Mediabistro logo
job logo

Director, Operational Excellence & Digitalization

The Coca-Cola Company, Cidra, PR, United States


Operational Excellence & Digitalization Director

The Operational Excellence & Digitalization Director is responsible for increasing plant efficiency and productivity by leading and driving Plant of the Future (PoF), Operational Excellence and continuous improvement initiatives across all functional areas within the plant. The role provides governance, leads the implementation of global OE initiatives, local PoF roadmap, ensures use case adoption, and leads local OE/regular productivity projects, fostering a culture of excellence, monitoring key performance metrics, and ensuring adoption of tools and systems as part of the CPS Digital Operating System.

What You’ll Do for Us

  • Lead the PoF annual diagnostic and implementation plan, including bootcamp, data collection and analysis, resource allocation, timelines, stakeholder management, KPIs, impacts, training, coaching, communication, and project management routines.
  • Guide the design and implementation phases by prioritizing use cases and digital solutions to improve site performance and sustain a multiyear PoF plan.
  • Align local operational plans with the CPS Transformation Strategy, anticipating plant-specific opportunities and trends to support a long‑term 3‑year transformation roadmap.
  • Analyze data and trends to identify improvement opportunities at all plant levels, facilitate target setting aligned with CPS goals, track and report on key performance indicators, and develop action plans.
  • Oversee and coordinate multiple initiatives under the PoF framework, OE, and strategic projects, orchestrating, facilitating, coordinating, and streamlining management of projects and programs.
  • Drive standardization by implementing and adopting standard core modules as part of the Digital Operating System.
  • Lead Kaizen workshops applying OE tools (value stream mapping, visual management, 5S, SMED, material and process flow) to maximize process efficiency and deliver productivity.
  • Train, coach, mentor local leadership, front‑line leaders, and employees on operational excellence tools and culture, cultivating engagement and recognizing achievements.

Requirements & Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering or a related field (post‑graduate degree or MBA preferred).
  • 8+ years of relevant experience, including at least 3 years specifically in LEAN/Six Sigma within supply‑chain operations.
  • Prior project‑management experience, preferably in food, pharmaceutical, or chemical manufacturing operations.
  • Demonstrable experience managing Lean projects and implementing operational excellence and continuous improvement methods such as LEAN, TPM, and 6 Sigma.
  • Strong leadership capabilities with the ability to influence teams without direct authority.
  • Technical proficiency in supporting the implementation of business systems (SAP, MES, BMS, EMS) and Lean Six Sigma; Green Belt Certification advantageous.

What We’ll Do for You

  • Purpose‑Driven Work: Engage in work that makes a real difference and enhances lives worldwide.
  • Inclusive Culture: Join a team that values diversity and fosters a workplace where everyone can thrive.
  • Competitive Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package that supports professional growth and personal well‑being.
  • Global Network: Be part of a global community, learning from diverse perspectives and practices.

Location(s): Puerto Rico, Cidra

Travel Required: 00% – 25%

Relocation Provided: Yes

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.

#J-18808-Ljbffr