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Manager Operational Excellence Jobs in Wisconsin

Ball

Operational Excellence Specialist

Fort Atkinson, WI · On-site

$66K - $93K/yr

The Operational Excellence Specialist is an entry level position. It is both, a facilitative leader ... Leading standardization of the management process at the plant, working directly with employees on ...

PPG

Operational Excellence Engineer

Oak Creek, WI

$66K - $89K/yr

The Operational Excellence Engineer is responsible for driving continuous improvement and elevating ... Support change management and sustain operational improvements * Track and communicate performance ...

Apogee

Operational Excellence Engineer Sr.

Wausau, WI

$112K - $153K/yr

Position Summary The Operational Excellence Specialist Senior serves as a strategic leader ... Project management (preferred). Work Environment/Travel Requirements * Frequent exposure to ...

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How much do manager operational excellence jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for manager operational excellence in Wisconsin is $22.44, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.21 and $24.52 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an operational excellence manager do?

An operational excellence manager oversees initiatives to improve business processes, increase efficiency, and reduce costs within an organization. They analyze workflows, implement best practices, and often use tools like Lean or Six Sigma to drive continuous improvement. This role typically requires strong problem-solving skills and project management experience.

How does a Manager of Operational Excellence typically collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive process improvements?

Managers of Operational Excellence work closely with various departments such as production, quality, finance, and IT to identify inefficiencies and implement best practices. They often lead workshops, facilitate root cause analyses, and coordinate continuous improvement initiatives that require input from different functional areas. Effective communication and stakeholder engagement are essential, as these managers must align diverse teams around common goals and encourage a culture of ongoing improvement. This collaborative approach not only helps achieve operational targets but also fosters strong working relationships across the organization.

What is the difference between Manager Operational Excellence vs Continuous Improvement Manager?

AspectManager Operational ExcellenceContinuous Improvement Manager
Primary FocusOptimizing overall operational processes and strategic initiativesImplementing specific process improvements and incremental changes
CertificationsLean, Six Sigma, PMP often preferredLean, Six Sigma, Kaizen certifications common
Work EnvironmentCross-departmental, strategic planningProject-based, team-focused
Industry UsageManufacturing, healthcare, financeManufacturing, service industries, logistics

The Manager Operational Excellence role typically involves overseeing broad strategic initiatives to improve overall efficiency across departments, often requiring higher-level certifications and strategic planning skills. In contrast, the Continuous Improvement Manager focuses on implementing specific process improvements and incremental changes within teams or projects. Both roles share similar certifications and industry usage but differ mainly in scope and strategic involvement.

What is the difference between operations manager and operational excellence manager?

An operations manager oversees daily business activities, ensuring efficient production and service delivery, while an operational excellence manager focuses on continuous improvement, process optimization, and implementing best practices to enhance overall organizational performance. The operational excellence role often involves methodologies like Lean or Six Sigma and requires skills in process analysis and change management.

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

To thrive as a Manager Operational Excellence, you need a solid background in process improvement methodologies (such as Lean or Six Sigma), analytical problem-solving, and a relevant bachelor's degree—often in business or engineering. Familiarity with process mapping tools, data analytics platforms, and certifications like Lean Six Sigma Black Belt are typically expected. Strong leadership, communication, and change management skills set outstanding candidates apart in this role. These competencies are crucial for driving efficiency, fostering continuous improvement, and ensuring sustainable organizational success.

What are the 4 pillars of operational excellence?

The four pillars of operational excellence are standardization, continuous improvement, waste reduction, and employee engagement. These principles help managers in roles like Operational Excellence to optimize processes, improve quality, and increase efficiency within organizations.

Is ops manager higher than GM?

An operations manager (ops manager) typically reports to a general manager (GM) or director and focuses on overseeing daily operational activities. The GM usually holds a higher-level position with broader responsibilities, including strategic planning and overall business performance, making the GM generally higher in organizational hierarchy than an ops manager.

What are Manager Operational Excellence?

A Manager of Operational Excellence is responsible for leading initiatives that improve an organization's processes, efficiency, and productivity. They use methodologies like Lean, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement to identify areas of waste or inefficiency and implement solutions. This role often involves working cross-functionally to drive change, train teams, and ensure that best practices are adopted throughout the organization. The goal is to enhance performance, quality, and customer satisfaction while reducing costs.
What are the most commonly searched types of Operational Excellence jobs in Wisconsin? The most popular types of Operational Excellence jobs in Wisconsin are:
What are popular job titles related to Manager Operational Excellence jobs in Wisconsin? For Manager Operational Excellence jobs in Wisconsin, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Manager Operational Excellence jobs in Wisconsin look for? The top searched job categories for Manager Operational Excellence jobs in Wisconsin are:
What cities in Wisconsin are hiring for Manager Operational Excellence jobs? Cities in Wisconsin with the most Manager Operational Excellence job openings:
Manager Operational Excellence jobs near you
Infographic showing various Manager Operational Excellence job openings in Wisconsin as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,681 per year, or $22.4 per hour.
Operational Excellence Manager

Operational Excellence Manager

Ventura Foods

Waukesha, WI • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday

Ventura Foods rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 33 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

218th of 397 rated food and drinks producers

Job description

Employment Type: Salaried
Work Arrangement: Onsite
Position Summary:
The Plant OpEx Manager will be responsible for accelerating operational excellence change efforts at the production plant by leading organizational/leadership development processes, promoting employee engagement and driving quality and productivity improvements. As part of the Plant Leadership Team the OpEx Manager will provide necessary coaching to the team and other individuals regarding organizational effectiveness, operational improvements, continuous improvement methodology, and execution of best practices. Provide influential leadership to support departments to gain results throughout the site.
Major Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Responsible for implementing strategy and guiding advancement of operational excellence at the plant.
  • Collaborate with the Production, Quality, Finance, Maintenance, Enginnering Managers and others at the location to understand site business priorities/goals and use this knowledge to prioritize Continuous Improvement activity at the production location.
  • Be a role model for the mindsets and behaviors necessary to create an environment of trust, participation and accountability.
  • Consult on Six Sigma, Lean, and Kaizen methodology leaders to identify best practices and to simplify and standardize work to deliver improved performance.
  • Actively review site practices to identify opportunities and advise on appropriate organizational interventions, i.e. training, coaching, etc. for improving site systems and practices to achieve desired outcomes. Build a coaching culture and provide individual coaching to site and above site leadership throughout the change and transformation process.
  • Guide locations in determining the priorities for process improvements that impact production and business results and champion waste elimination and reduction. Responsible for the oversight and direct supervision of assigned plant continuous improvement resources.
  • Build a coaching culture and provide individual coaching to site and above site leadership throughout the change and transformation process.
  • Monitor improvement progress and sustain transformational gains over time through continued metric review and consultation with key stakeholders.
  • Lead improvement projects utilizing standardized Lean Six Sigma tools and methods to improve plant performance and achieve results for operations customers.
  • Responsible for following all food safety policies, procedures and regulatory criteria including the current SQF code, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), HACCP, and the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) and associated preventive controls.

Education and Experience:
  • Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Business, Operations Management required.
  • 5+ years of experience in Engineering, Business, Operations Management.
  • Experience in a food manufacturing environment preferred.

Knowledge and Skills:
  • Professional certifications and experience especially helpful in the field of Autonomous Maintenance, Training Development, Organizational Development, Coaching, Lean and Change Management.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead, manage and implement organizational and cultural change and deliver results. Results oriented with the ability to gather, analyze, and interpret information from a variety of sources.
  • Be a recognized role model in key leadership development skills of feedback, coaching, listening, empowerment and difficult conversations.
  • Demonstrated conflict resolution and solution focused problem-solving skills.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills which include building rapport and maintaining strong relationships across all levels, sensitivity to individual and team needs, collaborating effectively to accomplish work, effective facilitation and teaching skills.
  • Project management capability with effective time management skills and ability to manage multiple conflicting priorities.
  • Knowledge and strong working competence in Microsoft Office (Excel & PowerPoint).

Why Join Us:
Ventura Foods innovates and manufactures food solutions for foodservice and retail businesses. We make exclusive products for the world's most iconic restaurants and retailers, we provide ready-to-go product solutions for professional kitchens, and we make consumer brands everyone knows and loves. When you work for Ventura Foods, you get a strong foundation of training, a manager who cares about you and celebrates your success, a safe environment, and challenging work. As part of our team, your future is limited only by how much you're willing to push yourself to get there. We invest in your growth because you invest in ours.
Ventura Foods offers career growth opportunities as well as competitive compensation and benefits:
  • Medical, Prescription, Dental, & Vision - coverage beginning on your 1st day for eligible employees
  • Profit Sharing and 401(k) matching (after eligible criteria is met)
  • Paid Vacation, Sick Time, and Holidays
  • Employee Appreciation Events and Employee Assistance Programs

Physical Demands:
All jobs require sufficient physical strength and dexterity to perform the required task(s) and typically also require at a minimum: intermittent sitting, standing, walking, climbing, squatting, kneeling, pushing, and pulling. Occasional lifting and/or moving up to 50 pounds or more with assistance may also be required. Please see the job description for specific requirements.
Work Environment:
Please see the job description for specific requirements of the position for which you are applying.
Typical shifts are 8-12 hours per day. Additional unscheduled time after hours and on weekends may also be required. Employees must be willing and able to wear personal protective equipment as required by Company policy and/or legal requirements. In addition, certain jobs may require employees to:
  • Work outside and/or in adverse temperatures which could include extreme heat, cold, and humidity;
  • Be exposed to vibrations, chemicals used in operations, fumes and food allergens (may include soy, dairy and other allergens); and
  • Be required to work in confined and dark spaces, and at heights in excess of 18 feet.

Diversity & Inclusion:
Our commitment to a diverse and inclusive environment in which all employees are treated with respect is evident in our company culture and values. We believe that fostering an environment of inclusion and a focus on diversity across our organization is vital to attracting top talent, driving innovation, and meeting the high expectations of our customers in a rapidly evolving global marketplace
Ventura Foods is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

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