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Lean Operational Excellence Jobs (NOW HIRING)

JOB SUMMARY The Operational Excellence Leader is responsible for driving continuous improvement and ... This role leads strategic initiatives using Lean methodologies to optimize processes, enhance ...

As the Operational Excellence Manager, Americas for PPG, you will help build a culture of ... Certified Lean Six Sigma Green Belt required; Black Belt certification. * Expertise in Lean ...

Operational Excellence Engineer

Monroe, OH · On-site

$66K - $89K/yr

The ideal candidate is analytical, collaborative and eager to learn lean manufacturing methodologies in a hands-on environment. This position reports to the Operational Excellence Manager. Core ...

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Lean Operational Excellence information

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How much do lean operational excellence jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for lean operational excellence in the United States is $101,419.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $90,000.00 and $115,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Lean Operational Excellence professional, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Lean Operational Excellence professional, you need a strong background in process improvement, analytical thinking, and a thorough understanding of Lean methodologies, often supported by certifications like Lean Six Sigma. Familiarity with process mapping tools, data analytics software, and continuous improvement systems is typically required. Exceptional communication, leadership, and change management skills help drive engagement and sustain improvement initiatives. These skills are crucial for effectively identifying inefficiencies, implementing sustainable solutions, and fostering a culture of ongoing operational excellence.

What is the difference between Lean Operational Excellence vs Continuous Improvement Specialist?

AspectLean Operational ExcellenceContinuous Improvement Specialist
CertificationsLean, Six Sigma, KaizenLean, Six Sigma, Kaizen
Work EnvironmentManufacturing, Healthcare, Service industriesManufacturing, Service industries, Corporate settings
Employer & Industry UsageOrganizations seeking process optimization and waste reductionOrganizations aiming for ongoing process improvements

Lean Operational Excellence focuses on implementing Lean principles to eliminate waste and improve efficiency across processes. Continuous Improvement Specialist emphasizes fostering a culture of ongoing process enhancements through methodologies like Lean and Six Sigma. While both roles share similar certifications and work environments, Lean Operational Excellence typically involves broader strategic initiatives, whereas Continuous Improvement Specialists focus on incremental improvements within teams.

What is Lean Operational Excellence?

Lean Operational Excellence is a management philosophy that focuses on maximizing value for customers by eliminating waste, improving processes, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. It combines Lean principles, which aim to streamline operations, with the broader goal of achieving excellence across all aspects of an organization. Professionals in this field work to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance quality by empowering employees, standardizing processes, and using data-driven decision making. This approach is commonly used in manufacturing but is increasingly applied in healthcare, services, and other industries.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in Lean Operational Excellence roles, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Lean Operational Excellence often face challenges such as resistance to change, sustaining improvements over time, and aligning cross-functional teams toward shared goals. Overcoming these obstacles typically involves strong communication, effective stakeholder engagement, and continuous training to embed lean principles in the organizational culture. Establishing clear metrics, celebrating quick wins, and fostering a collaborative environment also help drive long-term success and continuous improvement.
More about Lean Operational Excellence jobs
What states have the most Lean Operational Excellence jobs? States with the most job openings for Lean Operational Excellence jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Lean Operational Excellence jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Lean Operational Excellence jobs are:
Infographic showing various Lean Operational Excellence job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,419 per year, or $48.8 per hour.
Lean Operational Excellence Leader

Lean Operational Excellence Leader

Great Dane LLC

Elysburg, PA

Full-time

Posted yesterday


Job description

Under the direction of the Plant Manager and the Director of Industrial Engineering, the Lean Operational Excellence Leader is a leader in Lean Implementation and continuous improvement efforts in all five phases of Lean. The Lean Operational Excellence Leader mentors operational and support group leaders in Lean deployment and implementation, problem solving methodology and supports change management in the cascading of Lean through the facility. The Lean Operational Excellence Leader is the facility operating processes subject matter expert, who ensures all processes are documented, lean, and capable while monitoring for compliance amongst all groups and coordinating Lean Metric Reporting.


Key Responsibilities:


• Be the leader in lean implementation.
• Establish processes that detect, record and reduce waste of any form throughout the value-add process affecting quality, throughput, efficiency, cost, etc. Coordinate project to roll out such lean processes.
• Coach leadership and line workers in those processes and establish a culture of continuous improvement.
• Coach and support team in developing and managing Engineering controls of lean Gates to support lean processes.
• Provide feedback to appropriate managers of waste trends, patterns, and opportunities.
• Responsible oversight of on-line waste reduction activities in order to ensure principles of lean manufacturing are being executed and maintained: built in quality, schedule and time control, shorten lead time, capital and manpower utilization.
• Conduct problem solving efforts and improvement projects related to waste reduction.
• Facilitate and conduct data analysis of waste related to gates.
• Coordinate lean metric reporting, create and distribute gate management reports. Develop governance package for plant leadership to lead transition of ownership to corresponding functional leader and track result progress.
• Conduct daily lean process audits in order to ensure compliance with applicable standards.
• Ensure feedback is getting back to all levels of work teams when issues occur.
• Support project change management in the cascading of lean through facility and other areas of the support staffs. Help inform/engage impacted employees.
• Effectively support other functions as required such as training, Model Line events, and other improvement projects.
• Coordinate Lean visits by leadership and from other plants.
• Other duties as assigned.


Job Requirements:


• Education: Bachelor’s degree in related discipline (e.g., engineering, quality, management, or business)
• Years of Experience: 3-5+ years of relevant work experience in engineering and/or manufacturing related fields or equivalent combination of education and training.
• Have a strong process focused thinking and mentality.
• Good communication skills and ability to motivate and engage others.
• Have some coaching, facilitation, and leadership experience. Prior Lean experience is desired.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office products, including advanced data functions in Excel.
• Excellent analytical skills; Ability to collect and analyze data and present findings.
• Strong organizational and project management skills with attention to detail.
• Strong customer service orientation and ability to maintain a professional, friendly demeanor.
• Solid ability in identifying and resolving problems in a timely, effective manner.
• Strong verbal, written and interpersonal skills.
• Travel: Travel as needed.
Physical Demands/Work Environment:
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Physical demands: Ability to stand and move about on concrete 8-12 hours a day. Ability to, sit, speak, hear, see, walk, bend, reach, grasp, stoop, kneel, twist, crawl, carry, climb, work overhead, push and pull. Ability to do heavy lifting (50 pounds) on occasion. Ability to maneuver large parts and assemblies (up to 50 pounds) by pushing, pulling and flipping them into place. The employer will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.
• Work environment: Employees must dress according to the company policy, and will be required to wear certain eye, head, hearing, hand and foot protection. Employees must wear all mandated PPE due to: Potential for scrapes, punctures, and cuts. Metal shavings or other debris falling in eyes. Light radiation burns. Pinch points. Possible respiratory hazards. Heavy objects that may fall. High noise level in the plant. Potential contact with hazardous chemicals. Employee may share desk space, filing cabinets and office equipment with other employees.