Manager, Operational Excellence Engineering

Position Overview

The Manager, Operational Excellence Engineering leads the site-level configuration, deployment, and adoption of Newell's internally developed digital operations and operational technology (OT) applications across manufacturing and distribution sites, tailoring enterprise-built solutions to the specific workflows, data structures, and operational requirements of each location. This position directs site readiness activities and oversees validation of site infrastructure, operational data, and application integration requirements with the responsible site and technical teams. The role also leads testing, training, stabilization, and transition to ongoing operational support, helping sites build sustained adoption of deployed solutions. In doing so, this position supports Newell's operational excellence objectives by promoting standardized processes, continuous improvement, and data-driven decision making through the successful deployment and adoption of digital solutions.

Role Boundaries

The Manager, Operational Excellence Engineering leads site-level readiness, configuration, and deployment execution within approved program standards. The role partners closely with Regional Digital Champions, Site Digital Coordinators, operations leaders, application teams, central application and analytics teams, and technical functions including information technology (IT), operational technology (OT), and controls teams. Application strategy, software development, infrastructure ownership, production release approval, and permanent site support remain with the designated owners. The role provides day-to-day direction, coaching, and performance oversight for assigned personnel supporting deployment activities.

Key Responsibilities:

• Site Discovery & Readiness Assessment

• Assess site readiness ahead of each deployment by documenting application prerequisites, data availability, connectivity, equipment structures, integration requirements, and site constraints, including relevant OT environment conditions, in partnership with site operations and technical teams.

• Build and validate site asset inventories, equipment hierarchies, and line configurations as the verified foundation for application configuration and deployment planning.

• Identify and escalate infrastructure gaps, data-source limitations, missing prerequisites, site constraints, and scope changes early enough for assignment, resolution, and adjustment of deployment plans before implementation begins.

• Capture site-specific workflows, shift structures, and operating conditions that influence how enterprise-standard applications are configured locally.

Deployment Preparation & Site Readiness

• Lead the completion and documentation of approved site configurations for Newell's digital operations applications, adapting enterprise solutions to site-specific workflows, user roles, reference data, reporting requirements, and operational processes.

• Develop and maintain site-readiness checklists for each deployment, covering environment setup, data validation, connectivity, integration points, site resources and points of contact, and user acceptance testing readiness.

• Oversee the completion and validation of approved predeployment workbooks for each site, including, where applicable, equipment master data, line and machine definitions, downtime-code mappings, user roles, and site-specific parameters. Ensure configuration inputs are verified with site operations and engineering teams before deployment begins.

• Partner with Regional Digital Champions, Site Digital Coordinators, central application and analytics teams, operations leaders, IT, automation controls, and application teams to coordinate readiness, define configuration requirements, and verify required system data before go-live.

• Support sites in maintaining configuration documentation, version control, site configuration baselines, and approved change records to ensure implementations remain controlled and auditable.

Deployment Execution & Go-Live Support

• Lead and coordinate site deployment activities in partnership with site operations, application owners, and IT, including workflow testing, user acceptance testing, go-live cutover, and confirmation that readiness criteria are met before launch.

• Compile required deployment evidence, including training completion, test results, defect disposition, support readiness, and site or business acceptance, before requesting production release approval from the authorized owner.

• Maintain a controlled record of open defects, workarounds, risks, and unresolved actions, with status, accountable owner, target date, and disposition tracked through release or formal transfer to ongoing support.

• Support site stabilization after go-live by diagnosing configuration issues, implementing or coordinating approved corrections, validating data quality outputs, and escalating software defects with clear documentation.

• Support hypercare exit using defined acceptance criteria and ensure unresolved defects, risks, and actions are transferred to the permanent support owner before exit.

Hypercare & Adoption Enablement

• Serve as the primary deployment lead during deployment and hypercare, directing training, floor walks, side-by-side coaching, and post-go-live support that help site associates, supervisors, and operations leaders incorporate deployed applications into daily work.

• Partner with Regional Digital Champions and Site Digital Coordinators to coordinate adoption activities, reinforce site priorities, and transfer knowledge and ownership as deployments stabilize.

• Provide structured feedback to the application and development teams on usability, adoption barriers, and enhancement opportunities grounded in direct site observation.

• Monitor early indicators of adoption and agreed performance measures, and coordinate corrective actions with site leadership and application owners.

Sustainment & Continuous Improvement

• Guide each site in establishing sustainment processes, including daily management routines, data quality checks, system health reviews, and clear local ownership, so deployed capability endures beyond the deployment window.

• Follow up with sites after deployment, on-site or remotely, to assess adoption health, verify sustainment processes, and identify where reinforcement is needed to maintain long-term value.

Qualifications & Experience (Summary)

• Demonstrated experience leading deployment of digital operations and OT applications across manufacturing and distribution sites.

• Strong collaboration with IT, OT, controls, analytics, and site operations teams.

• Proven ability to manage site readiness, configuration, testing, training, go-live, hypercare, and sustainment.

• Excellent program management, communication, and change-management skills to drive standardized processes and data-driven decision making.

• Willingness to travel up to 50%, with primary focus on North American sites and potential for global travel as program scope expands.

Benefits & About Newell Brands

Newell Brands is a leading consumer products company with a portfolio of iconic brands like Graco®, Coleman®, Oster®, Rubbermaid®, Sharpie® and Yankee Candle® - and 24,000 talented teammates around the world. Our culture is built on values in action: Integrity, Teamwork, Passion for Winning, Ownership, and Leadership. We work together to win, grow, and make a real impact—supported by a high-performing, inclusive, and collaborative environment where you can be your best, every day.

Additional Details

• Location Type: Hybrid
• Primary

Location

Atlanta, Georgia, US

• Travel: Up to 50%, primary focus on North American distribution and manufacturing sites, with potential for global travel as the program scope expands.

Note: The above description reflects the current duties and responsibilities and is not intended to be an exhaustive list. Duties and responsibilities may be added, removed, or changed at management discretion. The section headings and bullet points are preserved from the source text to maintain structure and content fidelity.