Operations Excellence Manager

Location : Yuma, AZ (with periodic travel to other plants)

Reports to : VP of Operations

Job Summary

The Operations Excellence Manager will lead, implement, and sustain a culture of continuous improvement across our manufacturing operations with a focus on our “factory of the future” in Yuma AZ. This role is responsible for driving significant and measurable improvements in key performance indicators related to safety, quality, delivery, and cost through the application of Lean methodologies. The ideal candidate is a skilled change agent and mentor who can effectively engage and influence teams at every level to achieve and sustain operational excellence.

Reporting directly to the VP of Operations, the role will be immersed in a dynamic, multi-plant environment, building an end-to-end understanding of our business. Your initial focus will be at our Yuma, AZ, facility, where you will lead strategic initiatives to drive operational excellence, improve efficiency, and develop people.

Key Responsibilities

• Operational Leadership : Immerse yourself in all facets of plant operations, gaining expertise in production, maintenance, supply chain, quality, and engineering through a structured rotation. Take increasing ownership of daily plant performance, driving results across key metrics (Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, and People).
• Strategic Project Management : Partner with the Plant Manager and VP of Operations to lead and execute strategic projects aligned with corporate goals. Support the deployment of Hoshin Kanri (strategy deployment), translating high-level objectives into actionable, plant-level plans.
• Continuous Improvement (CI) : Champion a culture of Continuous Improvement by leading and supporting Lean and CI initiatives. Facilitate Kaizen events, implement standard work, establish daily management systems, and drive waste reduction activities to optimize processes.
• Performance and Analysis : Conduct root cause analysis to identify systemic issues and implement effective corrective actions. Track and report project progress, quantifying improvements in cost savings, productivity, and throughput to demonstrate tangible business impact.
• Talent Development : Supervise, mentor, and coach supervisors, team leaders, and staff, building their leadership capabilities and fostering a culture of accountability and engagement.
• Financial Acumen : Participate actively in budgeting, financial analysis, and cost control initiatives, gaining the necessary experience for future P&L ownership.
• Compliance and Quality : Ensure all operations meet quality standards, customer requirements, and regulatory guidelines.
• Performance Management : Establish, track, and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the effectiveness of improvement projects and ensure the sustainability of results.
• Change Management : Actively drive and facilitate a culture of continuous improvement and accountability. Work with cross-functional teams to manage the change process effectively and overcome resistance.
• Problem Solving : Utilize advanced problem-solving techniques, such as Root Cause Analysis (RCA), to address complex manufacturing challenges and implement corrective actions.

Qualifications

What We Offer

About Associated Materials, LLC :

Associated Materials, LLC, is a leader in the building products industry with a focus on quality, innovation and customer success through its three businesses : Associated Materials Innovations, Alside® and Gentek® Building Products. With a combined revenue of $1.7 billion, these businesses are market leaders in vinyl windows, cladding, metal siding, trim and other essential building products for residential, light commercial and multifamily projects. Our commitment to operational excellence drives growth for our customers. Learn more atwww.associatedmaterials.com

Associated Materials ... Building Products Better

Associated Materials, LLC. provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, medical condition, genetic information, military and veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, gender, gender expression, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by local law, regulation, or ordinance. We also make reasonable accommodations for disabled employees and applicants, as required by law.