Operational Excellence Manager (m-f-d)

The Operational Excellence Manager will be a key function in the ASK organization, responsible for driving operational excellence initiatives across a matrix organization comprising 17 production sites and around 10 major tolling manufacturers globally. This position works closely with the senior leadership team to develop and implement strategies that enhance the company's performance in terms of productivity, quality, safety, and sustainability

• Collaborate with the senior leadership team to develop and implement operational excellence strategies aligned with the company's overall objectives
• Identify opportunities for process improvements, cost optimization and resource utilization across multiple production sites
• Drive the implementation of operational excellence initiatives, methodologies, and best practices throughout the organization
• Establish performance metrics, benchmarks, and key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure and track operational effectiveness
• Conduct thorough analyses of existing processes and workflows to identify areas for improvement
• Lead cross-functional teams in the identification and implementation of process optimization initiatives
• Utilize Lean Six Sigma and other process improvement methodologies to streamline operations and enhance efficiency
• Act as a change agent by promoting a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence throughout the organization
• Provide leadership and support for change initiatives, ensuring effective communication and stakeholder engagement
• Collaborate with the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) team to incorporate sustainability practices into operational processes
• Identify opportunities to reduce environmental impact, enhance safety, and promote social responsibility within the organization
• Liaise with internal stakeholders at various levels, including production site managers, engineering teams, and quality assurance personnel, to align operational excellence initiatives with business objectives
• Collaborate with external stakeholders, such as tolling manufacturers, to ensure seamless integration of operations and maintain high standards of performance
• Monitor Capex expenditures and ensure compliance with budgetary constraints
• Evaluate and prioritize Capex projects that align with the company's operational excellence goals
• Development of manufacturing strategies together with the regional EVPs and business line managers

• Masters' degree in Chemical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field
• Proven experience (at least 5 years) in a similar role within the chemical industry, preferably overseeing multiple production sites
• Strong knowledge of operational excellence methodologies, such as Lean Six Sigma, Kaizen, and Total Quality Management
• Familiarity with ESG principles and their integration into operational processes
• Excellent project management and change management skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Effective communication and leadership skills to drive organizational change and collaboration
• Ability to work within a matrix organization and influence stakeholders at all levels
• Experience in managing capital expenditure projects is desirable