Director, Operational Excellence

GrafTech International is the leader in the graphite electrode industry focused on maximizing customers’ bottom lines and providing unparalleled service, while developing cutting-edge technology that sets the standard in the steel industry.

GrafTech International has a challenging and highly visible opportunity for a Director of Operational Excellence. The successful candidate will be responsible for hands-on execution and leadership of GrafTech’s operational excellence strategy across global manufacturing operations. This role requires deep practical experience applying Lean Manufacturing, Toyota Production System (TPS), and Six Sigma principles in plant and multi-site environments, coupled with strong execution bias and results orientation.

This position is a key member of the Global Operations leadership team and will partner closely with Plant Managers, Operations Leaders, and Functional Directors. The role requires significant global travel and the ability to serve as an interim General Manager or site leader as business needs require.

Responsibilities:

• Lead and drive GrafTech’s enterprise Operational Excellence initiatives focused on safety, quality, delivery, cost, reliability, and sustainability.
• Support operations leadership in developing deep understanding of Lean, TPS, and Six Sigma tools, and in identifying, prioritizing, and executing high-impact improvement opportunities.
• Apply practical, hands-on improvement methodologies including Daily Management Systems, Standard Work, A3/DMAIC problem solving, value stream mapping, kaizen events, and visual management.
• Partner directly with Plant Managers and Operations Managers to deliver measurable, sustained improvements in throughput, OEE, yield, cost, and working capital.
• Act as a change agent within manufacturing sites, working on the shop floor to ensure execution translates into real business results.
• Provide leadership and execution support during operational recoveries, turnarounds, and performance gap closures.
• Serve as interim General Manager or site leader when required to ensure continuity, stability, and disciplined execution.
• Collaborate with Digital, Engineering, Quality, Maintenance, and Supply Chain functions to integrate operational excellence with technology, automation, and data.
• Support development, standardization, and deployment of global operating systems, maturity models, and best practices.

Digital & Analytics Responsibilities:

• Support operations in developing understanding of data analytics and its Application to operational performance improvement.
• Drive identification and prioritization of digital and analytics opportunities based on business impact.
• Promote use of data-driven performance management through dashboards, KPIs, and visual performance systems.
• Partner with Digital and IT teams on deployment and adoption of analytics, visualization, and decision-support tools.
• Use data to validate improvements and ensure sustainability of results.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical discipline; advanced degree preferred.
• Formal training and certification in Lean Manufacturing, TPS, and/or Six Sigma (Black Belt or equivalent strongly preferred).
• Demonstrated practical application experience leading operational improvement in manufacturing environments; consulting-only experience is not sufficient.
• Proven experience as a Plant Manager, Operations Manager, or equivalent senior manufacturing leadership role.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing systems, asset-intensive operations, maintenance reliability, and production planning.
• Uncompromising execution mindset with a demonstrated history of translating strategy into sustained operational results-cost, throughput, reliability, and standardization-earned through direct plant-level leadership and scalable across complex, multi-site organizations.

• Working knowledge of data analytics, operational performance metrics, and digital manufacturing tools.
• Willingness and ability to travel extensively and work directly in global manufacturing facilities.

We offer a competitive salary and benefits package commensurate with experience and the opportunity to join a well-established organization. If you thrive in a challenging environment and have a proven track record in achieving results, come join our worldwide organization. For immediate consideration, please apply to the GrafTech International Career portal.

To learn additional company information, please visit our website at www.graftech.com.

GrafTech International is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to age, race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, marital status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, nationality, sex, religion, or veteran status.