Operational Excellence Lead

Operational Excellence Engineer

Location: Columbia, MO

Work Arrangement: Onsite (40 hours)

Employment Type: 6-12 month contract (likely to hire)

Paid: $60-70/hr

Overview

Brooksource is seeking an Operational Excellence Engineer to support a highly technical manufacturing operation focused on continuous improvement, production performance, workforce development, and operational efficiency. This individual will serve as a key liaison between engineering, manufacturing operations, and production teams to help drive process improvements, optimize performance, and establish scalable training and knowledge-sharing practices.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys solving complex operational challenges, leveraging data to drive decisions, and implementing sustainable improvements within a manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Analyze production and operational data to identify trends, performance gaps, and improvement opportunities.
• Develop and enhance training programs for technicians operating within complex manufacturing environments.
• Improve technical documentation, procedures, and training materials to support workforce development and knowledge retention.
• Establish processes that improve knowledge transfer between experienced team members and newer employees.
• Support troubleshooting efforts by helping distinguish isolated issues from systemic operational challenges.
• Create standardized work, documentation, and support tools that improve operational consistency and efficiency.
• Evaluate and improve SOPs, work instructions, and training content.
• Participate in daily operational meetings and help translate technical information into actionable priorities.
• Develop reports, dashboards, KPIs, and performance metrics that support data-driven decision making.
• Identify opportunities to reduce waste, improve productivity, and enhance overall operational performance.
• Partner with manufacturing and engineering teams to investigate recurring issues and implement long-term solutions.
• Support Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives across the operation.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to drive sustainable process improvements and operational excellence.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing, or a related technical discipline preferred.
• Experience working in manufacturing, production, operations, or another technical industrial environment.
• Background in Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, Operational Excellence, Six Sigma, or related methodologies.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to leverage data for operational improvements.
• Experience creating reports, KPIs, dashboards, and production performance metrics.
• Ability to communicate effectively with engineers, technicians, operators, and leadership teams.
• Experience developing SOPs, work instructions, training programs, or standardized work practices is highly preferred.
• Comfortable spending time on the manufacturing floor and working directly with production personnel.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously.

Preferred Backgrounds

Experience in one or more of the following environments is highly valued:

• Advanced Manufacturing
• Automated Production Systems
• Medical Device Manufacturing
• Semiconductor Manufacturing
• Aerospace Manufacturing
• Chemical Manufacturing
• Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
• Specialty Materials
• Plastics, Films, or Coatings Manufacturing
• Other complex, highly regulated, or technically advanced production environments

About Brooksource

Brooksource is a purpose-driven recruiting and consulting firm connecting skilled professionals with industry-leading organizations across engineering, technology, and operations. We partner with our consultants to provide career growth opportunities, professional development, and meaningful work that drives real business impact.

Disclaimer: Brooksource, Medasource, and Calculated Hire are part of the Eight Eleven Group family of companies and operate under Eight Eleven Group, LLC. All employees receive the same benefits, policies, and terms of employment.

EEO: We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, citizenship, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation, and related conditions), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

Benefits & Perks: Brooksource offers competitive medical, dental, vision, Health Savings Account, Dependent Care FSA, and supplemental coverage with plans that can fit each employee’s needs. We offer a 401k plan that includes a company match and is fully vested after you become eligible, paid time off, sick time, and paid company holidays. We also offer an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) that provides services like virtual counseling, financial services, legal services, life coaching, etc.

Pay Disclaimer: The pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.