Mgr Operational Excellence in Toluca, Illinois at Ajinomoto Foods North America, Inc.

The factory Operational Excellence (OpEx) Manager is responsible for developing, implementing, andsustaining Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) strategies to improve equipment reliability, reducedowntime, reduce food loss, and enhance the overall operational efficiency (OEE) in our food manufacturing facility. This position will lead the factory continuous improvement culture in achieving ourTPM program objectives and total delivered cost (TDC) reductions at the factory. This role will berequired to perform additional duties and responsibilities as assigned, which may evolve based onorganizational needs.

• Drive process improvement and team development through the implementation of AFNATPM reference standards for all launched pillars (AM, PM, FI, E&T, Leadership, etc.) withthe factory leaders and department teams
• Coordinate and conduct training sessions based on AFNA TPM reference standards to all levels of the factory
• Lead and drive TPM related activities and discussions with hourly and management leaders to facilitate and promote change to meet business targets

• Perform internal assessments and coaching of the health and well-being of the TPM standards that are used
• Communicate and escalate to our central OpEx organization for additional detailed training and assistance of our AFNA TPM reference standards
• FI Pillar Leadership
• Lead the loss identification and prioritization of losses (e.g. OEE, downtime, raw materialloss, labor loss, etc.) through effective visual and verbal sharing and guidance with the factory leaders and team members
• Ensure effective root cause analysis and sustainable actions are taking place by guiding and developing applicable factory personnel.
• Own the understanding, ownership and usage of the key OEE performance indicator within the factory to drive continuous improvement activities
• Total Delivered Costs (TDC) Leadership
• Lead the factory’s cross functional TDC program to identify and generate projects and activities to drive annual cost reduction targets
• Ensure the execution of the cost reduction projects and activities are taking place to meet timeline expectations
• Provide the appropriate reporting of TDC activities and escalations to our AFNA leaders
• People Leadership:
• Lead direct reports with clarity and accountability, setting clear expectations, driving alignment to business priorities, and modeling inclusive, values-based leadership.
• Own performance outcomes, using data and ongoing feedback to drive results, address issues early, and make fair, timely talent decisions.
• Build organizational capability, developing talent through coaching, succession planning, and intentional investment in future-ready skills.

4 Year / Bachelors Degree Bachelor of Science degree in a STEM field or active enrollment in aSTEM degree program preferred. Preference will be given to those witha degree in engineering or to those actively enrolled in an engineeringprogram.
Other Experience in lieu of degree will be considered.

4 to 6 years Minimum of 4 years of manufacturing experience in a leadership role,preferably in the food industry.
2 to 4 years Minimum of 2 years of AFNA manufacturing experience in a leadershiprole preferred.

Certifications
• Certifications in advanced CI tools preferred

• Strong knowledge of TPM methodology, Lean principles or a continuous improvementprogram is a must, certifications in advanced CI tools preferred
• Demonstrated leadership and management skills; ability to motivate, develop, and inspireothers
• Excellent leadership, communication, problem solving skills, and change management
• Experience successfully identifying, adopting and leading change initiatives and gainingalignment
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with stakeholders, peer groups and all factorypersonnel levels
• Proven track record of driving results in a factory environment