We are looking for an Operational Excellence Leader to drive enterprise-level continuous improvement initiatives and accelerate performance across manufacturing operations. This role will champion Lean thinking and operational discipline, embedding best practices into daily work systems, leadership behaviors, and plant processes. The successful candidate is a hands-on change agent who blends Lean Six Sigma, Industrial Engineering, TPM, and Quality methodologies to improve efficiency, reliability, and overall operational results. A strong passion for developing people and building sustainable systems is essential.

***This is an in person position in San Diego

• Define, implement, and sustain a comprehensive Lean strategy that delivers measurable gains in productivity, quality, safety, and cost performance.

• Systematically identify and eliminate manufacturing inefficiencies, including:

  • Product defects and rework

  • Excess production beyond demand

  • Process delays, handoffs, and waiting time

  • Underutilization of employee skills and knowledge

  • Unnecessary material handling or transportation

  • Excess inventory at any stage of production

  • Inefficient operator or equipment motion

  • Redundant or non-value-added processing

• Lead continuous improvement activities such as kaizen events, waste walks, and structured problem-solving sessions.

• Create, document, and deploy standard work and operating procedures for operators, supervisors, and leadership teams.

• Implement visual management systems (e.g., 5S, performance boards, KPIs) that clearly communicate operational status and gaps.

• Perform time studies, line balancing, and workflow evaluations to increase throughput and improve labor utilization.

• Develop capacity and staffing models aligned with takt time, cycle time, and customer demand.

• Standardize processes to reduce variability and improve repeatability.

• Reduce equipment setup and changeover times using SMED methodologies.

• Assess facility layout and material flow, recommending improvements to minimize movement and handling waste.

• Lead initiatives to improve OEE, reduce downtime, and eliminate chronic production losses.

• Facilitate cross-functional teams in structured problem-solving using tools such as:

  • 5 Whys

  • Fishbone (Ishikawa) analysis

  • A3 methodology

  • Fault Tree Analysis

  • Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA)

• Drive Root Cause and Corrective Action (RCCA) processes to prevent recurrence of issues.

• Conduct value stream mapping, process capability analysis, and targeted improvement projects.

• Promote disciplined problem-solving practices across all organizational levels.

• Participate in and lead Gemba walks, audits, and tiered accountability meetings.

• Train and coach employees on Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma tools, and quality systems.

• Enable frontline teams to recognize waste, propose solutions, and lead improvement efforts.

• Develop visual dashboards and performance metrics to track progress and reinforce accountability.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Productivity Engineering, or a closely related field.

• At least 7 years of experience in Lean Manufacturing or Continuous Improvement within a regulated manufacturing environment (food, dietary supplements, pharmaceuticals, or similar).

• Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification required.

• Proven track record of improving efficiency, reducing waste, and increasing production capacity.

• Strong working knowledge of Lean tools such as standard work, 5S, SMED, kanban, visual management, value stream mapping, and root cause analysis.

• Solid foundation in Industrial Engineering principles including time studies, line balancing, capacity analysis, and process standardization.

• Excellent communication, facilitation, and coaching skills.

• Data-driven mindset with the ability to convert analysis into actionable improvement plans.

Preferred Experience

• Exposure to manufacturing automation, MES platforms, or digital Lean solutions.

• Familiarity with GMP requirements, regulatory compliance, and cleanroom operations.

• Demonstrated project and change management capabilities.

• Experience supporting or leading Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) initiatives.

Compensation: $120,000-145,000 plus full benefits!

If this sounds like the position you have been waiting for, please apply using the online application or the link below - all inquiries are strictly confidential. Our focus is to assist you to make your best next career move, and we will not use your information for any other purpose.

Kalon Staffing is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.

www.KalonStaffing.com