Performance And Operations Management Lead-Midwest Region

Job Description

Performance and Operations Management Lead-Midwest Region

Job Summary

Are you a data-driven operations leader ready to influence performance across an entire business unit? ADM is seeking a Performance and Operations Management Lead to own and drive data analysis, insights, and site-specific action planning for our North America Oilseeds network.

This highly visible role will be embedded within our operations leadership structure and play a pivotal role in accelerating our Operational Excellence agenda. It's also a developmental opportunity for experienced operations leaders to strengthen financial acumen, project management capabilities, and broaden their exposure across our network to prepare for future promotion into a Plant Manager, Senior Manager or Regional Operations Manager role.

Key Responsibilities

Performance Data Ownership & Analysis

• Own end-to-end performance reporting across NA Oilseeds sites-establish consistent KPIs, reporting cadence, and visualization tools.
• Analyze data across areas such as throughput, yields, energy and chemical usage, operating costs, unplanned downtime, and OEE/TEEP to identify key drivers and performance gaps.
• Proactively develop insights from multiple data sources (PowerBI, PI, Maximo, SAP, accounting reports) to uncover trends and guide decision-making.
• Serve as the single point of accountability for consolidating and interpreting site performance data to support strategic planning and execution.

Strategy & Action Planning

• Partner with site and regional leaders to set annual and quarterly performance targets, ensuring alignment with BU strategic goals and X-matrix priorities.
• Lead the creation of site-level action plans tied to performance opportunities-assign ownership, define timelines, and track execution.
• Monitor ongoing progress and provide coaching, feedback, and course correction recommendations to drive accountability and results.

Operational & Financial Integration

• Act as a key link between operations and finance-translating operational realities into financial implications and vice versa.
• Lead plant cost analysis and variance reviews in collaboration with Finance; drive operational responses to budget and forecast deviations.
• Support annual planning activities by preparing, validating, and communicating production assumptions, usage forecasts, and capital justifications.
• Champion an "ownership mindset" within site teams for financial and operational performance metrics.

Leadership & Influence

• Serve as a thought partner and performance coach to Plant Managers and Regional Ops Directors, building leadership capability in data-driven decision making.
• Create transparency and accountability by communicating clear performance expectations and leading regular performance reviews.
• Facilitate cross-site learning by sharing best practices, lessons learned, and successful improvement initiatives.
• Represent NA Oilseeds performance topics in senior operations forums, leadership reviews, and planning sessions.

Performance Systems & Tools

• Lead the design and continuous improvement of performance management systems, dashboards, and scorecards.
• Partner with IT, GBS, and Technical Centers to enhance data accuracy, availability, and ease of use for plant teams.
• Evaluate and implement new tools or methodologies to improve how we track, analyze, and act on performance data.

Capital Planning & Technical Evaluation

• Assist Technical Centers and site leaders with capital investment proposals-ensuring robust financial justification and ROI modeling.
• Participate in post-project lookbacks to assess whether benefits have been realized and identify process improvements for future investments.

Performance Excellence & Capability Building

• Embed performance excellence methodologies like Zero Loss Thinking, Focused Improvement, and Root Cause Analysis into daily routines.
• Provide coaching and training to plant teams on performance reporting, cost management, and continuous improvement practices.
• Contribute to capability development by mentoring new Performance Engineers or Operations Leaders interested in broader impact roles.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related technical field (MBA or financial coursework a plus)
• 8+ years of manufacturing or operations experience with demonstrated financial and performance management acumen
• Strong ability to interpret data, identify gaps, and develop clear recommendations for action
• Effective communicator and influencer with experience engaging across all organizational levels
• Self-starter who thrives in cross-functional environments and is comfortable managing across multiple sites
• Proficient in data visualization and performance tools (e.g., PowerBI, Excel, PI, Maximo)
• Knowledge of Oilseeds processing or similar industrial manufacturing preferred

Why Join Us?

This role offers the opportunity to:

• Influence site-level performance across a major business unit
• Develop the skills and visibility needed to grow into a broader operations or commercial leadership role
• Help shape the future of our North America Oilseeds network through continuous improvement and talent development

Excited about this role but don't think you meet every requirement listed? We encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this role or another one of our openings.

Relocation support is available for this position

ADM requires the successful completion of a background check.

REF:97190BR