and cultural behaviors across all organizational levels, ensuring understanding and practical application.
• Lead the deployment of the Hoshin Kanri strategy framework at the plant and Asphalt business unit level to ensure alignment with corporate goals and initiatives.

BUILT TO CONNECT

• Hands-on knowledge of Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) and its key pillars, as well as experience applying PQVC metrics, True North Boards, A3 problem-solving, and X-Matrix frameworks.
• Self-motivation and initiative, with the ability to work independently while collaborating with teams across functions and levels.
• Extensive experience in Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement, with a demonstrated ability to implement and sustain long-term improvements across various business functions.
• Exceptional coaching, teaching, and influencing skills, with the ability to engage, educate, and empower employees at all levels—from shop floor operators to executive leadership.
• Honesty and integrity in all aspects of business
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, capable of building trust and alignment across cross-functional and cross-cultural teams.
• Strategic thinking and business acumen to align day-to-day actions with long-term organizational goals and growth plans.
• Analytical and data-driven decision-making abilities, with proficiency in performance measurement and root cause analysis.
• A proven track record of leading and facilitating Kaizen events that deliver measurable results in manufacturing, engineering, sales, service, and administrative processes.