Operations Excellence Specialist - Senior

Job Summary:

Provides Operations Excellence support for small plants/sites new to Operations Excellence or reporting to COS Program Manager - Senior. Guides and coaches to support progression towards a World Class Manufacturing organization under the guiding principles of the Cummins Operating System (COS) and the Operations Excellence Key Processes described in the Operations Excellence Guidelines. Leads improvement for the overall effectiveness of one or more functions. Consults and supports processes, capabilities, systems and data for the function aligned to end-to-end value stream performance goals. Partners to drive improvement activities within the function to deliver performance objectives of impacted value streams and improve outcomes for customers.

Key Responsibilities:

Leads by applying the knowledge of Operations Excellence principles and practices as they are applied to Cummins. Impacts the work by utilizing continuous improvement tools, following the Cummins Operations Excellence standards, and leading the development of manufacturing standards and working methods. Leads the communications with and influences key stakeholders, business leaders, and functional members. Maintains relationships and coaches key stakeholders. Coordinates the creation of plant maturity goals in collaboration with business leaders, other functional leaders and end-to-end process owners. Executes the Corporate Operations Excellence Strategy and roadmap to achieve plant maturity goals. Coaches business leaders, other functional leaders to proactively identify real issues and opportunities, develop prioritized improvement initiatives and coach them through to successful implementation. Contributes by utilizing business knowledge and experience to identify growth opportunities for the functions internal to plant to improve outcomes for the customer. Works alongside end to end process owners and operations excellence peers to prioritize continuous improvement efforts for the plant. Leads projects in a cross-functional environment. Leads and/or coaches complex manufacturing issues and provides solutions across the Cummins network. Contributes to improvements that are measurable and significant. Leads and participates in knowledge sharing to develop plant subject-matter expertise in one or more functions. Championing and leading continuous and step-change improvement. ResponsibilitiesCompetencies:
Action oriented - Taking on new opportunities and tough challenges with a sense of urgency, high energy, and enthusiasm.

Collaborates - Building partnerships and working collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives.

Customer focus - Building strong customer relationships and delivering customer-centric solutions.

Drives engagement - Creating a climate where people are motivated to do their best to help the organization achieve its objectives.

Manages ambiguity - Operating effectively, even when things are not certain or the way forward is not clear.

Manages complexity - Making sense of complex, high quantity, and sometimes contradictory information to effectively solve problems.

Manages conflict - Handling conflict situations effectively, with a minimum of noise.

Optimizes work processes - Knowing the most effective and efficient processes to get things done, with a focus on continuous improvement.

Situational adaptability - Adapting approach and demeanor in real time to match the shifting demands of different situations.

Continuous Process Improvement - Recognizes areas in which a process can be improved by properly implementing process improvement and waste reduction methodologies to reduce process cost and improve quality in current manufacturing processes.

Values differences - Recognizing the value that different perspectives and cultures bring to an organization.

Education, Licenses, Certifications:
College, university or equivalent degree, or equivalent practical experience required.
This position may require licensing for compliance with export controls or sanctions regulations.

Experience:
Intermediate level of relevant work experience, including manufacturing or manufacturing plant experience, team leadership experience, preferred. Qualifications

Operations Excellence Leader

Drive enterprise-wide operational excellence by building capabilities, standardising best practices, leveraging digital technologies, and delivering sustainable improvements in safety, quality, delivery, cost, and people development.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership: Define and execute the Operational Excellence roadmap aligned with business strategy.
• Continuous Improvement: Lead Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, TPM, Value Stream Mapping, and problem-solving initiatives while establishing standards and governance.
• Capability Building: Develop, coach, and mentor Operational Excellence practitioners; drive best-practice sharing across the organisation.
• Digital & Analytics: Accelerate Industry 4.0 adoption using data analytics, KPIs, Power BI, AI, and automation to improve performance.
• Change Leadership: Lead transformation initiatives and drive sustainable adoption through strong stakeholder engagement.
• Business Impact: Develop business cases, track ROI, and ensure measurable operational and financial benefits.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Quality, Engineering, EHS, HR, and Finance to achieve enterprise goals.
• Governance & Performance: Establish management systems, monitor KPIs, and oversee strategic improvement portfolios.

Qualifications

• 12–20+ years of manufacturing, supply chain, or operations leadership experience.
• Lean Six Sigma Black Belt or Master Black Belt certification preferred.
• Proven success leading enterprise-wide transformation and continuous improvement programs.
• Strong analytical, stakeholder management, and influencing skills.
• Experience in global manufacturing environments.
• Demonstrated ability to translate strategy into measurable business results.

About UsCummins is an equal opportunity employer. Our policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified persons without regard to race, sex, color, disability, national origin, age, religion, union affiliation, sexual orientation, veteran status, citizenship, gender identity, or other status protected by law.