Company Overview
Wilsonart Engineered Surfaces is a world leading manufacturing and distribution organization that is driven by a mission to create innovative, high performance surfaces people love, with world-class service our customers can count on, delivered by people all over the world who care.
Our company, headquartered in Austin, Texas, manufactures and distributes High Pressure Laminate, Quartz, Solid Surface, Coordinated TFL and Edgebanding, and other engineered surface options for use in furniture, office and retail spaces, countertops, worktops and other applications.
For 60 years, Wilsonart has honored our founders' promise to provide our customers with industry-leading products and service. We do business in more than 90 countries, operating under the Wilsonart®, Resopal®, Polyrey®, Arborite®, Laminart®, Ralph Wilson® and Durcon® brands. We currently manufacture in two US locations, plus Canada, United Kingdom, France, and Germany. Today, Wilsonart manufactures and distributes high pressure laminates and other engineered surfacing materials and components used in furniture, office and retail space, countertops, worktops and other applications.operations in North America, United Kingdom, France, Germany and Czech Republic.
Our Mission and Values
Company is driven by a mission to create surfaces people love, with service you can count on, delivered by people who care. Company is driven by providing beautiful, hard-working, on-trend and high performing engineered surfaces for whatever you need to cover. For decades, our companies worldwide have given designers and builders the right tools for the job, no matter how specialized. Today, we bring you a portfolio of solutions, both decorative and functional, that spans retail, hospitality, healthcare, education, office, and institutional applications.
Service You Can Count On.
Company is dedicated to getting our customers what they want, when and how they want it. From a North American fleet of trucks, to strategically located distribution centers around the world, we can service the globe with our expanding range of products and services.
People Who Care.
Over 4,500 people strong, Company is made up of dedicated people who care about doing the right thing, every day. Whether it’s making a flawless sheet of high-pressure laminate, volunteering at a community house raising or sourcing sustainable materials, Company people care deeply about what they do, who they do it for, and how they do it.
Position Overview:
The Transformation Leader will be a visionary leader responsible for developing and executing transformative initiatives that enhance operational efficiency and overall performance. This role focuses on driving innovation, creating automated, interconnected, data-driven smart factories, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. The Transformation Leader will work closely with senior leadership and cross-functional teams to identify and implement projects that align with the company's long-term goals.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Develop and Implement Transformation Strategy:
- Lead the creation and execution of a comprehensive transformation strategy that aligns with the company's vision and objectives.
- Focus on enhancing efficiency, flexibility, reducing costs, improving quality, fostering innovation, and building a data-driven decision culture.
ERP Migration:
- Lead the planning, execution, and adoption of ERP migration projects, ensuring seamless integration with existing systems and processes.
- Manage stakeholder expectations, communications across all levels, and ensure project goals are met.
Training:
- Develop and implement comprehensive training programs for operations employees.
- Ensure staff are equipped with the necessary skills to utilize new systems and processes effectively.
- Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of training programs.
Asset Management:
- Develop and implement strategies for effective asset management.
- Ensure the organization's assets are efficiently utilized and maintained.
- Monitor asset performance and identify opportunities for improvement.
QMS Implementation:
- Lead the implementation of Quality Management Systems (QMS) across the organization.
- Ensure compliance with relevant standards and regulations.
Automation:
- Research and identify relevant opportunities for automation to improve operational efficiency.
- Implement automated solutions that streamline processes and reduce manual workload.
- Monitor the performance of automated systems and make necessary adjustments.
Project Leadership:
- Prioritize and drive multiple transformation projects from inception to completion.
- Ensure projects are delivered on time, within scope, and within budget.
- Utilize project management methodologies to delegate, track progress and mitigate risks.
Organizational Change Leadership:
- Act as a change agent, driving organizational change, and promoting continuous improvements.
- Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration and commitment to customer advocacy.
- Ensure buy-in from all levels of the cross-functional organization.
Strategic Operations Planning:
- Develop and execute strategic plans that align with the organization's goals.
- Analyze operational data to identify areas for improvement, and delegate actions to meet targets.
- Collaborate with senior leadership to set priorities and allocate resources effectively.
Customer-Intimacy:
- Build smart and flexible production planning, scheduling, and manufacturing processes to respond faster to fluctuating demands.
- Establish channels for customer feedback and use data analytics to proactively set customer expectations on lead times.
Lead Innovation and Modernization:
- Identify opportunities for automation within planning, manufacturing, and plant distribution.
- Leverage emerging technologies to modernize sales and operations planning, production operations processes, and equip machinery with IoT sensors.
- Use data platforms for analysis of trends and patterns to raise customer service levels and meet KPIs.
Monitor and Measure Success:
- Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) and implement real-time dashboards for visibility into production metrics, customer lead times, inventory optimization, productivity, cost reductions, and product quality.
- Foster a culture of Kaizen, encouraging employee suggestions and regular process evaluations/improvements.
Collaborate with Executive Team:
- Work closely with senior leadership, including CEO, VP Ops, CIO, CFO, VP Sales, and BU and Product Line Executives, to ensure alignment of transformation initiatives with business goals and financial targets.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Visionary and forward-thinking
- Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities
- Excellent leadership, delegation, and team-building skills
- Proven expertise in change management and operational excellence
- Solid understanding of digital transformation and emerging technologies
- Strong financial acumen and experience managing budgets
- Excellent communication, narration and interpersonal skills
- High levels of accountability and ownership
- Results-driven and performance-oriented
- Adaptable and resilient in the face of change
- Collaborative and able to influence others
- Six Sigma and/or Lean Manufacturing working experience is preferred
- In-depth knowledge of manufacturing and operational processes
- Proven proficiency in Microsoft Office with specific emphasis on Excel, Access and Word
- Demonstrated skills in team leadership, conflict management and customer service
- Ability to develop processes and procedures without systems in place
- Superior analytical and problem-solving abilities in a variety of situations
- Demonstrated project management, time management and organizational skills
Education, Experience and Certifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field; MBA or advanced degree preferred. APICS certification preferred.
- Minimum 10+ years of experience in a leadership role within the manufacturing industry, with a proven track record of driving successful transformation initiatives.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills required
- Demonstrated ability to lead change at all levels of an international, multiple business unit company is required
- Demonstrated experience in development and execution of transformation strategies
- Strong Background in Operational Planning Systems within the Manufacturing-Distribution industry
- Extensive knowledge of, and Leadership of the Sales & Operations Planning Process (S&OP)
- Demonstrated experience in building high performance Planning Teams
- Strong leadership qualities including interpersonal, communication, organizational, and analytical skill
