Lead Specialist IV, Process Excellence

Lead Specialist IV, Process Excellence & Program Management (Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certified)

• Full-time
• Job Type (exemption status): Exempt position - Please see related compensation & benefits details below
• Business Function: Operations Training

WD is building the infrastructure behind the AI-driven data economy.

As AI scales, so does data. Every interaction, every model, every system generates data that must be stored, managed, and made accessible over time. That’s where we come in.

We combine deep engineering expertise with global-scale manufacturing to deliver the storage systems that make AI possible, powering hyperscale data centers, cloud platforms, and enterprise infrastructure worldwide.

This isn’t theoretical work. It’s real systems, at real scale, people solving some of the hardest challenges in technology today.

We’re looking for people who want to build, solve, and operate at that level.

Join us and let’s shape the future of data.

Summary of the Role:

As a Lead Specialist IV, Process Excellence & Program Management (Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certified), you will be responsible for leading the design, deployment and sustainment of continuous improvement and innovation programs across the Philippine Head Operations organization. The role serves as a key enabler of operational excellence by strengthening continuous improvement capabilities at the Professional and Manager levels and driving measurable business impact through structured methodologies, AI-augmented problem-solving, coaching, and a strong culture of innovation.The potential candidate is expected to be a forward-looking continuous improvement practitioner, combining proven CI frameworks with emerging AI-enabled tools and technologies to accelerate problem-solving, unlock breakthrough opportunities, and deliver sustainable performance improvements across the organization.

Key Responsibilities and Role Accountabilities:

• Architect and own the end-to-end Process Excellence roadmap aligned to Head Backend Operations strategic priorities.
• Lead and facilitate improvement initiatives using structured methodologies like AI enabled Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, and DMAIC frameworks across cross-functional teams.
• Define, track, and report program KPIs including cost savings, cycle time reduction, yield improvement, and defect elimination.
• Partner with Engineering, Quality, and Manufacturing teams to identify and prioritize high-impact improvement opportunities.

II. AI-Augmented Problem Solving

• Champion the integration of AI tools (generative AI, machine learning, predictive analytics) into the standard problem-solving toolkit for Professionals and Managers.
• Apply AI-assisted root cause analysis using pattern recognition and anomaly detection models to accelerate diagnosis of complex, multi-variable manufacturing problems.
• Leverage Large Language Models (LLMs) and prompt engineering techniques to support structured ideation, failure mode analysis, and process documentation generation.
• Champion structured innovation methodologiesaugmented by AI-powered ideation tools to generate and prioritize breakthrough ideas.
• Use AI-assisted brainstorming platforms and prompt frameworks to systematically unlock unconventional solutions from Professionals and Managers.
• Develop and manage innovation pipelines in collaboration with program owners; Manage ideation workflows.
• Integrate innovation platforms and toolswith AI-generated prompt libraries to enhance idea quality and volume.
• Create safe-to-fail environments that encourage experimentation, AI-assisted prototyping, and rapid iteration.

IV. Mentoring & Capability Development

• Serve as a primary mentor and coach for Professionals and Managersin applying process improvement, problem-solving, and AI tools.
• Design and deliver structured mentoring programs including one-on-one coaching, group workshops, and on-the-job application support.
• Guide mentees through real-world improvement projects from problem definition to solution implementation and control — incorporating AI at appropriate stages of the DMAIC cycle.
• Assess individual capability gaps and create personalized development plans tied to CI and AI skill progression
• Build and sustain a certified practitioner pipeline across the organization

V. Training & Knowledge Management

• Develop and maintain a Process Excellence curriculum that integrates traditional CI tools with AI applications covering foundational to advanced topics for varying experience levels
• Facilitate workshops, simulations, and learning sessions on Lean tools, root cause analysis, statistical methods, AI-assisted analytics, and change management
• Curate and manage a