The Operations Excellence Manager will represent Synergy Operations on the D365 Operations project team as well as future enhancements by providing functional expertise and leadership. The role will report to the VP IT. The position will be located in Wauconda, IL

Responsibilities

• Process Analysis & Improvement: Work closely with operations teams to understand current business processes, identify inefficiencies, and propose technology/process-driven improvements.

• System Implementation & Support: Lead and support the implementation and enhancement of manufacturing-related systems, including ERP, MES, SCM, and PLM solutions. Ensure systems are aligned with business needs and improve overall operations.

• Requirements Gathering: Collaborate with stakeholders to elicit and document business requirements for new systems or changes to existing ones. Translate these requirements into functional and technical specifications.

• Data Analysis & Reporting: Work with manufacturing data, performing detailed analysis to support decision-making processes. Develop reports and dashboards that provide actionable insights into production performance, inventory, and supply chain metrics.

• Project Management: Lead and manage small to medium-sized IT projects related to manufacturing operations. Develop project plans, track progress, and ensure timely delivery of key milestones.

• User Training & Support: Provide training and technical support to end-users on manufacturing systems. Assist in troubleshooting issues, ensuring smooth daily operations, and minimizing downtime.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Liaise between IT, manufacturing, engineering, and supply chain teams to ensure alignment on systems and processes that support operational goals.

• Compliance & Documentation: Ensure that systems and processes adhere to regulatory requirements, quality standards, and company policies. Maintain proper documentation of system configurations, business processes, and training materials.

Skills and Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, or related field of study
• 5+ years of relevant Manufacturing Operations experience
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience as a Business Systems Analyst or in a similar role supporting manufacturing operations using Microsoft D365 systems
• Experience with ERP (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics) and MES systems is essential.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, supply chain, inventory management, and production planning.
• Proficiency in SQL, data analysis tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau), and ERP/MES systems.
• Experience with process mapping and documentation tools (e.g., Visio, Lucidchart).
• Familiarity with scripting or automation tools is a plus.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical users.
• Detail-oriented, with strong organizational and multitasking abilities.
• Experience in the food or food ingredient manufacturing industry preferred.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma methodologies.
• Familiarity with Industry 4.0 concepts, IoT, and smart factory technologies.
• Project management certification (e.g., PMP, Prince2) or business analysis certification (e.g., CBAP).