OpEx Director

We are partnering with a growing advanced manufacturing business to identify an Interim Director of Operational Excellence. This leader will play a critical role in supporting operational performance during a period of significant production growth, new product introduction, and broader transformation activity.

This is an execution-heavy role for someone who combines structured problem solving with real manufacturing credibility. You will work closely with operations leadership to help remove bottlenecks, improve throughput, support plant-floor initiatives, and bring clarity and momentum to a range of operational priorities.

What You’ll Do

• Partner closely with operations leadership to drive key operational excellence initiatives
• Support throughput improvement on a high-volume production line
• Help identify bottlenecks, solve problems quickly, and improve execution speed across teams
• Facilitate structured problem solving with cross-functional stakeholders
• Support implementation of standard work, 5S, signage, and general factory/process improvements
• Help rationalize and improve operational documentation / controlled processes where needed
• Bring a hands‑on, practical approach to improving daily execution in a fast‑paced manufacturing setting
• Serve as a trusted extension of leadership by taking ownership of important priorities and moving them forward independently

What They’re Looking For

• Strong experience in manufacturing, operations, operational excellence, or continuous improvement roles
• Demonstrated ability to drive execution in plant‑based or industrial environments
• Strong structured problem‑solving and communication skills
• Ability to work effectively with cross‑functional teams and influence progress on the ground
• Comfortable balancing analysis, facilitation, and hands‑on execution
• Prior consulting experience is highly valued, particularly where it built strong toolkit, communication, and problem‑solving capabilities
• Lean / process improvement exposure preferred, but pragmatism and execution matter more than theory

Ideal Background

• Operational excellence or manufacturing leadership roles
• Plant‑based transformation or continuous improvement positions
• Consulting backgrounds with meaningful operations/manufacturing exposure
• Hybrid careers that combine consulting toolkit with operator credibility

Key Traits for Success

• High ownership
• Fast to output
• Action‑oriented
• Credible on the floor
• Strong communicator
• Structured thinker
• Comfortable working on site and in the trenches
• Able to build trust quickly with leadership and frontline teams alike

Logistics

• Significant on‑site presence will be important, especially early in the engagement
• Candidates within reach of Fort Wayne, Indianapolis, Chicago, or surrounding areas may be especially well suited
• Travel‑supported candidates will also be considered for the right fit

This is an excellent opportunity to step into a high‑impact interim role where your work will directly support operational performance, leadership leverage, and transformation progress.

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