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Lean Operational Excellence Jobs (NOW HIRING)

EMPIRE

Manager, Operational Excellence

Chicago, IL

$118K - $162K/yr

Manager, Operational Excellence Company: Prologis A day in the life Are you passionate about ... Implement Lean methodologies to drive process optimization and operational efficiency across ...

EMPIRE

Manager, Operational Excellence

Denver, CO

$118K - $162K/yr

Manager, Operational Excellence Company: Prologis A day in the life Are you passionate about ... Implement Lean methodologies to drive process optimization and operational efficiency across ...

Danos, LLC

Operational Excellence Manager

Gray, LA · On-site

Overview Job Title: Operational Excellence Manager Schedule: TBD Location: Gray, LA (open to ... Lead improvement initiatives (CIP, Lean, 5S, CAPA) to enhance efficiency, quality, safety, and ...

Exalta Group

Operational Excellence Engineer

Bethlehem, PA · On-site

$68K - $92K/yr

Operational Excellence Engineer The Operational Excellence Engineer is a high‑energy, tactical ... through Lean methods, standard work, and hands‑on problem solving. Principle Duties ...

Moog

Operational Excellence Leader

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$185K - $202K/yr

Strong Lean / Operational Excellence background * Experience in AS9100 environments * Ability to influence senior leaders across engineering, supply chain, manufacturing, test and quality ...

Boeing

Operational Excellence Manager

Mesa, AZ · On-site

$119K - $161K/yr

The Operational Excellence Manager will lead four growing functions within the Operational ... Advance Lean thinking and help shape the enterprise Lean vision * Oversee technology improvement ...

Danos, LLC

Operational Excellence Manager

Gray, LA

Job Title: Operational Excellence Manager Schedule: TBD Location: Gray, LA (open to candidates ... Lead improvement initiatives (CIP, Lean, 5S, CAPA) to enhance efficiency, quality, safety, and ...

Trecora LLC

Operational Excellence Manager

Spring, TX · On-site

Facilitate continuous improvement projects using Lean and Six Sigma principles. * Track and ... Conduct operational excellence audits. * Evaluate compliance with established business processes.

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All JobsLean Operational Excellence Jobs

Lean Operational Excellence information

See salary details

$55.5K

$101.4K

$140.5K

How much do lean operational excellence jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 12, 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:
Lean Operational Excellence jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lean Operational Excellence job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $101,419 per year, or $48.8 per hour.
OP - Mgr, Global Operational Excellence

OP - Mgr, Global Operational Excellence

HarbisonWalker International

Pittsburgh, PA

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago

HarbisonWalker International rating

9.4

Company rating: 9.4 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Mission

The Opex Manager will coach, drive and lead lean implementation/transformation by conducting workshops and  mini-transformations. This role will drive cultural transformation in all regions, resulting in step-change in operational business metrics.

Responsibilities

The main responsibilities of the Opex Manager is to drive Operational Excellence Transformation, i.e.:

  • Conduct/Lead full Opex Transformation globally on site with support from different departments
  • Animate/Lead Operational Excellence and cross functional CI events, workshops, and focus groups to optimize solutions from end-to-end, identifying waste opportunities and driving productivity through an active funnel of projects.
  • Translate and propose solutions to gaps in performance to KPI's to bottom line impact to P&L
  • Lead and collaborate on Lean performance and improvement projects throughout the organization and mentors OpEx/process engineers and leadership toward continuous improvement.
  • Analyze/Design/ Improve efficiency Yield, Labor efficiency, Planning and scheduling Energy Lead time Solvent cost optimization etc.
  • Culture changes: support behavior changes to sustain continuous improvement efforts beyond project activities. Team coaching will be one of the means to achieve such a mindset shift.
  • Assist  teams in prioritizing improvements, making recommendations to functional leaders to enhance efficiencies and effectiveness
  • Assist in the development and implementation of a 'best-in-class' continuous improvement strategy
  • Drive lean training and implement a lean toolkit utilizing PDCA; value stream mapping; quick changeovers; Kaizen, problem solving, 5S, etc
  • Lead and independently drive assigned projects from initiation through completion, ensuring delivery of expected outcomes in alignment with the manager.

Requirements

  • Bachelor degree in Engineering, Masters preferred
  • Certified Lean Six Sigma Green or Black belt
  • Minimum five (5) years manufacturing experience
  • Transformation excellence: A cross-functional leadership background, who has led and delivered enterprise-level business transformation engagements
  • Excellent data analytics skills, including experience of statistical methods and data modelling (knowledge of a statistical software package is an advantage)
  • Consultancy experience (external or internal)
  • Experience and knowledge in the field of lean production, production system design principles and know how to use lean methods as improvement tools in a targeted manner.
  • World class exposure to lean and transformation processes with use of statistics related to Business Improvement metrics. Strong analytical skills
  • Strong influencing skills with people and teams
  • Ability to travel to assigned locations at least 60% of the time - will require international travel

Preferred

  • Experience and knowledge in the field of lean production, production system design principles and know how to use lean methods as improvement tools in a targeted manner.

  • World class exposure to lean and transformation processes with use of statistics related to Business Improvement metrics. Strong analytical skills

    Physical and Environmental Requirements

  • Physical Activity:  Requires 1/3 to 2/3 of time sitting and/or speaking/hearing.  Requires less than 1/3 of time standing, walking, using hands and fingers, reaching.

  • Lifting:  Requires lifting up to 50 pounds less than 1/3 of time.

  • Vision: Requires accurate close and distance vision.

  • Environment:  Requires 1/3 to 2/3 of time in an office setting.  Requires less than 1/3 of time working near moving mechanical parts, exposed to fumes or airborne particles, toxic/caustic chemicals, and/or vibration.

  • Noise: Requires working in quiet conditions.

HWI, a member of Calderys

HWI is the largest supplier of refractory products and services in the United States. 

With manufacturing sites and distribution centers across the Americas, as well as the major refractory industry research facility in North America, HWI serves virtually every major industry that requires refractory solutions to enhance production and protect assets. HWI is consistently recognized for its talented experts, industry firsts, and intensely driven excellence.

We're actively expanding our team of dedicated, enthusiastic people - particularly in research and development, engineering and manufacturing, product management, and sales. As a dynamic, growing global refractory leader, we offer competitive compensation, benefits packages, and wellness programs. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we are committed to a diverse workforce.

For more information, visit https://thinkhwi.com/

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