Operational Excellence Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL

• Manufacturing Improvements – (enterprise & local transformations, cost reductions, OEE improvements, targeted assessments such as capacity analysis or operational diligence)
• Supply Chain Optimization – (planning and production scheduling, sales, inventory & operations management (SIOP), network redesign, service level (OTIF) improvements)
• Capital Expansion – capacity or technology improvements (vertical start-Up, operational readiness, consolidation, relocation)

In these areas it is important that you can demonstrate the ability to identify and test hypotheses, contribute ideas and insights, as well as deliver immediate and tangible improvements in business performance. Our consultants have a reputation for partnering with our clients and their teams to deliver real changes, as well as lasting benefits while exceeding expectations.

JOB DESCRIPTION

In this role your focus will be:

• Development, management, and leadership of improvement strategies and initiatives
• Performance of assessments utilizing analytical skills to identify root causes of problems and associated financial opportunities that lead to implementation roadmaps
• Collection and analysis of data as well as the gathering and documentation of client requirements (product workflows, OEE waterfalls), collaborating with the client team to define solutions
• Management of projects within established scope, schedule, and budget while meeting and exceeding IPM project management standards
• Establishment and leadership of high-performance project teams, serving as the project advocate within the client organization. Lead, coordinate, facilitate, and motivate all associated project resources to gain alignment on project goals and deliverables
• Creation and presentation of both executive-level and detailed updates throughout an engagement and within a final project readout deck
• Development and documentation of high-level strategies for achieving specific objectives or activities (hierarchical strategy, process flow, Final Project Summary, etc.).
• Applying consultative skills to identify and prioritize opportunities based on best practices to address client-specific needs, leveraging IPM’s professional assessment
• Daily project leadership with production, quality, maintenance, safety, supply chain, sanitation, and other key stakeholders.
• Professional communication with a broad spectrum of audiences from line operators to senior level executives.

DESIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• A Bachelor's degree in a science or engineering discipline, with a preference for industrial engineering, operations management, supply chain management or analytics
• 3-6 years of professional experience, with at least 3 years working on the production floor as well as at least 2 of those years with a proven track record of delivering successful projects in manufacturing
• Be well versed in operational excellence methodologies, be passionate about clients, and dedicated to delivering high-quality solutions (Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and APICS certifications are a plus)
• Have demonstrated flexibility and the willingness to tailor your approach specifically based on IPM’s methodologies and clients’ needs
• Be comfortable functioning as either an individual consultant or in a team-based role on a broader engagement, with a focus on delivery and implementation.
• Have the ability to lead multiple activities and resources while maintaining a focus on quality (Project Management certification is a plus)
• Exceptional interpersonal and leadership skills to effectively communicate and build relationships with a broad spectrum of audiences at all organizational levels. Translating technical concepts into broadly understood terms is an essential skill.

• Diverse projects: we take on a wide variety of project work, ensuring significant exposure to many clients and a broad range of opportunities to grow your professional experience
• Collaborative work environment: we have a well-structured system to bring support from managers, internal teams, and our Centers of Excellence (CoE), which serve as a resource for specific service and industry knowledge, tools, and best practices
• Family with engaging culture: we believe in protecting our greatest asset, our people, with a culture that nurtures a caring environment with a transparent communication approach, culture-building and team-building events, both regional and companywide
• Professional development: we care about your training and development. You’ll get a thorough onboarding to ensure you’re prepared, and we’ll create the bandwidth you need to further your career at IPM. You are IPM’s future; we only promote from within
• Comprehensive compensation and benefits program: including 100% employer-paid health, 401(k) matching, business development incentives, relocation assistance, and performance bonus amongst many other elements. Salary range - $95,000 - $105,000.
• Passion for the greater good: we are steadfast in our devotion to the communities we serve and in actively promoting employee involvement in community improvement projects. We’ve created Project Mercy to channel and maximize our philanthropic efforts every quarter.