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
Candidates may come from:
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.