Operational Excellence Manager

The factory Operational Excellence (OpEx) Manager is responsible for developing, implementing, and
sustaining Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) strategies to improve equipment reliability, reduce
downtime, reduce food loss, and enhance the overall operational efficiency (OEE) in our food
manufacturing facility. This position will lead the factory continuous improvement culture in achieving our
TPM program objectives and total delivered cost (TDC) reductions at the factory. This role will be
required to perform additional duties and responsibilities as assigned, which may evolve based on
organizational needs.

Position Essential Duties and Responsibilies

TPM Program Leadership

• Drive process improvement and team development through the implementation of AFNA
TPM reference standards for all launched pillars (AM, PM, FI, E&T, Leadership, etc.) with
the factory leaders and department teams
• Coordinate and conduct training sessions based on AFNA TPM reference standards to all
levels of the factory
• Lead and drive TPM related activities and discussions with hourly and management
leaders to facilitate and promote change to meet business targets
• Perform internal assessments and coaching of the health and well-being of the TPM
standards that are used
• Communicate and escalate to our central OpEx organization for additional detailedtraining and assistance of our AFNA TPM reference standards

FI Pillar Leadership

• Lead the loss identification and prioritization of losses (e.g. OEE, downtime, raw material
loss, labor loss, etc.) through effective visual and verbal sharing and guidance with the
factory leaders and team members
• Ensure effective root cause analysis and sustainable actions are taking place by guiding
and developing applicable factory personnel.
• Own the understanding, ownership and usage of the key OEE performance indicator
within the factory to drive continuous improvement activities

Total Delivered Costs (TDC) Leadership

• Lead the factory’s cross functional TDC program to identify and generate projects and
activities to drive annual cost reduction targets
• Ensure the execution of the cost reduction projects and activities are taking place to meet
timeline expectations
• Provide the appropriate reporting of TDC activities and escalations to our AFNA leaders

People Leadership:

• Lead direct reports with clarity and accountability, setting clear expectations, driving
alignment to business priorities, and modeling inclusive, values-based leadership.
• Own performance outcomes, using data and ongoing feedback to drive results, address
issues early, and make fair, timely talent decisions.
• Build organizational capability, developing talent through coaching, succession planning,
and intentional investment in future-ready skills.

• #INDLAM

Position Qualifications

Education, Certifications and Experience

An equivalent combination of experience and education will also be considered.

Education

Education Level | Description

4 Year / Bachelors Degree
Bachelor of Science degree in a STEM field or active enrollment in a STEM degree program preferred. Preference will be given to those with a degree in engineering or to those actively enrolled in an engineering program.

Other
Experience in lieu of degree will be considered.

Experience

Minimum Years of Experience

4 to 6 years
Minimum of 4 years of manufacturing experience in a leadership role, preferably in the food industry.

2 to 4 years
Minimum of 2 years of AFNA manufacturing experience in a leadership role preferred.

Certifications

• Certifications in advanced CI tools preferred

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

List any program-based or field knowledge. Include skills/abilities needed to perform the job

Knowledge & Skills

• Strong knowledge of TPM methodology, Lean principles or a continuous improvement program is a must, certifications in advanced CI tools preferred
  
  Demonstrated Proficiencies
  
  
• Demonstrated leadership and management skills; ability to motivate, develop, and inspire others
• Excellent leadership, communication, problem solving skills, and change management
• Experience successfully identifying, adopting and leading change initiatives and gaining alignment
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with stakeholders, peer groups and all factory personnel levels
• Proven track record of driving results in a factory environment

AAP/EEO Statement

Ajinomoto Foods North America, Inc. (AFNA) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. AFNA does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis protected by stated, federal, or local law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.

The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions for this job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned.

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