VP Operational Excellence – Detroit, MI

Role Overview for VP Operational Excellence – Detroit, MI

JRG Partners is proud to partner with a premier, industry-leading organization in the Detroit, MI area to identify a transformative Vice President of Operational Excellence. This is a career-defining executive leadership opportunity to architect and implement a culture of continuous improvement that will drive significant, measurable impact across the entire enterprise. The successful candidate will be a visionary leader, a strategic thinker, and a hands-on change agent responsible for revolutionizing our client’s operational capabilities, enhancing efficiency, and solidifying their position as a market leader.

As the VP of Operational Excellence, you will report directly to the Chief Operating Officer and serve as a key member of the executive leadership team. You will be the organization’s foremost expert on process optimization, quality management, and performance metrics. Your mission will be to instill a relentless pursuit of excellence in every facet of the business, from manufacturing and supply chain to customer service and back-office functions. This role requires a dynamic individual who can balance high-level strategic planning with the tactical execution of complex, cross-functional projects. You will build and mentor a dedicated team of continuous improvement professionals and champion these principles throughout the organization, ensuring that every employee is empowered to identify and eliminate waste, reduce variation, and improve value delivery to the customer. This position is based in the heart of America’s industrial renaissance, Detroit, and offers the chance to shape the future of a dynamic and growing company.

The ideal candidate will not only possess deep technical expertise in methodologies like Lean and Six Sigma but will also demonstrate exceptional leadership and change management skills. You will be responsible for creating a comprehensive roadmap for operational excellence, aligning initiatives with the company’s strategic objectives, and delivering substantial improvements in key performance indicators (KPIs) such as cost, quality, delivery, and safety. Your ability to influence stakeholders at all levels, from the shop floor to the boardroom, will be critical to your success. If you are a results-driven operations leader with a passion for building world-class systems and a proven track record of transformative success, we invite you to apply for this pivotal role.

Key Responsibilities of VP Operational Excellence – Detroit, MI

Strategic Leadership & Vision

Develop, articulate, and execute a comprehensive, multi-year operational excellence strategy that aligns with the company’s overarching business goals. Collaborate with the executive team to integrate continuous improvement principles into the corporate strategic plan.

Process Improvement & Optimization

Lead the identification, prioritization, and execution of large-scale process improvement projects across all business units. Deploy a wide range of methodologies, including Lean Six Sigma, Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping, and 5S, to drive efficiency gains, reduce operational costs, and enhance product/service quality.

Performance Management & Analytics

Establish and govern a robust framework of KPIs and metrics to monitor operational performance. Utilize advanced data analytics and statistical methods to identify trends, root causes of problems, and opportunities for improvement. Present findings and recommendations to senior leadership in a clear, concise manner.

Team Development & Mentorship

Recruit, build, and lead a high-performing team of operational excellence professionals (e.g., Master Black Belts, Black Belts, Green Belts). Provide coaching, mentorship, and professional development to foster a culture of continuous learning and problem-solving.

Change Management & Cultural Transformation

Act as the primary champion for a culture of continuous improvement. Develop and implement comprehensive change management plans to ensure the successful adoption of new processes, tools, and mindsets. Overcome resistance to change through effective communication, training, and stakeholder engagement.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Foster strong partnerships with leaders in Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Engineering, Finance, IT, and other departments to ensure a holistic, end-to-end approach to process optimization. Facilitate cross-functional workshops and projects to break down silos and streamline workflows.

Technology & Automation Integration

Stay abreast of emerging technologies, automation solutions, and industry best practices. Evaluate and champion the adoption of new tools and systems that can accelerate operational improvements and provide a competitive advantage.

Financial Oversight & ROI

Develop and manage the departmental budget. Build compelling business cases for improvement initiatives, ensuring that all projects have a clear return on investment (ROI). Track and report on the financial impact of the operational excellence program.

Quality & Compliance

Ensure that all operational processes adhere to internal quality standards, industry regulations, and customer requirements. Partner with the Quality Assurance team to integrate continuous improvement with the overall Quality Management System (QMS).

Requirements for the VP Operational Excellence – Detroit, MI

Education

A Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, Business Administration, or a related technical field is required. An MBA or other relevant Master’s degree is highly preferred.

Experience

A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in operations management, with at least 8-10 years in a senior leadership role specifically focused on operational excellence, continuous improvement, or a similar function within a complex organization.

Certifications

Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt certification is strongly preferred. Certifications in Project Management (PMP), Change Management, or other relevant disciplines are considered a significant asset.

Industry Background

Demonstrable experience in the manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, or industrial goods sectors is essential. A deep understanding of the operational challenges and opportunities specific to these industries is critical for success.

Technical Expertise

Expert-level knowledge and hands-on application of a wide array of continuous improvement tools and methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma, DMAIC, DMADV, TPM, Kaizen, VSM, etc.).

Leadership Acumen

Proven ability to lead, inspire, and develop large, diverse teams. A track record of building a strong organizational culture centered on accountability, collaboration, and a relentless pursuit of improvement.

Strategic & Analytical Skills

Exceptional strategic thinking capabilities combined with strong analytical and quantitative problem-solving skills. Ability to translate complex data into actionable business insights.

Communication & Influence

Superior verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present complex ideas effectively to a variety of audiences, from front-line employees to the Board of Directors. Proven ability to influence and persuade without direct authority.

Financial Acumen

Strong understanding of financial principles and the ability to link operational improvements to financial outcomes, such as P&L impact, cost reduction, and working capital improvement.

Benefits & Perks Offered

Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top-tier executive talent by offering a highly competitive and comprehensive compensation and benefits package. This includes:

Executive Compensation

A highly competitive base salary complemented by a significant annual performance-based bonus and long-term incentive plan (LTI).

Comprehensive Health & Wellness

Premier medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your dependents, along with a robust employee wellness program, Health Savings Account (HSA), and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options.

Retirement Planning

A generous 401(k) retirement savings plan with a substantial company match to help you secure your financial future.

Paid Time Off

A generous paid time off (PTO) policy, including vacation days, sick leave, and company-paid holidays, to support a healthy work-life balance.

Professional Development

A significant budget for executive coaching, continuing education, industry conferences, and professional certifications to support your ongoing growth.

Relocation Assistance

A comprehensive relocation package is available for qualified candidates moving to the Detroit metropolitan area.

Additional Perks

Includes life insurance, disability coverage, an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and potential for a company vehicle allowance.

How to Apply

JRG Partners is exclusively managing the search for this pivotal VP of Operational Excellence role. If you are a visionary operations leader with the skills and experience to drive transformative change, we encourage you to apply.

To be considered, please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and your philosophy on operational excellence. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. For more information about our expertise in this sector, please visit the page for our Lean Six Sigma Executive Recruiters practice .

Our client is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees can thrive.