Director of Operational Excellence

Position Summary The Director of Operational Excellence is a strategic leader responsible for driving continuous improvement, operational efficiency, and fostering a culture of innovation across Viant. This role leads the design, implementation, and oversight of operational strategies, leveraging digital transformation, data analytics, and best-in-class methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma, etc.) to achieve measurable business results. The Director partners with cross-functional teams and senior leadership to align operational initiatives with organizational goals, ensuring resilience, adaptability, and sustainable growth in a rapidly evolving business environment. This role leads the OpEx function in the Advanced Metals Solutions (AMS) business unit and primarily works with machining, drawing, and turning processes. This is a remote position. Business Unit OpEx leaders within the Center of Excellence are expected to work autonomously, lead cross-functional teams, and influence the organization to consistently exceed operational efficiency targets through strategic leadership, collaboration, and expert problem-solving.

Key Responsibilities

• Drive and develop OpEx strategy and standardization across all sites within the business unit.
• Work autonomously and lead cross-functional teams to identify and execute operational improvement initiatives across multiple sites.
• Make strategic decisions to achieve defined metrics and operational targets, including a 12-month hopper of cost savings projects
• Lead complex, strategic, and multiple workstream programs that span business units and functions.
• Influence OpEx at all levels within the organization, driving adoption of best practices and continuous improvement.
• Drive savings and operational efficiency through expert problem-solving and collaboration.
• Build a strong pipeline of talent into operational roles, fostering development and succession planning.
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to track operational performance, report progress to senior management, and adjust strategies as needed.
• Champion a culture of continuous improvement and innovation, fostering employee engagement and buy-in for improvement initiatives.
• Design and deliver training programs to build organizational capability in operational excellence, including upskilling teams in digital tools and process improvement techniques.
• Partner with stakeholders across departments (Operations, HR, IT, Finance, etc.) to ensure alignment and effective execution of operational strategies.
• Ensure compliance and risk management by adhering to regulatory standards, industry best practices, and company policies.
• Drive technology enablement by adopting new technologies (AI, automation, advanced analytics) to optimize workflows and support strategic decision-making.
• Prepare and present detailed reports on the progress and impact of operational excellence initiatives, highlighting ROI and areas for further improvement.
• Negotiate with external partners to secure tools and services that support operational excellence goals.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Operations Management, or related field (Master’s or relevant certification preferred).
• 8+ years of experience in operational excellence, process improvement, or operations leadership, preferably in a manufacturing or regulated environment.
• Proven track record of leading large-scale transformation and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Advanced knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma (Black Belt or Master Black Belt preferred), and other process improvement methodologies.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills; proficiency in data analysis and performance metrics.
• Experience with digital transformation, automation, and technology implementation in operational settings.
• Exceptional communication, facilitation, and interpersonal skills; strong active listening and interpretation abilities; proven capacity to influence and build alignment across all levels of the organization.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects, balance competing priorities, and deliver results in a matrixed environment.
• Proficiency with operational software tools (ERP, PowerBI, Minitab, Microsoft Office Suite, etc.).
• Willingness and ability to travel as required (Approximately 20-30%)

Core Competencies

• Strategic vision and planning
• Change leadership and resilience
• Data-driven decision-making
• Digital and technology fluency
• Stakeholder engagement and collaboration
• Results orientation and accountability
• Root cause analysis / structured problem solving

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