Oetiker provides customers with the peace of mind that their mission-critical components are reliably connected. We are a global leader in high-end connecting solutions for the vehicle industry and for high-value applications in industrial segments. Our expertise in high-quality clamps, rings, straps and quick-connectors ranges from powertrain and drivetrain applications to medical applications. We offer engineering, prototyping and testing support to quickly create comprehensive solutions for overcoming clamping and connecting challenges. With 1800+ employees in more than 30 countries and over 75 years of experience, we are the trusted, global, long-term partner for the world's leading OEMs.

Position Overview:

The WCOps Local Head organizes and coordinates in-house projects and activities to exploit potentials and increase efficiency. They provide technical leadership for the process facilitator of the particular task and support them in the activities in question. They train in lean and kaizen philosophies, raise employees' awareness of them, and ensure the sustainability of these training activities. By means of regular audits the WCOps Local Head, with the appropriate audit team, monitors the effectiveness of activities carried out (standards) and, in the event of deviations, introduces corrective measures in consultation with the process owner.

Essential Functions:

• Develop and execute a strategic plan for company-wide coordination of WCOps activities, ensuring alignment with global WCOps initiatives and local business objectives
• Design, initiate, and oversee WCOps workshops and training sessions, tailoring content to address specific operational challenges and opportunities within Canada
• Lead project management efforts to plan, carry out, and evaluate the effectiveness of WCOps workshops and training sessions
• Provide active support and mentorship for WCOps process facilitators working across all shifts, fostering a culture of continuous improvement
• Develop and implement a comprehensive WCOps communication strategy, including regular updates to leadership and employees on progress and achievements
• Create and execute internal WCOps marketing campaigns using a variety of sources (e.g., continuous improvement videos, success stories, newsletters) to drive engagement and adoption
• Monitor and ensure compliance with the WCOps roadmap, adjusting strategies as needed to meet evolving business needs
• Develop, implement, and maintain WCOps standards, ensuring they are documented, communicated, and consistently applied across our Canadian operations
• Plan and conduct regular WCOps audits, analyzing results to identify areas for improvement and best practices for replication
• Prepare and deliver monthly discussions and reports on WCOps activities, including key performance indicators, challenges, and successes
• Collaborate actively with the Health & Safety Representative and Environmental Representative to ensure health & safety and sustainability initiatives are integrated into WCOps practices and implemented effectively
• Identify and leverage cross-functional opportunities for process improvement and cost reduction across the organization
• Develop and maintain relationships with external partners and industry experts to stay current on best practices in World Class Operations and Lean Manufacturing
• Lead change management initiatives related to WCOps implementation, addressing resistance and fostering a culture of continuous improvement
• Analyze and report on the financial impact of WCOps initiatives, including cost savings, productivity improvements, and return on investment

Required Qualifications:

• Diploma / Degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Engineering, or related field
• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in operations, manufacturing, or continuous improvement roles
• Proven track record in implementing World Class Operations (WCO) methodologies
• In-depth knowledge of manufacturing processes, particularly within the Automotive industry
• Experience in planning and leading large-scale continuous improvement projects
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to influence at all levels of the organization
• Proficiency in data analysis and visualization tools (e.g., Excel, Power BI, Tableau)
• Experience with change management methodologies
• Knowledge of ISO 14001 and IATF-16949 standards
• Auditing experience - preferred
• Proficiency in continuous improvement software (e.g., Leading2Lean) - preferred

Essential Skills and Attributes:

• Demonstrated ability to motivate and guide teams successfully
• Outstanding presentation and moderation skills
• Expertise in running effective meetings and workshops
• Willingness to learn and adapt to new technologies and methodologies
• Great dedication to visiting all shifts and departments to ensure understanding and adherence to WCOps standards
• Positive, upbeat attitude with the ability to think creatively and innovatively
• Strong commitment to fostering a culture of continuous improvement