Operational Excellence Specialist

About the Role

The Operational Excellence Specialist is an entry-level development role with an assignment of approximately 2 years, operating under the supervision of the Regional Manager Lean Six Sigma or Regional Operational Excellence Manager. This role is both a facilitative leader and a learner, expected to understand the can-making process and engage with day-to-day plant operations. The focus is on standardizing management processes and leading process improvement projects to enhance productivity, throughput, and quality. Upon successful completion of the initial 2-year assignment, candidates may have opportunities to advance into a Plant Supervisor role and pursue other future leadership positions.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as a plant resource to facilitate and execute standardization of the management system.
• Work with employees at all levels to facilitate, train, and track implementation to standard.
• Lead and facilitate improvement teams, workshop teams, and individual improvement projects aligned with plant or department priorities.
• Participate as a team member, problem-solving resource, and group facilitator on plant or department improvement teams as required.
• Engage in daily problem-solving activities.
• Collaborate with plant teams to conduct process analysis and performance reporting for internal or external client needs.
• Learn and practice Lean tools and techniques, including DMAIC, PDCA, root cause analysis, risk assessment/FMEA, and kaizen.
• Collaborate with plant training resources to support the development, documentation, training, sustainment, and improvement of standardized work.
• Support and facilitate the adoption of best practices to eliminate waste and improve performance for assigned plants or functions.
• Present, educate, train, and facilitate at all levels and to external audiences.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Computer-based skills: MS Excel, PowerPoint, Word.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in engineering, Science, Supply Chain, or equivalent work-related experience (preferred).
• Job-related experience in process improvement or project management (preferred).
• Manufacturing experience (preferred).
• Ability to prioritize multiple projects, perform complex tasks, organize, and follow through consistently.
• Ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Proven team builder and leader.
• Strong written and oral communication, facilitation, and presentation skills.
• Ability to influence upward, across, and down without formal authority.
• Willingness to take risks, challenge the status quo, and work under ambiguous circumstances.
• Intellectually, emotionally, and logically capable and confident, with the intelligence and stature to quickly gain credibility and become a trusted advisor.
• Legal authorization to work in the U.S. (Sponsorship for employment visa will not be provided).

Compensation & Benefits

• Expected Hiring Salary Range: $66,700 - $93,160.
• Eligible to participate in the annual incentive compensation plan.
• Access to Ball’s comprehensive benefits structure via the "Total Rewards" page.

Work Environment

• Onsite: Requires regular in-person engagement by working on-site.
• Travel and local commute between Ball locations and other possible non-Ball locations may be required.