Chad Burroughs

About Chad Burroughs

I help organizations unlock breakthrough performance by building operating systems and cultures that make continuous improvement part of how work gets done every day.Over the past two+ decades, I’ve led operational transformation initiatives across automotive, aerospace, life sciences, and industrial technology companies including Rolls-Royce, Danaher, and Veralto. My work focuses on deploying Lean operating systems, strengthening scientific problem solving, and developing leaders who can sustain performance improvements long after the event or project is finished.Throughout my career I’ve partnered with executives, engineers, and frontline teams to solve complex operational challenges and deliver measurable results. This includes deploying the Rolls-Royce Production System, leading major Danaher Business System (DBS) transformations, and currently helping scale the Veralto Enterprise System (VES) across a global network of operating companies.Some examples of impact include:• Led operational transformation at Rolls-Royce Aerospace, delivering $2.4M in savings, sustaining 98% employee participation in continuous improvement, and deploying the first global implementation of the Rolls-Royce Production System.• Reduced $10M past-due backlog at a major biotech business while supporting North American Life Sciences companies through the Danaher Business System.• Currently support 14 global operating companies and associates through the Veralto Enterprise System, including leading global Shingijutsu (Shin) events averaging 55% performance improvements.A major focus of my work is developing capability inside organizations. I’ve helped build networks of hundreds of Lean practitioners, coached leaders in scientific thinking and Kata, and facilitated Kaizen and problem-solving events that deliver both performance improvements and leadership growth. Much of my approach has been shaped through learning directly from Japanese Lean sensei, reinforcing the importance of disciplined problem solving, leadership development, and respect for people.My passion is helping organizations move beyond isolated improvement projects and build operating systems and cultures that sustain performance for years to come.If you’re passionate about operational excellence, Lean systems, or scientific problem solving, I enjoy connecting with leaders who are working to build high-performing organizations.

Experience

1. Director, Operational Excellence

   Veralto

   Jul 2023 — Present · US

   Lead enterprise operational excellence initiatives across Veralto’s global operating companies through the Veralto Enterprise System (VES), partnering with executive leaders to strengthen performance, deploy Lean operating systems, and build continuous improvement capability across the enterprise.Support 14 operating companies and more than associates across Veralto’s Water Quality and Product Quality & Identification platforms, helping leaders embed scientific problem solving, strategy deployment, and daily management disciplines that drive sustainable business performance.Key contributions:• Led global Shingijutsu (Shin) and C-suite Kaizen events averaging 55% performance improvements across operations and commercial processes• Expand and support a global network of 300+ certified Lean VES practitioners, strengthening improvement capability across operating companies• Enhanced the VES Problem Solving Process, integrating scientific thinking, Root Cause Analysis, and Kata coaching to improve practitioner maturity• Partner with executive leaders to support and strengthen local Operational Excellence talent.• Support global benchmark activities including Shin tours in Japan and best-practice site visits across China and the United States• Developed a digital library of Lean learning content and leveraged AI-enabled video tools to accelerate capability development across the enterpriseRecognitions:• CEO Kaizen Award – Delivered 60% throughput improvement eliminating backlog in a critical ink-cartridge process• Shin Event Award – Achieved 48% throughput improvement through redesigned layout and flow for key service products

Education

• UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School

  MBA, Global Business

  2009 — 2011

• East Carolina University

  BS, Industrial Engineering