Head of Operations

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Role Summary

The Head of Operational Excellence will lead the organization’s continuous improvement initiatives across manufacturing, quality, supply chain, and business processes. This role drives productivity improvement, cost reduction, standardisation, and digital transformation by implementing Lean, Six Sigma, and best-in-class operational systems. The leader is responsible for creating a culture of excellence and sustaining long-term improvements.

Key Responsibilities

1. Continuous Improvement & Lean Implementation

• Develop and implement the Operational Excellence roadmap for all manufacturing units.
• Lead Lean initiatives such as 5S, Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping (VSM), SMED, Standard Work, and Waste Elimination.
• identify and execute productivity improvement projects across departments.
• Ensure adherence to Lean systems and conduct periodic audits.

2. Six Sigma & Problem-Solving

• Drive DMAIC projects and root-cause analysis (RCA) using problem-solving tools (5 Why, Fishbone, PDCA).
• Mentor teams on Yellow/Green/Black Belt projects.
• Track project benefits and report savings to leadership.

3. Cost Reduction & Process Optimization

• Identify cost reduction projects in manpower, materials, rework, scrap, energy, and process cycle time.
• Standardize work processes, SOPs, and best practices across all departments.
• Improve process capabilities, yield, and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).

4. System Improvement & Automation

• Implement digital tools for tracking production, quality, and productivity.
• Support automation initiatives including data dashboards, ERP/MES
• enhancements, and process digitization.
• Monitor KPIs and establish a strong performance measurement system.

5. Cross-Functional Leadership

• Work closely with Production, Quality, Maintenance, Supply Chain, HR, and Finance to drive improvements.
• Facilitate cross-functional workshops and training programs.
• Build internal capability by training employees on Lean & Continuous
• Improvement tools.

6. Culture Building & Governance

• Create a culture of continuous improvement and high performance.
• Establish governance mechanisms for CI reviews, audits, and project
• tracking.
• Conduct regular performance reviews and publish improvement dashboards.

7. Strategic Initiatives

• Support management in long-term strategic planning and operational transformation.
• Benchmark with industry best practices and bring innovation to processes.
• Ensure sustainability of all implemented improvements.

  Key Skills Required

• Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing & Six Sigma methodology.
• Proven experience in leading organization-wide transformation.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and project management skills.
• Strong communication, leadership, and influencing skills.
• Ability to work with cross-functional teams and drive change.
• Experience with digital transformation tools (Power BI, MES, ERP, automation preferred).