Operational Excellence Manager

Job Description Summary:

At The Coca‑Cola Company, we refresh the world and make a difference by reimagining the way our beverages are produced, delivered, and experienced. Through innovation, collaboration, and purpose-driven performance, we’re building the next generation of operational excellence across our global network. The Senior Director, Operational Excellence plays an essential role in driving continuous improvement and embedding data-driven approaches that strengthen quality, sustainability, and efficiency. This leader partners across functions to deliver measurable improvement, translating strategy into daily action. The ideal candidate brings proven experience with Operational Excellence (OPEX) practices, and hands-on expertise in Kaizen and Total Productive Maintenance (TPM), with a strong focus on coaching teams and influencing change across diverse environments.

What You’ll Do for Us

• Lead the development and implementation of operating models using leading indicators and performance data to identify gaps, prioritize action, and drive measurable improvement.

• Partner with cross-functional teams to align priorities, remove barriers, and strengthen execution of business goals.

• Build routines that translate strategy into daily, weekly, and monthly actions.

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives that improve People, Safety, Quality, Delivery and Cost.

• Coach leaders and teams to use data, routines, and standard work to sustain improvements over time.

• Influence commitment at all levels of the organization to embed new practices and strengthen ownership.

• Support change management efforts by helping teams adopt new tools, processes, and expectations.

• Lead continuous improvement initiatives aligned to Coca‑Cola’s Operational Excellence (OPEX) framework, leveraging digital tools, process analytics, and automation to enhance performance across supply chain and manufacturing.

• Partner across operations to embed methodologies such as Kaizen and Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) into everyday practices, strengthening performance culture and standardization.

• Collaborate with technical, commercial, and people leaders to streamline workflows, improve safety, and increase agility while integrating sustainability principles into process optimization.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, Operations Management, or a related discipline (equivalent experience considered).

• Minimum 3+ years of experience in operational excellence, continuous improvement, or supply chain optimization within a complex, matrixed organization.

• Demonstrated mastery of Operational Excellence (OPEX), Kaizen, and Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) methodologies.

• Proven ability to translate data insights into actionable improvement priorities and measurable results.

• Experience in coaching leaders and teams on continuous improvement tools and behaviors.

• Strong collaboration and communication skills to engage stakeholders at multiple levels and align priorities across teams.

• Skilled in using digital performance tools, analytics, and visualization platforms to monitor and enhance efficiency.

• Familiarity with sustainability and responsible production practices, with the ability to integrate them into everyday operations.

• Comfort working in fast-paced, cross-regional environments that require adaptive problem-solving and effective change support.

What We’ll Do for You

• Enable you to lead transformation across Coca‑Cola’s global operational network and make a tangible impact on performance culture.

• Offer access to advanced analytical tools, process automation technologies, and continuous learning through our Operational Excellence framework.

• Provide opportunities to collaborate with diverse global teams and apply industry-leading methodologies in dynamic environments.

• Support your growth through capability-building resources that advance professional excellence and sustainability objectives.

Skills:

Pay Range:

Base pay offered may vary depending on geography, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. A full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the position, is offered.

Annual Incentive Reference Value Percentage:

Annual Incentive reference value is a market-based competitive value for your role. It falls in the middle of the range for your role, indicating performance at target.

Location(s):

City/Cities:

Travel Required:

Relocation Provided:

Job Posting End Date:

Our Purpose and Growth Culture:

We are taking deliberate action to nurture an inclusive culture that is grounded in our company purpose, to refresh the world and make a difference. We act with a growth mindset, take an expansive approach to what’s possible and believe in continuous learning to improve our business and ourselves. We focus on four key behaviors – curious, empowered, inclusive and agile – and value how we work as much as what we achieve. We believe that our culture is one of the reasons our company continues to thrive after 130+ years. Visit Our Purpose and Vision to learn more about these behaviors and how you can bring them to life in your next role at Coca-Cola.