We are hiring now for a Director of Operational Excellence! SMTC Corporation was founded in 1985. SMTC is a mid-size provider of end-to-end electronics manufacturing services (EMS) including PCBA production, systems integration and comprehensive testing services, enclosure fabrication, as well as product design, sustaining engineering and supply chain management services. SMTC has facilities in the United States, Mexico, China and Canada. Services extend over the entire electronic product life cycle from the development and introduction of new products through to the growth, maturity and end-of-life phases.

Benefits Highlights:

• 401K with company match
• PTO, Paid Holidays
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Medical HRA Plan
• Short term/Long term Disability Insurance, etc.

Summary:

The Director, Operational Excellence is responsible for developing, leading, and continuously improving the company s global Operational Excellence strategy and operating system across manufacturing locations. This role drives sustainable improvements in safety, quality, delivery, cost, productivity, and operational performance through the application of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, structured problem-solving, and continuous improvement principles. Working closely with Operations, Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, Planning, Program Management, Finance, and site leadership, the Director, Operational Excellence establishes standardized methodologies, tools, performance expectations, and governance across the organization while building a culture of continuous improvement and operational discipline. The role partners with site and functional leaders to identify performance gaps, prioritize improvement opportunities, eliminate waste and variation, improve manufacturing flow, and develop organizational capability to sustain results.

Essential Functions:

Develop and execute the global Operational Excellence strategy, operating system, and roadmap in alignment with business, customer, and manufacturing objectives. Establish and govern enterprise standards for Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, continuous improvement, structured problem-solving, and operational performance management. Lead deployment of Lean principles and tools, including value stream mapping, 5S, visual management, standard work, Kaizen, cellular flow, pull systems, mistake-proofing, setup reduction, and other methodologies appropriate to manufacturing operations. Apply Six Sigma and data-driven methodologies, including DMAIC, process capability analysis, statistical analysis, root cause analysis, and variation reduction, to improve manufacturing performance and process stability. Partner with site and operations leadership to identify, prioritize, and execute improvement initiatives based on business impact, customer requirements, operational performance, and financial opportunity. Lead initiatives to improve manufacturing productivity, throughput, cycle time, yield, labor efficiency, equipment utilization, capacity, quality, and on-time delivery while reducing waste and operating cost. Establish a consistent framework for identifying, chartering, executing, validating, and sustaining Operational Excellence projects across the organization. Develop and maintain Operational Excellence KPIs, dashboards, project pipelines, benefit tracking, and executive-level reporting to measure progress and ensure accountability for results. Partner with Finance to establish methodologies for validating and tracking financial benefits, including cost savings, cost avoidance, productivity improvements, capacity gains, and working capital opportunities. Facilitate value stream assessments, Kaizen events, process reviews, root cause analyses, and other structured improvement activities involving cross-functional and site teams. Develop and deploy standard work, visual management, tiered accountability, daily management, and other operating disciplines that strengthen execution and sustain performance improvements. Build Lean Six Sigma and continuous improvement capability throughout the organization through training, coaching, mentoring, certification support, and hands-on development of leaders and employees. Partner with Engineering and Operations to incorporate Lean principles, Design for Manufacturability, process optimization, and operational excellence practices into new product introduction, manufacturing transfers, equipment investments, and process changes. Benchmark performance and best practices across company locations and external organizations to identify opportunities for standardization, replication, and continuous improvement. Lead change management associated with Operational Excellence initiatives, building leadership commitment, employee engagement, accountability, and adoption of new ways of working.

Leadership Responsibilities:

Lead by example through integrity, ethical decision-making, professionalism, and compliance with company policies, procedures, and applicable regulations. Communicate organizational priorities, departmental goals, and performance expectations while promoting employee engagement and collaboration. Foster a culture of safety, quality, accountability, respect, and continuous improvement consistent with SMTC values and business objectives. Support employee development through coaching, training, feedback, performance management, and recognition initiatives. Develop and execute functional strategies that support site, regional, and corporate business objectives. Lead organizational change initiatives and ensure alignment across multiple departments and stakeholder groups. Establish performance standards, governance practices, and operational frameworks that drive sustainable results. Influence business decisions through data-driven analysis, strategic planning, and risk assessment.

Competencies:

Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement:

Demonstrates advanced knowledge of Lean principles, methodologies, and tools and effectively applies them to eliminate waste, improve flow, increase productivity, and strengthen manufacturing performance.

Six Sigma and Process Optimization:

Applies Six Sigma methodologies, statistical analysis, process capability concepts, and variation-reduction techniques to identify root causes and achieve measurable, sustainable process improvements.

Manufacturing and Operational Acumen:

Possesses strong understanding of manufacturing operations, production systems, material flow, labor utilization, capacity, equipment effectiveness, quality, and other factors that influence operational performance.

Operational Excellence Strategy:

Develops and executes enterprise Operational Excellence strategies, operating systems, standards, and improvement roadmaps that align with organizational and manufacturing priorities.

Structured Problem-Solving:

Uses disciplined problem-solving methodologies to define problems, analyze root causes, evaluate solutions, implement corrective actions, and establish controls that sustain improvement.

Data Analysis and Decision-Making:

Uses operational data, statistical analysis, KPIs, financial information, and performance trends to identify opportunities, prioritize resources, measure results, and support effective business decisions.

Financial and Business Acumen:

Understands the financial impact of operational performance and effectively translates productivity, efficiency, quality, capacity, and process improvements into measurable business value.

Process Governance and Standardization:

Establishes scalable standards, methodologies, and governance while identifying and deploying best practices across manufacturing locations.

Change Leadership and Organizational Capability:

Builds organizational commitment to continuous improvement by developing leaders and employees, influencing behaviors, overcoming resistance, and embedding Operational Excellence into daily operations.

Cross-Functional Leadership and Influence:

Effectively partners with Operations, Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, Planning, Finance, Program Management, and site leadership to align priorities and deliver enterprise-wide improvements.

Qualifications:

Education:

Bachelor s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations, Industrial Engineering, Business, or a related field required; advanced degree preferred.

Certifications:

Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification required; Master Black Belt certification strongly preferred.

Experience:

Minimum 7 years of progressive experience in manufacturing, operations, engineering, Operational Excellence, Lean, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement, including significant leadership responsibility. Demonstrated experience leading Operational Excellence or continuous improvement programs across multiple manufacturing sites, regions, or business units. Demonstrated expertise applying Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Kaizen, value stream mapping, standard work, visual management, root cause analysis, and structured problem-solving methodologies. Experience within electronics manufacturing, contract manufacturing, aerospace and defense, medical, semiconductor, industrial, or another complex manufacturing environment strongly preferred. Demonstrated experience leading productivity, cost reduction, cycle-time reduction, yield improvement, capacity optimization, and manufacturing efficiency initiatives. Experience establishing Operational Excellence governance, project pipelines, performance metrics, benefit tracking, and management operating systems. Demonstrated ability to quantify and validate operational and financial benefits in partnership with Finance and business leadership. Proven ability to lead change and influence senior leaders, site leadership, and cross-functional teams in a global, matrixed manufacturing environment.

Physical Requirements:

Ability to sit for extended periods while performing computer-based work. Ability to use a computer, keyboard, mouse, telephone, and other office equipment for prolonged periods. Ability to communicate effectively in person, by telephone, and through electronic communication methods. Ability to occasionally stand, walk, bend, reach, and lift office materials up to 20 pounds. Ability to visually review documents, reports, spreadsheets, and computer displays with or without corrective lenses. Ability to move throughout office and production areas as business needs require. Ability to travel as required by business needs. Ability to visually review documents, reports, presentations, production information, and computer displays with or without corrective lenses.

Mental Requirements:

The employee is required to exercise strategic thinking, sound judgment, and independent decision-making in support of departmental and organizational objectives. The role requires the ability to analyze complex information, evaluate risks, resolve conflicts, manage multiple priorities, and make timely decisions in a dynamic environment. Employees must effectively communicate, influence, coach, and collaborate with individuals at all levels of the organization while maintaining professionalism and confidentiality. The position requires strong problem-solving skills, adaptability, and the ability to balance short-term operational needs with long-term business objectives.

Work Environment:

Work is performed in a combination of professional office, electronics manufacturing, remote, and travel-based environments. Responsibilities may require regular interaction with production areas, exposing employees to moderate noise levels, fluctuating temperatures, production equipment, soldering operations, automated machinery, and general manufacturing activity. Duties may involve extended periods of sitting, standing, walking, bending, computer-based work, and occasional lifting or movement of materials consistent with job responsibilities. Employees entering production or controlled areas are required to follow all environmental, safety, ESD, quality, and equipment-handling procedures, including the use of SMTC-provided ESD-safe items where applicable. The role also requires travel between company locations, customer sites, or other business-related destinations as needed, as well as the ability to maintain a safe and secure remote workspace with reliable internet access when working remotely. Employees must remain attentive and compliant with all operational, safety, quality, confidentiality, and company policy requirements across all work environments.

Travel:

up to 50% of the time based on business needs. Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. SMTC is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, pregnancy, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information or other protected status. If you require assistance completing this application due to a disability, please contact Human Resources to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.