VP Operational Excellence at DuPont in Wilmington, DE

At DuPont, our purpose is to empower the world with essential innovations to thrive. We work on things that matter. Whether it’s providing clean water to more than a billion people on the planet, producing materials that are essential in everyday technology devices from smartphones to electric vehicles, or protecting workers around the world. Discover the many reasons the world’s most talented people are choosing to work at DuPont. Why Join Us | DuPont Careers

The Opportunity

This is a pivotal moment to join DuPont, a company with a powerful legacy built on integrity and a relentless focus on safety and respect for people. We are embarking on a global transformation to redefine operational excellence, and we are looking for a visionary leader to drive this critical, company-wide initiative. As the Global VP of Operational Excellence, you will report directly to the Chief Operating Officer and be responsible for building a culture of continuous improvement that will create tangible value and elevate the maturity of our global operations.

This is more than a leadership role; it is an opportunity to be the architect of change. You will inspire and mobilize a global team to reimagine our operational landscape across 75+ manufacturing locations and 5,000+ employees. We are seeking a leader who can not only craft a compelling strategic roadmap but also execute it with precision, driving significant productivity gains and fostering a unified culture of excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Architect the Future: Develop, champion, and implement the global strategy for Operational Excellence, translating our vision into a definitive action plan that drives exceptional value across our businesses.
• Lead a Transformation: Build and embed a sustainable, global culture of continuous improvement, empowering and developing talent across the organization to achieve new levels of performance.
• Drive Cross-Functional Impact: Engage and influence senior leaders across Operations, Commercial, and other functions. Lead high-impact, cross-functional teams using advanced Lean and Continuous Improvement methodologies to solve complex business problems.
• Govern for Growth: Manage the Operational Excellence governance process to ensure strategic plans are not only aligned with business needs but are also delivering measurable, sustainable results.
• Cultivate High-Performance Talent: Lead and mentor a team of approximately 12 direct and indirect leaders, guiding a total team of about 60 operational excellence professionals. Develop continuous improvement capabilities that will become a core competency across the entire company.

What Success Looks Like

Within your first year, you will:

• Secure buy-in from senior leadership and key stakeholders for your strategic roadmap and action plan.
• Launch key transformation initiatives that demonstrate clear, measurable value to the business.
• Establish a robust governance model that provides transparency and accountability across all operational excellence activities.
• Begin cultivating a cultural shift, with tangible signs of increased engagement and ownership of continuous improvement at all levels and functions within the organization.

Qualifications

• Demonstrable track record of successfully leading enterprise-wide operational excellence or business transformation initiatives in a global manufacturing environment.
• Exceptional strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to articulate a clear vision and inspire others to achieve it.
• Experience engaging and influencing executive-level stakeholders to gain support and alignment for major change initiatives.
• Deep expertise in Lean and other Continuous Improvement methodologies.
• Proven ability to lead, mentor, and develop high-performing teams, fostering a culture of accountability and results.
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, supply chain or a related field. Advanced degree preferred.
• 10+ years Global Multi-site or Large Site Leader, OpEx Leadership, and/or significant Supply Chain Experience
• 10+ years of Leadership experience in Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Business
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally up to 30% of time.

Location

DuPont Corporate Headquarters - Wilmington, DE

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DuPont offers a comprehensive pay and benefits package. To learn more visit the Compensation and Benefits page.