Senior People Ops Manager - Product Optimization

Continuous Improvement (CI) Program Ownership Own and operate the CI intake model, ensuring ideas are consistently assessed using Lean and Six Sigma principles (problem clarity, root cause, value, feasibility). Translate intake requests into well‑formed CI charters with defined scope, problem statements, baseline metrics, target state, benefits, risks, and dependencies. Ensure CI efforts focus on cycle time reduction, waste elimination, defect reduction, standardization, and flow efficiency. Manage the CI delivery cadence, ensuring initiatives progress predictably from intake through implementation and benefit realization. Apply Lean methodologies (value stream mapping, waste identification, handoff reduction, flow optimization) to diagnose and improve end‑to‑end processes. Apply Six Sigma techniques (root cause analysis, variation reduction, control mechanisms) to address recurring defects and quality issues. Ensure improvements are designed into the process, not reliant on individual behavior or workarounds. Support establishment of process controls, KPIs, and monitoring mechanisms to sustain gains. Support security, privacy, and compliance reviews by ensuring CI initiatives have complete artifacts and meet governance entry criteria. Enable leadership visibility into CI health without taking on performance or people management responsibilities. Partner with operations, COEs, automation teams, engineering, and governance functions to keep CI initiatives unblocked. Act as the coordination point between problem identification, CI design, and execution. Influence outcomes through data, structure, and CI rigor. Bachelor's Degree in Human Resources (HR), Business, or related field AND 7+ years experience in process improvement, continuous improvement, operations excellence, or program execution roles. OR Master's Degree in Human Resources (HR), Business, Operations or related field AND 5+ years experience in process improvement, continuous improvement, operations excellence, or program execution roles. OR equivalent experience. Proven ability to manage CI intake, charters, backlogs, dependencies, and delivery cadence. Strong analytical skills with the ability to break down complex, ambiguous problems into structured improvement initiatives. Strong hands‑on experience applying Lean and/or Six Sigma methodologies in operational environments. Ideally with formal Lean / Six Sigma certification (Black Belt). Experience in Program or Project Management, particularly for transformation or CI initiatives. Experience in low code/no code development, alongside exposure to automation or AI‑enabled process redesign -- without requirement for citizen development or solution engineering ownership. Familiarity with ADO or similar work‑tracking systems. Experience working across multiple stakeholders in complex, compliance‑sensitive environments.