Position: Director, Operational Excellence

Primary Location:  This role is offered as a remote position to be home-based, with travel requirements, across either the US or Canada.

Reports To: VP, Engineering and Operational Excellence

Compensation: $210,000 -$220,000 

Salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location.   The range reflects the minimum and maximum target for new hire salaries for the position.   Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.   More specific salary range for your preferred location can be discussed during the hiring process.  Please note that the compensation details listed reflect the base salary only, and do not include bonus, benefits, pension contributions or additional incentives.  

Chemtrade is committed to delivering innovative solutions that address the complex challenges faced by our customers. As a responsible corporate citizen, we prioritize safety, sustainability, and environmental stewardship in all aspects of our operations. Our talented and diverse workforce is at the heart of our success, as we recognize that their knowledge, skills, and dedication drive our ability to deliver exceptional products and services. At Chemtrade, we believe in creating an environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives and talents. By putting people at the center of our operations, we build strong connections, nurture innovation, and create a fulfilling work experience for all. 

About This Role and About You

The Director, Operational Excellence is responsible for leading the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of standardized work processes, Lean Six Sigma methodologies, performance measurement systems, and digital tools across the organization. This role serves as the Business Process Owner for key cross-functional workstreams and is accountable for identifying and deploying best practices and enabling technologies that support operational excellence. In partnership with site and functional leaders, the Director will foster a culture of continuous improvement to enhance safety, reliability, productivity, cost performance, and quality.

Qualifications

• Post secondary education
• Minimum 10 years demonstrated experience in Operational Excellence, Quality Systems, Change Management, Continuous Improvement, with at least 5 years of direct operations experience
• 5-10 years leadership experience
• Demonstrated success in leading and influencing cross functional teams to effectively drive change and accountability
• Demonstrated success in leading teams as well as influencing cross functional teams to effectively drive change and accountability
• Strong organization skills and attention to detail
• Strong written and verbal communication skills across all levels of the organization
• Proficiency utilizing computer programs such as Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Microsoft Project, SAP, Microsoft Teams, Power BI
• Travel required: Up to 50%

Responsibilities

Overall Governance and Strategy

• Lead the development and implementation of the Operational Excellence strategy across standardized work processes, including Operations, Quality, Continuous Improvement, Employee Experience, Production and Inventory Management, Reliability, and Capital Execution.
• Identify and leverage technology and tools that improve efficiency, consistency, and effectiveness across standardized work processes.
• Manage the productivity program, including target identification, performance tracking, organizational alignment, and best-practice sharing to support delivery of results.
• Promote and embed an Operational Excellence mindset across the organization.

Business Process Owner

• Provide leadership and governance for standardized work processes across Operations, Quality, Continuous Improvement, Employee Experience, Production and Inventory Management, Reliability, and Capital Execution.
• Identify and advance technology opportunities that improve efficiency, effectiveness, and cost performance across key work processes.
• Own the Change Management Program and support effective adoption of process and system improvements.
• Develop, enhance, and where applicable, maintain ownership of critical workstreams such as training and SOP document management systems.
• Leverage data and analytics to identify improvement opportunities and support decision-making

Operational Excellence Performance

• Drive accountability and ownership for defined work processes across the organization.
• Establish standardized key performance indicators across operations to measure performance and support continuous improvement.
• Develop visual dashboards and analyze performance gaps to identify, prioritize, and support improvement opportunities.
• Benchmark operational performance internally and, where appropriate, externally to identify leading practices.
• Facilitate the sharing and adoption of best practices across sites and functions.
• Use data analytics to monitor results and support operational decision-making.

Lean Six Sigma

• Manage the Lean Six Sigma Program: deploying continuous improvement tools (including Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping, Standard Work, 6S, etc.), Green Belt certification, LSS trainetc. to support operational improvement initiatives.
• Manage the team to lead cross-functional improvement projects designed to enhance operational performance and business results.
• Coach, mentor, and train leaders and teams on Lean Six Sigma principles and methodologies.
• Support initiatives focused on labor efficiency, yield improvement, and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).

Member of the Engineering and Operational Excellence Leadership Team

• Provide leadership to direct reports and establish clear expectations to support achievement of department goals.
• Provide Operational Excellence leadership, guidance, and accountability to direct reports and key stakeholders, including Master Black Belts, Black Belts, Green Belts, Plant Managers, and Regional Managers/Directors, etc.
• Collaborate with leadership team members to identify and implement improvement opportunities across the organization.
• Perform other duties as assigned

Embracing Diversity, Maximizing Results

At Chemtrade we are committed to cultivating a work environment that embraces and values the unique qualities, skills, and experiences of every employee. We believe in harnessing the richness of diverse talents, ideas, backgrounds, experiences and perspectives to drive our business forward, and see our diversity as one of our greatest strengths.

To foster an inclusive environment, we actively encourage the creation of Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), which are open to all employees. These employee-driven groups provide platforms for employees to share their perspectives, contribute their ideas, and help shape our inclusive and respectful culture and provide vital platforms for employees to connect, share experiences, and celebrate their unique backgrounds and perspectives. Together, we strive to build a workplace that recognizes and celebrates the diverse voices within our organization. We recognize the value of Employee Resource Groups (ERG’s) in fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment. 

Join us in our journey towards building an inclusive workplace that promotes the personal and professional development of our employees.

Additionally, we understand the importance of work-life balance and the well-being of our employees and their families.  That is why we proudly offer a range of family-friendly benefits, and opportunities for career growth and advancement.  

We are committed to supporting our employees at every stage of their lives and ensuring they can thrive both professionally and personally.  Join us and be a part of a company that values diversity, inclusion and the well-being of its employees

Learn more about Chemtrade by following us on LinkedIn or Facebook and check us out on YouTube: Chemtrade

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