Manager of Operational Excellence / CI

Charter Wire is hiring a Manager of Operational Excellence!

Charter Wire is a leading Tier 1 supplier and manufacturer of Engineered Shaped Wire, Cold Finished Bar, and Cold-Headed and Stamped Components to various industries, including Automotive, Agriculture, Construction, Consumer, Industrial and Oil & Gas. Charter Wire is a member of the Charter Manufacturing family of companies. 

Job summary:

Lead Lean Transformation initiatives across Charter Wire’s two Milwaukee-based facilities, fostering a culture of operational excellence and efficiency. Utilize Six Sigma, Lean, and project management methodologies to drive impactful improvements in safety, quality, productivity, and cost. Manage multiple high-visibility projects while building strong partnerships with cross-functional teams in a dynamic metals manufacturing environment.

Position specifics:

• Location:  Milwaukee WI

• Travel Requirements:  Up to 5% domestic travel

Key responsibilities:

• Strategic Leadership & Alignment: Lead Operational Excellence initiatives aligned with business and strategic goals.  Collaborate with senior leadership and cross-functional teams to prioritize and resource improvement efforts.  Support corporate-wide OpEx strategies in partnership with peers across divisions.

• Lean Transformation & Continuous Improvement: Develop and implement a division-wide Lean transformation strategy and roadmap, integrating automation and digital technologies. Drive the adoption of Lean and Six Sigma methodologies to eliminate waste and improve efficiency across manufacturing, supply chain, quality, safety, and administrative functions. Champion a culture of continuous improvement through collaboration with department heads and frontline employees.

• Coaching, Training & Change Management: Mentor teams in Lean principles and tools to build internal capability and drive sustainable change. Serve as a technical expert and instructor, delivering training across all levels of the organization. Act as a change agent, fostering a collaborative, results-oriented culture.

• Performance Measurement & Process Optimization:  Establish and track KPIs to measure the impact of improvement initiatives; report progress to senior management. Conduct process and system analyses to identify gaps and implement standardized, sustainable solutions. Apply Hoshin Kanri and Strategy Deployment to accelerate and align improvement efforts.

• Compliance & Professional Standards: Ensure adherence to Environmental, Quality, and Safety Management System requirements. Meet essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

What you’ll need:

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Business, or related field.

• 10+ years of progressive manufacturing experience, including 5+ years in leadership roles driving division-wide Lean transformations.

• Proven success leading Lean initiatives in large, multi-site manufacturing environments.

Technical Expertise

• Deep knowledge of Lean Manufacturing (e.g., Toyota Production System) and Six Sigma;

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret data and drive data-informed decisions.

• Proficient in project management, prioritizing initiatives, managing resources, and delivering results on time and within budget.

• Skilled in statistical analysis, mathematics, and data-driven methodologies.

Leadership & Communication

• Effective communicator with the ability to convey complex ideas to diverse audiences.

• Strong interpersonal and leadership skills; able to influence and motivate cross-functional teams at all levels.

• Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. Charter Manufacturing is unable to sponsor for employment visas at this time.

Nice to haves:

• Black Belt certification or other Lean certifications

• Experience In Toyota Production System, process mapping, or value stream mapping

• Advanced degree

Take the next step in your lean transformation career!  Apply today!

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We offer comprehensive health, dental, and vision benefits, along with a 401(k) plan that includes employer matching and profit sharing. Additionally, we offer company-paid life insurance, disability coverage, and paid time off (PTO).