Op Ex Engineer

COMPANY OVERVIEW  

At Imagine we go beyond print to help our clients deliver game-changing visual communications from concept to delivery that set the standard for our industry. The first step in this process is hiring great employees! Our innovation teams are the most committed, highly experienced artisans in the business. We are committed to delivering high-quality marketing solutions, in every environment and campaign, helping our clients capture the heart, minds, and loyalty of their customers. For more than 30 years, The Imagine Group has established itself as one of the most influential and innovative visual communications companies in the industry. Join us and let's Imagine a better way together.

Job Summary:

The operational excellence engineer is a key role dedicated to driving continuous improvement across both the manufacturing floor and office business systems by identifying opportunities to streamline workflows, automate repetitive tasks, improve reporting accuracy and leveraging AI-driven solutions to increase productivity and scalability. This position is responsible for enhancing operational efficiency, productivity, and overall effectiveness by implementing innovative solutions and best practices throughout the organization. The successful candidate will work closely with cross-functional teams to identify opportunities for improvement, streamline processes, and ensure that both production and business operations are optimized for peak performance utilizing effective project management practices. This position serves as a bridge between business operations, finance, client services, and technology, ensuring that processes support growth, profitability, and exceptional client service. Will serve as internal expert on project management and workflow platforms. Lead AI-enabled process improvement projects as follows: Client Reporting & Business Intelligence, Agency operations optimization, Finance Workflow Automation, and more.

Job Description: 

General Agency Operations Optimization:

• Analyze and improve end-to-end agency workflows across account management, project delivery, creative operations, production, and administrative functions.
• Identify bottlenecks, redundancies, and manual processes that limit efficiency and scalability.
• Develop and implement standardized operating procedures and best practices across departments.
• Partner with leadership to drive operational excellence initiatives that improve productivity and resource utilization.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and effectiveness.
• Lead process improvement initiatives from discovery through implementation.
• Facility workshops and stakeholder interviews to identify automation opportunities.
• Build business cases demonstrating efficiency gains, cost savings, and ROI
• Measure and communicate the impact of automation and process improvement initiatives.
• Support organizational change management and user adoption efforts.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify and implement process improvements.
• Manage and execute strategic projects that align with the company's operational excellence goals.
• Provide expertise in both industrial engineering and business process optimization.
• Assess and enhance production processes using lean manufacturing techniques to reduce waste, lower costs, and improve quality.
• Determine the capacity of production and process while working to improve processes by applying lean manufacturing techniques to reduce waste and costs and increase quality.
• Identify opportunities to leverage AI tolls to improve efficiency, quality, and decision-making across the agency.
• Develop AI-powered workflows for content creation, reporting, project management, financial analysis, knowledge management, and administrative tasks.
• Evaluate emerging AI technologies and recommend practical applications that create measurable business value.
• Lead adoption and training initiatives to ensure successful implementation of AI solutions.
• Establish governance, documentation, and best practices for responsible AI use across the organization.

Business Systems Focused / Finance Workflow Automation:

• Collaborate with finance and operations teams to automate key financial processes including:
• Client billing and invoicing
• Client budget tracking
• Revenue forecasting and reporting
• Improve data accuracy and reduce manual entry through system integrations and workflow automation.
• Develop dashboards and reporting tools that provide real-time visibility into financial performance and operational metrics.

Manufacturing Focused:

• Lead initiatives to enhance the efficiency and functionality of the ERP system, ensuring it supports business operations effectively.
• Perform in-depth analysis of all front-end business processes to identify bottlenecks and areas for improvement.
• Drive the implementation of process improvements, ensuring they align with business goals and deliver measurable benefits.
• Manage and execute continuous improvement projects using structured project management methodologies to ensure timely and successful completion.
• Apply Six Sigma principles and tools to identify process variations and implement data-driven improvements.
• Identify opportunities for process automation and lead initiatives to implement automated solutions that enhance efficiency and accuracy.
• Work closely with department managers and key stakeholders to gather requirements and ensure successful implementation of improvements.
• Track key performance indicators (KPIs) related to business systems, providing regular reports to management and highlighting successes and areas for further improvement.
• Provide guidance and training to junior team members, fostering a culture of continuous improvement within the organization

Pay Rate

$110k - $115k

Pay Statement  

The national pay range for this role is listed in the job posting. The pay range may be slightly lower or higher based on the geographic location. The actual pay offered may vary based upon, but not limited to: education, skills, experience, proficiency, performance, shift and location. In addition to base salary, depending on the role, the total compensation package may also include participation in a bonus, commission or incentive program. Imagine offers benefits including medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid time off, disability insurance, 401(k) with match, life insurance and other voluntary supplemental insurance coverages, plus tuition assistance, caregiver leave, adoption assistance, and employer/partner discounts.? 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS OF POSITION

General:

• Bachelor’s degree
• Demonstrated effective interpersonal and communication skills, including written communication.
• Able to collaborate in a team environment across departments including quality, finance, supply chain, scheduling account management, etc.
• Self-directed dependable and motivated with excellent relationship and time management skills.
• Proactive problem-solver who understands agency operations, financial workflows, project management systems, and emerging AI technologies.

Manufacturing Focused:

• Bachelor’s degree in industrial, Process or Mechanical Engineering, or something similar
• 2-4 years of experience

Business Systems Focused:

• 5-7 years of experience

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS OF POSITION

• Experience in Project Management
• Familiarity with Lean, Six Sigma, &/or Theory of Constraints
• Microsoft Office Suite
• Power BI & Workflow Automation
• Knowledge in coding/programming
• Familiarity with ERP systems.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Strong verbal and written communication skills is mandatory.
• Highly adaptable.
• Must be self-motivated and the ability to prioritize tasks.
• Must work well in a team and the ability to perform with little supervision.
• Must follow and support all quality, management and corporate policies and instructions.
• Microsoft Office suite of products experience is required.
• Problem-solving, multi-tasking, and prioritization skills.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Occasional walking 
• Manual dexterity for repetitive work
• Frequent Sitting for prolonged periods of time
• Frequent reaching, bending, stooping, and standing.
• Travel: N/A
• Chemicals: N/A
• Ability to lift, push and pull up to 50 lbs.

EEO Statement  

The Imagine Group provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.