Operational Excellence Lead

at  Albemarle Corporation

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Job Description
The Operational Excellence Lead assists with the development and implementation of Operational Excellence strategies for Albemarle at the Kemerton Lithium Refinery and oversees the tactical implementation. This role serves as the primary partner between department teams to improve and advance the interests of the Kemerton Lithium Refinery by providing standardised policy, procedural guidance and implementation. This role identifies opportunities and develops key systems and strategies for implementation to support site department stakeholders to drive improvements and opportunities aligned to the Albemarle Way of Excellence. The Operational Excellence Lead plays a significant role in enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the Kemerton Lithium Refinery’s processes.
This role involves collaboration with cross-functional departments to foster a culture of innovation and improvement, ultimately leading to increased safety, productivity, quality, and customer satisfaction.

Key Responsibilities

• Understand corporate approach to Operational Excellence as well as industry best practices to then identify, develop and implement following site approval.
• Coach and mentor key departmental stakeholders at Kemerton to encourage improvement and empowerment for initiatives and opportunities.
• Execution of strategy developed in consultation with the Senior Leadership Team at Kemerton.
• Co-ordinate the implementation of key programs associated with Visual Management, Equipment Care, Efficient Maintenance, Streamlined Maintenance, Improvement Methodologies and Problem Solving.
• Develop a systematic approach that focuses on the continuous improvement to meet the evolving needs of the business and its customers.
• Development of appropriate internal communication tools to create visibility and activity of all Operational Excellence activities at Kemerton.
• Establish and monitor key performance metrics to track the progress and impacts of key programs ensuring that these are regular updated and communicated to key stakeholders at Kemerton.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify process bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and areas for improvement, and proposing solutions to address these issues.
• Establish a culture that embodies Albermarle’s Core Values where the leadership team work collaboratively to contribute the best of their skills, knowledge and experiences to deliver on Kemerton Lithium Refinery’s purpose and strategy.
• Directs and plans special events such as training and recognition programs.
• Ensures all Operational Excellence activities are aligned with Albemarle core values and strategic priorities.
• Provides communication and regular updates to the Operational Excellence team in Charlotte and APAC.
• Consults and seeks guidance from the Site Director, as well as the Senior Leadership Team of Government and Regulatory Affairs.
• Represents Albemarle Kemerton for external benchmarking networks to benefit the site.

Work Experience / Technical Skill Requirements

• Demonstrated experience in a similar role.
• Highly developed Operational Excellence skills.
• Demonstrated experience in developing successful strategies and initiating operational excellence programs at large industrial chemical sites.
• Proven track record in building and managing relationships with a range of internal stakeholders.
• Highly developed written and verbal communication skills and well-developed influencing and negotiating skills.
• Ability to be self-motivated, responsive, and flexible in an environment with time pressures and multiple priorities.
• Ability to travel as necessary.

Education / Qualification Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, accounting is considered advantageous.
• Applicants with 8+ years of heavy industrial plant operations as well as 3-5+ years’ Operational Excellence experience.
• Lean Six Sigma Certification would be highly regarded.
• Frontline Management qualifications would be viewed favourably.

We are partners to one another in pioneering new ways to be better for ourselves, our teams, and our communities. When you join Albemarle, you become our most essential element and you can anticipate competitive compensation, a comprehensive benefits package, and resources that foster your well-being and fuel your personal growth. Help us shape the future, build with purpose and grow together

• Understand corporate approach to Operational Excellence as well as industry best practices to then identify, develop and implement following site approval.
• Coach and mentor key departmental stakeholders at Kemerton to encourage improvement and empowerment for initiatives and opportunities.
• Execution of strategy developed in consultation with the Senior Leadership Team at Kemerton.
• Co-ordinate the implementation of key programs associated with Visual Management, Equipment Care, Efficient Maintenance, Streamlined Maintenance, Improvement Methodologies and Problem Solving.
• Develop a systematic approach that focuses on the continuous improvement to meet the evolving needs of the business and its customers.
• Development of appropriate internal communication tools to create visibility and activity of all Operational Excellence activities at Kemerton.
• Establish and monitor key performance metrics to track the progress and impacts of key programs ensuring that these are regular updated and communicated to key stakeholders at Kemerton.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify process bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and areas for improvement, and proposing solutions to address these issues.
• Establish a culture that embodies Albermarle’s Core Values where the leadership team work collaboratively to contribute the best of their skills, knowledge and experiences to deliver on Kemerton Lithium Refinery’s purpose and strategy.
• Directs and plans special events such as training and recognition programs.
• Ensures all Operational Excellence activities are aligned with Albemarle core values and strategic priorities.
• Provides communication and regular updates to the Operational Excellence team in Charlotte and APAC.
• Consults and seeks guidance from the Site Director, as well as the Senior Leadership Team of Government and Regulatory Affairs.
• Represents Albemarle Kemerton for external benchmarking networks to benefit the site