We are looking for a Operational Excellence Project Manager, Materials based in our Westbury, NY facility. In this role, you will identify, drive, and support projects aimed at enhancing business processes, improving operational efficiency, and achieving organizational goals. The scope of the role covers the Product Line “Materials” within Oerlikon Surface Solutions, with a focus on North American production plants, while also supporting projects that impact production sites globally.

The Operational Excellence Project Manager collaborates closely with teams across the various production plants as well as with global functions. The incumbent will work across departments, engage key stakeholders, and ensure alignment with organizational objectives to deliver measurable and sustainable results.

Your Responsibilities

Operational Excellence Projects

• Support planning, budgeting and prioritization of Operational Excellence projects in collaboration with Head of Strategic Projects & Operational Excellence and functional/plant managers to meet annual Operational Excellence objectives.
• Support project identification: Identify inefficiencies and opportunities for improvement through data analysis, process mapping, and stakeholder feedback
• Lead or support Operational Excellence projects to achieve organizational goals (e.g. enhance business processes, improve operational efficiency, develop KPI and respective reporting structures, drive shopfloor digitalization, improve standardization across plants)
• Leverage Lean, Six Sigma, or other process improvement methodologies in projects to enhance workflows and eliminate waste.
• Project Management:
  • Define project scope, objectives, and deliverables in alignment with involved functions and organizational goals.
  • Develop comprehensive project plans, timelines, and budgets
  • Lead cross-functional teams to execute projects and monitor progress to achieve milestones on time and within budget.
  • Track and report project performance, ensuring transparency

Operational Excellence Governance

• Support maintenance of governance scheme for project execution tracking incl. project reviews
• Ensure project progress reporting in alignment with organizational requirements
• Support know-how exchange between production plants and functions
• Support and coach the organization effectively using Operational Excellence methods & tools.

Your Profile

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related technical field.
• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in an industrial/manufacturing environment or management consulting.
• Proven success managing projects within operations environments, including stakeholder management across multiple functions.
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing methodologies and Six Sigma; Lean Six Sigma certification is preferred.
• Demonstrated experience supporting and driving business transformation initiatives.
• Strong analytical and conceptual thinking skills, combined with a hands-on, results-oriented approach.
• Experience working in cross-cultural and international business environments.
• Fluent in English, both written and verbal.
• Willingness and flexibility to travel as required.
• Strong collaboration skills with the ability to influence and lead without direct authority.
• Team-building and change management capabilities.
• Team-oriented mindset with excellent interpersonal skills.
• Self-motivated, proactive, open-minded, and positive, with the ability to challenge the status quo constructively.
• Comfortable working in fast-paced, dynamic environments.

We offer:

Aside from a dynamic global culture and leading market position, we are proud to offer our employees development opportunities, competitive salary and a robust benefit program ALL available on first day of employment!

The perks and benefits of working at Oerlikon include the following:

• Comprehensive medical and prescription drug plan with low premiums, company sponsored HSA contributions and without cumbersome waiting periods to keep you going strong.  
• Excellent Dental and Vision coverage.
• Employee Assistance, Financial and Wellness programs to help improve all aspects of your life journey. 
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with significant company match and financial planning and education options to help you achieve your retirement goals 
• Tuition reimbursement and internal education resources to satisfy your love of learning so you can continue to grow with us!
• Generous paid time off to support your physical and mental wellbeing.
• 12 paid company holidays to occasionally extend your weekends or time off. 
• 100% company paid life insurance and disability insurance
• Employee Referral Bonus program because why not to bring your friends to work everyday!

Why Oerlikon:

As a global leader in engineering solutions that enhances the performance of products and services, Oerlikon is known for the quality of our technological advances. We maintain equally high standards in identifying talent, investing in professional development and empowering our people to pursue rewarding careers.

#joinoerlikonus #joinourteam

Are you curious? Then release your passion to succeed and APPLY to discover how you can help us build a better world and realize how you can make a personal difference by joining our global team! Our commitment is your success!

For individuals assigned, hired to work or working remotely in/out of California, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Nevada, Washington State, or New York City, Oerlikon is required by law to include a reasonable estimate of the current compensation range for this position, which is $120,000 to $150,000 per year. Some positions within Oerlikon may also offer eligibility to participate in a discretionary incentive program. The salary of the finalist(s) selected for the role will be based on a variety of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including, but not limited to, internal equity, job location, work experience, education, training, certifications, licenses, etc. Therefore, as compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each individual, it is likely that not all applicants will be hired at the highest end of the listed compensation range. Our total compensation package goes beyond base compensation and it will include a competitive benefits package starting with 2 weeks paid time off accrued on a monthly basis, 12 holidays, 48 hours personal/sick time (exception for NY where we follow State law,) medical, dental, vision, 401K, holidays, pet insurance and tuition reimbursement all effective day one of hire.

About us

Oerlikon is a global leader in surface technologies and advanced materials. With a unique portfolio spanning surface engineering, high‑performance materials, coating equipment and components, we make products better by enhancing performance, efficiency and sustainability. Oerlikon serves a wide range of industries, including aerospace, automotive, energy, medical, luxury, semiconductors and tooling. Head‑quartered in Pfäffikon, Switzerland, Oerlikon operates in 38 countries with approximately 9,500 employees, achieving sales of CHF 1.6 billion in 2024.

Equal Opportunity Employment

Oerlikon is an Equal Opportunity Employer. If you’d like more information on your EEO rights under the law, please click here: Know Your Rights.

If you are unable to complete an application or respond to a job opening because of a disability, please contact us at Americas.hr@oerlikon.com or recruiter.us@oerlikon.com. This contact information is for accessibility requests only and is not intended for inquiries about the status of applications or for third-party vendor/agency requests.

Oerlikon will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)

Agencies

Oerlikon only accepts agency resumes for positions that have been explicitly approved by HR for third-party support. We work exclusively with our approved vendors who have agreed to Oerlikon’s terms and conditions and have an executed contract in place. Any resumes or profiles submitted to Oerlikon employees for roles not approved and requested by HR will be considered unsolicited, and Oerlikon will not be obligated to pay a placement fee.

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