Sanmina Corporation (Nasdaq: SANM) is a leading integrated manufacturing solutions provider serving the fastest-growing segments of the global Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) market. Recognized as a technology leader, Sanmina Corporation provides end-to-end manufacturing solutions, delivering superior quality and support to Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) primarily in the communications networks, defense and aerospace, industrial and semiconductor systems, medical, multimedia, computing and storage, automotive and clean technology sectors. Sanmina Corporation has facilities strategically located in key regions throughout the world.
Job Purpose
Reporting directly to the Plant Manager, the Operational Excellence Leader is responsible for defining and will drive the site’s operational excellence strategy, leading process improvements, product and program launch, synergies, efficiencies, productivities, new capability implementations, compliance, across contract manufacturing by identifying inefficiencies, standardizing processes, and leading structured improvement initiatives.
This role partners with the full Site Leadership Team: Operations, Finance, Engineering, Quality, Program Management, Supply Chain, Microelectronics and HR to move the organization forward with data-driven performance improvements, engineering-based studies and proactive opportunity-solving.
Nature of Duties/Responsibilities:
- Define and drive the site Operational Excellence strategy aligned to business objectives, ensuring measurable improvements in cost, delivery, quality, and scalability.
- Establish and lead a site-wide continuous improvement framework, driving adoption through leadership engagement, training, and coaching
- Lead and execute Lean / Six Sigma initiatives to improve productivity, quality, and cost
- Identify and prioritize process inefficiencies across manufacturing, warehousing, and support functions.
- Facilitate Kaizen events, value stream mapping, service level agreements, and root cause analysis
- Evaluate and improve end-to-end value streams across all of operations, including supply chain, manufacturing, and delivery
- Ensure upstream and downstream impacts are incorporated into process design and improvement initiatives
- Drive waste reduction (scrap, downtime, rework, excess inventory), facility layouts, cell sizing, product flow, identifying new processes and technologies needed in partnership with Engineering
- Develop and maintain reporting and track KPIs framework (OEE, yield, throughput, on-time delivery, labour efficiency)
- Develop and implement standardized processes, governance, and training systems to ensure improvements are consistently executed, sustained, and embedded into daily operations
- Use data to identify trends and prioritize improvement opportunities
- Support financial performance through analysis of operational data and participation in budget and performance review processes
- Prioritize initiatives based on business impact, resource constraints, and strategic alignment
- Lead cross-functional improvement programs from identification through implementation and sustainment to deliver measurable results
- Build dashboards, visual factory management and reporting for leadership visibility and support decision-making
- Ensure alignment to company expectations for: quality, cost, and delivery
- Evaluate vendor performance and identify improvement opportunities
- Support onboarding of new customers and programs (process design, SOPs)
- Investigate quality issues and drive process improvements, using DOE’s and various studies.
- Provide data-driven insights and recommendations to the Site Leadership Team to support strategic decision-making
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Partner with:
- Operations (daily execution, labour studies, floor and flow layout)
- Quality (compliance + defect reduction)
- Supply Chain (inventory + flow)
- Finance (data-based decisions)
- Engineering (new processes, yield studies, process improvements)
- Act as a change agent to embed continuous improvement culture
- Train leaders and frontline teams on Lean principles - building capability within teams
- Coach teams on problem-solving and continuous improvement mindset
- Reduction in cost per unit / conversion cost
- Improved OEE and throughput
- Reduction in scrap, defects, and rework
- On-time delivery improvements
- Adoption of standardized processes across sites
Education and Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, or related field
- 5–10+ years in manufacturing or contract manufacturing environment
- Strong experience with Lean, Six Sigma (Green/Black Belt preferred)
- Proven track record leading cross-site improvement initiatives
- Experience working with external manufacturing partners (preferred)
Key Competencies:
- Data-driven decision making
- Strong facilitation and influencing skills
- Process-oriented thinking
- Ability to operate at both strategic and hands-on levels
- Change management and stakeholder alignment
Other Information:
- The compensation range for this position is $115,000.00 - $135,000.00 annually.
- This position is for an existing vacancy.
- The hiring process for this position does not use Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Sanmina welcomes and encourages applications from persons with disabilities. In accordance with the guidelines established under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.
