Global Director Continuous Improvement

The Global Director of Continuous Improvement will lead and drive operational excellence across Standex Electronics' global operations. This high-impact role focuses on standardization, efficiency, and performance enhancement, ensuring alignment with the company's strategic objectives. The individual will champion Lean, Six Sigma, and Kaizen methodologies to improve quality, productivity, and cost-effectiveness. Additionally, this role will foster a culture of continuous learning, equipping teams with the skills and tools necessary for sustained improvement while aligning employee development with business goals.

What You'll Do

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and implement a continuous improvement strategy aligned with organizational goals.
• Identify key performance indicators (KPIs) and set improvement targets for manufacturing operations.
• Collaborate with executive leadership to ensure alignment of improvement initiatives with overall business objectives.

Multi-site Leadership

• Drive lean transformation across multiple manufacturing or operational facilities, ensuring consistent adoption of best practices.
• Establish a global playbook for operational excellence, ensuring scalability and consistency.

Process Improvement

• Lead the implementation of Lean Transformation, Six Sigma, and other improvement methodologies.
• Analyze current processes to identify bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and areas for enhancement.
• Oversee root cause analysis and corrective action implementation for operational challenges.

Team Development

• Build a culture of continuous improvement by mentoring and training employees at all organizational levels.
• Facilitate cross-functional workshops and training sessions to promote process improvement tools and techniques.
• Empower teams to identify improvement opportunities and implement solutions.

Project Management

• Lead multiple improvement projects from initiation to completion, ensuring timely delivery and measurable results.
• Prioritize and manage resources to achieve maximum impact across initiatives.
• Monitor project outcomes and ensure sustainability of improvements.

Data Analysis and Reporting

• Utilize data-driven decision-making to assess the effectiveness of improvement efforts.
• Report progress and outcomes of initiatives to stakeholders through presentations and documentation.
• Maintain transparency and accountability for continuous improvement metrics.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Act as a liaison between manufacturing teams and senior leadership to communicate progress and align priorities.
• Build relationships with suppliers, partners, and customers to foster collaboration and improve value streams.

What You'll Bring

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, Business, Operations Management, or a related field (master's degree preferred).
• 10+ years of experience in manufacturing operations, with at least 5 years in a leadership role focused on continuous improvement.
• Proven track record of implementing Lean, Six Sigma, Business Process Improvements and Business Excellence.
• Strong change management and leadership skills to drive cultural transformation.
• Experience working in global, matrixed organizations and leading diverse teams.
• Ability and willingness to travel up to 75% to global sites.

What We Value

• Lean Six Sigma Black Belt or Master Black Belt certification preferred.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Exceptional leadership and team-building skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in data analysis tools (e.g., Minitab, Tableau) and ERP systems.
• Knowledge of quality standards such as ISO 9001 and compliance regulations.
• Strategic thinking and visionary leadership.
• The ability to influence and drive cultural change.
• Results-oriented with a focus on measurable impact.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Ability to work with teams across the globe and drive change