Company Overview

Our client, a global Fortune 500 organization, is the world’s leading provider of cleaning, food safety and health protection products and services for the hospitality, foodservice, healthcare and industrial markets.  The company operates in over 160 countries with over 26,000 associates worldwide and serves its customers with innovative and unique solutions for cleaning, sanitizing, and sustaining.

And it does this with a keen sense of responsibility to address many of the critical macro trends shaping the complexity of today’s world:   safety challenges resulting from growing demand for food; an aging population’s need for quality health care; insatiable energy demands; and increasing scarcity of fresh, clean water.

• Water – with a broad suite of technologies and expertise, our client helps customers manage water through conservation, recycling and reuse.
• Energy – by identifying and treating process-related problems and providing customers with products that minimize energy use, our client helps customers reduce their environmental footprints.
• Healthcare – our client’s infection prevention expertise is grounded in research and real-world applications, and their comprehensive approach to infection prevention encompasses a broad range of cleaning and sanitizing solutions, as well as protocols, training and tools that promote disciplined, effective prevention strategies.
• Food safety – with its in-depth knowledge and integrated systems approach, our client helps customers prevent food safety issues and head off emerging threats – from agricultural production, to processing, to foodservice.

Delivering on these commitments to customers across the globe requires some exceptional engineering talent and leadership.  Are you the right Vice President, Engineering to help make that happen? 

Position Profile

Reporting to the Vice President, Americas Supply Chain Organization, our VP Engineering will serve as the Chief Engineering Officer for North America, and a key change agent on the company’s top leadership team.  The Vice President, Engineering we seek will:

• Develop and execute the technical strategy for engineering and reliability in the company’s North America Supply Chain organization.
• Drive the engineering organization to deliver technical leadership and sustained performance by providing innovative technology and quality products.
• Partner with Supply Chain leaders, meeting challenging and demanding global supply chain objectives, to build sustainable competitive advantage through an increasingly integrated and proactive Global Supply Chain.
• Help implement the company’s LEAN cultural transformation across all areas of engineering and operations using strong Toyota Production System (or derivative) experience.

Our client defines its Supply Chain organization in a broad, expansive sense, meaning that it comprises all functions necessary to invent, commercialize and deliver product or services to its customers. As such, these “supply chain” functions include engineering, procurement, manufacturing planning, quality, logistics, manufacturing and related support services and roles. The vice presidents of these functional areas are peers to the VP Engineering.

The VP Engineering will be responsible for 12 manufacturing facilities located in North America; a staff of two corporate engineers; and, indirectly, ten engineering managers, plus over 100 engineers and reliability technicians, located in-plant and throughout the North America supply chain network.  The position is based at the company’s global headquarters in St. Paul, MN. Travel will be primarily domestic, interspersed with occasional international trips, and amount to approximately 40%. 

Why You Want this Position

• Imprint your creativity and passion on an already-world-class business by taking a hands-on leadership role to improve strategy and tactical execution to support business requirements and results, in engineering and across the company.
• Create an immediate, highly-visible and sustainable impact on the operations of a dynamic and rapidly evolving publically-traded products and services organization.
• Work in an environment where performing well and making the world a better place go hand in hand; where promoting health and well-being, practicing sustainability and being socially responsible are just as important as lowering costs, increasing efficiency and earning profits.
• Enjoy personal recognition for your achievements, and excellent financial rewards and outstanding professional career growth opportunities.

Principal Responsibilities

• Develop capital plans and coordinate long-term capital investment requirements in support of projected market demands.
• Assess and assign appropriate capital project resources, and personally oversee select major capital projects, working closely with Supply Chain Finance to track execution against plan, assuring on time and on budget completion.
• Recruit, develop and motivate strong engineering staff to support projects across North America, providing leadership to both the central engineering resource team as well as to regional/plant teams.
• Provide technical direction and guidance, as well as hands-on project management, for all product development and production (manufacturing) engineering.
• Oversee and improve company’s engineering process standards, coordinating with Global Supply Chain staff on definition and implementation.
• Drive innovative thought leadership throughout the engineering organization, in approach, process and methodology, with particular emphasis on Lean continuous improvement.

What You Bring to the Table

Strategic thinking and execution.  Experience, judgment and accountability – to plan and accomplish engineering and business  objectives, based on a focused and disciplined approach to technology and product development, supported by…

• Minimum of 15 years progressive, successful operations leadership, including both hands-on plant/manufacturing management, and at least five years of senior-level engineering management experience.
• Related industry (e.g., chemicals, food, batch process mfg.) background, in a multi-facility manufacturing environment.
• Well-practiced customer interface and relationship-management expertise.
• Excellent organizational, problem-solving, communications and analytical skills.
• Strong LEAN and/or Toyota Production System implementation experience.
• BS in engineering; MS Engineering or MBA preferred.

Other factors which will be critical to the success of the person in this position:

• Keen understanding of business operations and issues in general, and a broad view of engineering as both a business leadership as well as a technical function, with its critical relationship to product design and development.
• Demonstrated results orientation, with an ability to redesign engineering practices and processes to deliver breakthrough results.
• Ability to critically analyze existing performance issues and introduce innovative methods and solutions to generate leading-edge operational standards and sustainable, best-in-class outcomes.
• Proven change leadership skills, with the passion to engage, energize and motivate large disparate groups of people to introduce, implement and sustain the high-impact actions necessary for aggressive operational and financial performance improvement.
• Well-honed team leadership skills, with ability to create a sense of shared ownership and urgency within the engineering organization, building and enhancing the development of an accountable, results-driven culture.

Compensation 

Competitive executive compensation package includes base salary, short and long-term performance  incentives, and relocation assistance, as appropriate. 

Please connect directly with Adam Zak, Adam Zak Executive Search, who has been retained to conduct this executive search +1 (847) 304-5300

Please respond at  resume@LeanRecruiter.com     This position description has been posted at http://LeanJobsBlog.com.  Our main Web site is http://LeanRecruiter.com   You can also connect with Adam at http://twitter.com/LeanThinker or http://LinkedIn.com/in/adamzak

Expertise: Asia, Europe, China, International, Lean Distribution, Lean Supply Chain, Lean Logistics, Lean Supplier Development, Lean Operations Planning, Lean Manufacturing, Lean Sales

Client: (Confidential) High-Tech Consumer Electronic Products

Start: Immediate

Location: Cupertino, (Silicon Valley), California

Comp: Excellent first year total package includes base salary, significant sign-on bonus, and equity (stock) award

Position Overview

Global travel, complex distribution and customer service solutions, supply chain and supplier development activities, sales and operations planning; and a piece of the action (equity)…

Our client is an immensely creative and innovative research and development company which just seems to come up with brilliant ideas for some of the neatest high-tech electronic gadgets on planet Earth. You already know who they are, though you may not know them by name. Why not give some thought to joining the team?

The company designs and engineers high-profile, portable, hand-held consumer electronics products which are known and loved pretty much everywhere. Why? Because they have a whole bunch of very smart and dedicated people on board who love the excitement of thinking cutting-edge thoughts and doing leading-edge work.

Now, it so happens that these folks also do an excellent job of listening to their customers and then translating customer wishes and dreams into real-world, useful technology. Then they wow the world by delivering this technology in packages that demonstrate real value because they’re fun, easy-to-use and highly-reliable. That’s why.

The company’s rapid growth globally has created the need for one or two especially talented Lean practitioners to jump into vital and visible value stream improvement roles. Is it possible that you could be that right person, at the right time and in the right place? If you’re already smart, inspired and Lean, well, why not give it a shot? Find out more…

Position Detail – The Role

•Act as lead change-agent, systematically driving continuous improvement (CI) throughout the organization and its global logistics and distribution/fulfillment organization, or supply chain and supplier development group, or operations planning units

•Champion cross-functional CI initiatives and projects within warehousing and fulfillment facilities and contractors, finished product flow, customer direct-ship systems, customer service & response processes; or similar Lean focus within the supply chain or operations planning groups

•Identify what’s necessary to influence, lead and sustain company-wide Lean culture transformation – and do it

You

• Have demonstrated strong leadership skills in at least one or two previous hands-on roles as a successful Lean champion
• Thoroughly enjoy dealing with fast-paced, challenging and often “impossible” situations, and thrive on solving them
• Effectively manage multiple complex ideas, issues and initiatives simultaneously, and consistently deliver over and above expectations
• Earned a BS/BA in engineering or other technical field, and most likely added an MA/MBA

Travel – you should expect to travel as necessary, between the US and Europe, the UK and Asia, as well as domestically

Compensation – Excellent base salary, sign-on bonus and equity award at sign-on and subsequently in future.

Other - We’re particularly interested in Lean executives with experience in environments such as consumer electronics, telecommunications, portable electronics, mobile electronics, hand-held devices, and similar. So, it’s probable that alumni of Microsoft (Xbox?); Sony; Dell; HP; Cisco; Intel; Flextronics; Nokia; Motorola; RIM, and those countless other dedicated organizations driving Lean transformations throughout their global operations, might be a perfect fit. Obviously, a Toyota Production System background with consumer electronics experience would be an ideal combination. And of course, if your resume demonstrates successes at Lean innovators such as Toyota, NUMMI, Danaher, United Technologies, and – well you get the picture – all the better. You know who you are.

Also, we have a strong interest in individuals who have earned the LFM – LGO (Leaders for Manufacturing, now called Leaders for Global Operations) degree at MIT, or similar top educational institution.

Connect with Us – Please connect with me in whatever way is most convenient for you. We share no information about you with anyone outside our firm until we’ve agreed on this with you. So email me directly and tell me why you are the Rock Star of Lean. I’ll get right back to you ASAP!

Tell your friends.

Adam Zak, CEO – Adam Zak Executive Search +1 (847) 304-5301 direct resume@LeanRecruiter.com

• Act as lead change-agent, systematically driving continuous improvement (CI) throughout the organization and its global logistics and distribution organization
• Champion cross-functional CI initiatives and projects within warehousing and fulfillment facilities and contractors, finished product flow, customer direct-ship systems, customer service & response processes
• Identify what’s necessary to influence, lead and sustain company-wide Lean culture transformation – and do it

You

• Have demonstrated strong leadership skills in at least one or two previous hands-on roles as a successful Lean champion
• Thoroughly enjoy dealing with fast-paced, challenging and often “impossible” situations, and thrive on solving them
• Effectively manage multiple complex ideas, issues and initiatives simultaneously, and consistently deliver over and above expectations
• Earned a BS/BA in engineering or other technical field, and most likely added an MA/MBA

Travel  -  you should expect to travel extensively, as necessary, between the US and Europe, the UK and Asia.

Compensation  -  Excellent base salary, sign-on bonus and equity award at sign-on and subsequently in future.

Other  -  We’re particularly interested in Lean executives with experience in environments such as consumer electronics, telecommunications, portable electronics, mobile electronics, hand-held devices, and similar. We won’t mention any brand names, but you know who you are.  Also, we have a strong interest in individuals who have earned the LFM – LGO (Leaders for Manufacturing, now called Leaders for Global Operations) degree at MIT, or similar.

Connect with Us  -  Please connect with me in whatever way is most convenient for you. We share no information about you with anyone outside our firm until we’ve agreed on this with you. So email me directly, or just click on the “Apply” button below and fill out the short contact form.  We’ll be in touch as soon as we’ve had a chance to read your message.

Adam Zak, CEO  -  Adam Zak Executive Search     +1 (847) 304-5301 direct 

resume@LeanRecruiter.com       http://Twitter.com/LeanThinker        http://LeanTalent.com

Director, (Lean) Operational Excellence

for The Coca-Cola Company, Atlanta, GA                               Director Operational Excellence – Coca-Cola Company-download PDF

The Coca-Cola Company has made a no-compromise commitment to driving world class Operational Excellence throughout every corner of its vast global enterprise.  Now into the third year of this CEO-led undertaking, the company is prepared to dramatically ramp up the pace, breadth and depth of its OpEx deployment.  Just as since 1963 and still today “Things go better with Coke,” so too does Operational Excellence transformation  go much better with seasoned Lean Leaders guiding the journey.

Director, Operational Excellence. Are you up to this global challenge?  Do you have the experience and desire to drive and sustain operational change across the spectrum of The Coca-Cola Company’s high-growth, fast-paced, and highly entrepreneurial environment?

Position
The new Director, Operational Excellence will join Coca-Cola’s select, hands-on Operational Excellence team as a Master (Lean) OpEx Practitioner, personally designing, facilitating and implementing Lean systems on a global scale company-wide. The Director will lead the charge in major transformations of key business units, venture partners, and possibly customer or vendor organizations, as circumstances may require. Transformation initiatives will typically be identified at the C-level, and organizations undergoing transformation will be dedicating significant financial and senior people resources to create and sustain their optimal Lean Operational Excellence system and culture.

The position reports to a Senior Director, OpEx, who in turn reports to the company’s VP, Global Operations. The Director, OpEx will travel internationally about 75% of the time, while working in Atlanta, GA for the remainder. Relocation preferred but optional for now.

Requirements

We seek a highly experienced Lean Leader (Toyota Management System/Toyota Way) who has most likely dedicated at least the last 10 to 15 years to driving and delivering continuous improvement results by implementing Lean systems in complex, international, matrix environments.  Strong supply-chain, manufacturing or wholesale/retail distribution operations management experience would serve as good background for helping understand The Coca-Cola Company’s diverse and challenging operating environment.

Connect with Us

…in whatever way is most convenient for you.  No resume?  That’s OK.  If you’ve been doing Lean OpEx at the C-level, let’s talk first.  Call me…   And if you know the absolutely perfect candidate, please let them know about the opportunity, or refer them to me in total confidence.

Adam Zak, CEO  -  Adam Zak Executive Search   – Enabling Operational Excellence Through Excellent Talent

+1 (847) 304-5301 direct   az@LeanRecruiter.com        http://LeanRecruiter.com

$500 million Global Manufacturer, Wilmington, NC 

(download PDF>>)   Director_Global_Six_Sigma-2

We’re looking for an experienced Six Sigma leader with broad business acumen, global perspective and experience, and the ability to drive, facilitate and sustain change in a fast-paced, highly entrepreneurial environment.

The selected individual will become our client’s Director, Global Six Sigma, and leverage her or his outstanding leadership, communications and technical skills to create significant and lasting impact and value at all levels of this organization.

And yes, it’s going to take an ambitious, determined and committed “A-player” to reap the rewards of success in this demanding role.  But what business transformation worthy of that designation wouldn’t be a major problem-solving opportunity, and a challenge of such caliber that it rigorously tests the mettle of even the best Six Sigma pros in today’s competitive manufacturing world?

Could you be up to this challenge?   

The Position
If you’re the right person for this position it’s going to be pretty obvious to us both that you’ve already done a lot of this once or twice before.  Negotiated, developed and set company-wide improvement objectives and goals. Led the corporate and site-level strategy and tactical teams. Championed and facilitated DMAIC and DFSS initiatives. Developed and led the Black Belt project teams. Built and tracked metrics, and then improved, rebuilt and retracked them again.  Trained, coached, counseled. And demonstrated that you, individually and together with the teams you led, could deliver the goods.

So, why then, might this position interest an expert like you?  Why could this be the right “next step” in building your career? And why must you take a closer look?

Here’s Why

Company Background

Our client is a leading global Tier Two supplier to the automotive industry, as well as a supplier to USA broader industrial and medical markets.  With revenues of approximately $500 million and over 2500 employees worldwide, the company has five manufacturing facilities in the US, two in the UK, and one in France.  China is next.  A private company, our client is owned by a major New York-based private equity firm which also holds controlling or significant minority interests in companies around the world that generate over $60 billion in annual revenues.

Conclusions -

1. You experience top management visibility and impact opportunity in a business that’s a size you can really get your hands around
2. You do hands-on international management in Europe and Asia
3. You receive exposure to private equity management issues and build direct understanding of how private investor-owned business leadership works
4. You have a shot at career growth opportunities here and also within other portfolio companies

Real-World Six Sigma Commitment

This company is about Six Sigma Quality in everything it does. Perfection is the target.  They understand that conformity and consistency are critical to their customers.  Every associate is involved in the pursuit of Quality and continually strives for excellence and ways to pass cost savings to the customer.  Manufacturing Excellence is delivered through:

• Philosophy of Lean Enterprise
• Focus on process efficiencies through Six Sigma techniques
• Real-time data for real-time decision making
• Cost-down and cost-out culture throughout the organization

Conclusions  –

1. You already have the core corporate support you need for your Six Sigma success
2. You won’t need to reinvent the Six Sigma wheel; build on the foundation, and make it even better, and take it to the next level
3. You’ll  develop the business skill sets and senses to drive Lean Six Sigma at broader and deeper operational and executive levels

Opportunity

“Best people” is where it all begins. Our client’s commitment to quality, innovation, sales and service begins with their people (possible you?). Attracting and retaining talent is key to the company’s success, and because they want only the best, they deliver exactly that in return:  competitive compensation, a healthy benefit package, additional opportunity for rewards, and always career growth possibilities.

Conclusions  –  Please draw your own.  And if you are indeed among the best-in-class Six Sigma practitioners today, perhaps an image of your possible next step on the career ladder is already forming in your mind.

Some Additional Details

The position of Director, Six Sigma reports to a company Vice President who is personally very strong and hands-on in continuous improvement, and also holds other major operational responsibilities within the business. He in turn, works directly for the CEO, who has also been personally and directly (Gemba level) involved in Six Sigma and Lean throughout his career.  You’ll be in good company.

The position is based on the Southeastern Coast of the US in a college town which is also known for its attractive seaside resort areas. Lifestyle is appropriate to the setting with scenic beaches and seafood abounding, and with ample cultural, educational and entertainment opportunities available as well.

Travel should amount to no more than 50%, and a good portion of that would be considered local (not necessarily over night).

Requirements

You’ll need to be a certified Six Sigma Master Black Belt from a recognized program, with at least a BS/BA in Engineering from a top university (an MBA would weigh strongly in your favor).

We’d like to see a minimum of 10 years Six Sigma operations improvement leadership experience with proven results, leading major change initiatives (multiple Black Belts, multiple locations, globally).

You must also show a few years of hands-on operations (manufacturing)  or plant management experience at some point in your career.  While some consulting background could be beneficial, our ideal candidate will most likely have built the bulk of his or her expertise while excelling as an internal agent of change.

Finally, you should genuinely believe in change, continuous improvement and growth, both professionally and personally.

Connect with Us

Please connect with me in whatever way is most convenient for you. We share no information about you with anyone outside our firm until we’ve agreed on this with you.

No resume?  That’s OK.  If you feel very strongly that you meet all our criteria, let’s talk first.  Call me… 

And, lastly, if you know someone who is absolutely the perfect candidate for this outstanding position, please let them know about the opportunity, or refer them to me in total confidence.

Adam Zak, CEO,  Adam Zak Executive Search

az@LeanRecruiter.com  http://LeanRecruiter.com

+1 (847) 304-5301 direct

Adam Zak Executive Search – Executive Recruiters for the Lean Enterprise