Director of Operational Excellence (Manufacturing)

Key Responsibilities Lead the development and execution of the company’s Operational Excellence strategy, aligning Lean and continuous improvement initiatives with business goals. Champion Lean principles across manufacturing and/or service operations. Identify, prioritize, and lead high-impact process improvement projects that deliver measurable gains in productivity, cost reduction, quality, and customer satisfaction. Build and mentor a culture of continuous improvement by coaching teams, developing internal capability, and facilitating cross-functional workshops. Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and operational metrics; use data-driven insights to track progress and drive accountability. Partner with senior leadership and functional teams to standardize best practices, eliminate waste, and improve end-to-end processes. Oversee change management efforts to ensure sustainable adoption of new processes and tools. Report regularly to executive leadership on the status, impact, and ROI of Operational Excellence programs. Required Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Business, or a related field; Master’s degree preferred. 10+ years of progressive experience in operations, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role focused on Operational Excellence, Lean, or continuous improvement. Proven track record of successfully leading large-scale process improvement and Lean transformation initiatives in manufacturing and/or service environments. Strong expertise in Lean methodologies (e.g., Kaizen, VSM, 5S, Standard Work) and related tools; Lean Six Sigma Black Belt or equivalent certification preferred. Demonstrated ability to drive measurable results in productivity, cost reduction, quality, and operational performance. Excellent leadership, coaching, and change management skills, with the ability to influence at all levels of the organization. Strong analytical, problem-solving, and data-driven decision-making capabilities. Outstanding communication and stakeholder management skills. Apexel is a dynamic recruitment agency specializing in talent acquisition across Asia. With our long-standing expertise, we source and place exceptional professionals who drive organizations forward. Our services span permanent recruitment, temporary staffing, and executive search, ensuring comprehensive solutions for diverse business needs. License No.: 80405