Director Operational Excellence Jobs in California

The Operational Excellence Manager is responsible for leading and driving continuous improvement initiatives across the plant to improve safety, quality, delivery, cost, productivity, and overall operational performance. Reporting directly to the Plant Manager and serving as a key member of the plant leadership team, this role partners with Operations, Maintenance, Quality, Engineering, Supply Chain, Human Resources, and EHS leaders to implement and sustain World Class Manufacturing (WCM) and Operational Excellence methodologies.

The Operational Excellence Manager identifies and eliminates operational losses, leads root cause analysis and continuous improvement initiatives, facilitates Kaizen events, and drives the achievement of Net Manufacturing Savings (NMS) objectives. This position provides coaching, training, and functional leadership to pillar teams and cross-functional improvement groups, helping to build organizational capability and a culture of continuous improvement.

Additionally, the role is responsible for developing and maintaining the plant's Operational Excellence roadmap, monitoring key performance indicators, analyzing operational data, and ensuring the sustainability of improvement initiatives through standardization, accountability, and ongoing performance reviews. Success in this position requires strong leadership, project management, change management, and problem-solving skills to deliver measurable business results and support the achievement of plant and company objectives.

This position supports Operational Excellence initiatives across multiple manufacturing facilities and collaborates closely with plant leadership and corporate Operational Excellence resources to drive sustainable operational improvements and long-term business success.

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, Supply Chain, Business, or a related field required; Master's degree preferred.

• Minimum of 5 years of manufacturing experience with a proven track record of improving operational performance, productivity, and business results.

• At least 3 years of experience leading Continuous Improvement, Operational Excellence, Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Kaizen, or World Class Manufacturing (WCM) initiatives.

• Six Sigma Green Belt certification required; Black Belt, Lean Manufacturing, WCM, or PMP certifications are preferred.

• Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Kaizen, Root Cause Analysis (RCA), loss elimination, and continuous improvement methodologies.

• Demonstrated ability to identify operational losses, analyze performance data, develop KPIs, and implement sustainable solutions that deliver measurable results.

• Experience leading cross-functional projects and driving change across Operations, Maintenance, Quality, Engineering, Supply Chain, HR, and EHS functions.

• Proven ability to influence, coach, and develop teams without direct supervisory authority while fostering accountability and engagement.

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

• Excellent communication, facilitation, and presentation skills with the ability to engage employees and leaders at all levels of the organization.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and Teams; experience with ERP systems and Power BI is a plus

• Passion for continuous improvement, operational excellence, employee development, and delivering sustainable business results.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting multiple manufacturing facilities.

• Experience implementing and sustaining World Class Manufacturing (WCM) pillar activities and operational excellence programs.

• Demonstrated success leading organizational change and continuous improvement culture transformation initiatives.

At Saint-Gobain/CertainTeed, our employees have pride in belonging to an organization whose culture is made up of these core values: Trust, Empowerment, & Collaboration. Our company encourages diversity and inclusion in all its forms while our products make the world a more beautiful, safer, and sustainable home.

Being a worldwide leader in light and sustainable construction, Saint-Gobain/CertainTeed designs, manufactures, and distributes materials and services for the construction and industrial markets. Its integrated solutions for the renovation of public and private buildings, light construction, and the decarbonization of construction and industry are developed through a continuous innovation process and provide sustainability and performance. The Group’s commitment is guided by its purpose, “Making the World a Better Home."

Saint-Gobain provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. Saint-Gobain is an equal opportunity employer of individuals with disabilities and supports the hiring of veterans.

Applicants for roles based in Washington state or remote roles that would be worked from Washington state are encouraged to direct any concerns regarding the state’s Pay Transparency laws to the SGNA HR Compliance team at SGNA_HR_Compliance@saint-gobain.com.

Certain locations require pay information to be provided in job postings. Saint-Gobain aims to deliver a comprehensive Total Rewards package to support our employees’ well-being and help improve daily life for themselves and their families. We believe in the importance of pay transparency in what we offer potential candidates. Provided is the national pay range for this position, which is $92,000 to $142,000 per year. However, the base pay offered may vary depending on geographic region, internal equity, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience, among other factors.

In addition to base salary, this position is eligible for an annual bonus. The targeted bonus amount is 12% of base salary based on company and individual performance measures. The Total Target Cash range (base pay and annual bonus) for this position is $103,040 to $159,040. Bonus payments are part of variable compensation and, by nature, can vary based on company and individual performance and are not a guarantee.

Employees have the flexibility to choose the benefits that best fit their individual needs:

• Health and Wellbeing – Supporting your wellbeing, to thrive in life and work.
• Medical, Prescription Drug, Vision, and Dental Insurance
• Healthcare Saving Account and Flexible Spending Account options
• LiveWell Wellness Program
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Paid Time Off and Paid Parental Leave
• Retirement and Protection - Helping to make the future life you want a reality.
• 401(k) with Company Match, Retirement Accumulation Plan (RAP), Cash Balance Pension Plan
• Company-provided Life Insurance, AD&D, Short-Term Disability
• Voluntary employee and dependent life insurance, Long-Term Disability, Critical Illness, and Accident Insurance

Additional Benefits – Helping shape the experience and impact you want

• Group Legal
• Identity Theft Protection
• Auto and Home Insurance
• Pet Insurance and Discounts
• Back-up Child & Elder Care
• PerkSpot Employee Discount Program