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Manager Operational Excellence Jobs in Madison, WI

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 ...

Quartz

Manager, Technology Operations

Madison, WI · On-site

$116K - $146K/yr

Play a key role in driving operational excellence, modernizing infrastructure, and delivering a ... Manages relationships with vendors and managed service providers. * Operational Excellence and ...

Quartz

Manager, Technology Operations

Madison, WI · On-site

$116K - $146K/yr

Play a key role in driving operational excellence, modernizing infrastructure, and delivering a ... Manages relationships with vendors and managed service providers. * Operational Excellence and ...

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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 Madison, WI is $22.41, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.21 and $24.47 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 job categories do people searching Manager Operational Excellence jobs in Madison, WI look for? The top searched job categories for Manager Operational Excellence jobs in Madison, WI are:
What cities near Madison, WI are hiring for Manager Operational Excellence jobs? Cities near Madison, WI with the most Manager Operational Excellence job openings:
Manager Operational Excellence jobs near you
Infographic showing various Manager Operational Excellence job openings in Madison, WI as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,609 per year, or $22.4 per hour.
Operational Excellence Specialist

Operational Excellence Specialist

Ball

Fort Atkinson, WI • On-site

$66K - $93K/yr

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago

Ball rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 23 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

At Ball, integrity and trust are the foundation of who we are. Guided by our core values-"We Care. We Work. We Win."-we create a culture where every voice matters, and every idea drives progress.
Together with our global employees, customers, and partners, we're turning bold sustainability goals into reality and shaping a future we can all be proud of.
Create a new future. Apply Today.
Primary Purpose of the Position:
The Operational Excellence Specialist is an entry level position. It is both, a facilitative leader and a learner, operating under the supervision of the Regional Operational Excellence Manager. The Operational Excellence Specialist is expected to be able to learn and understand the can making process and get involved with day to day operations at the plant.
The dual focus is on:
Leading standardization of the management process at the plant, working directly with employees on all shifts and teams.
Leading various process improvement assignments and projects that yield bottom-line productivity, improved throughput and better quality.
This is an entry level development role with an assignment of approximately 2 years. After 2 years, through solid performance, candidates may have an opportunity to grow into a Plant Supervisor role and a path to other future leadership roles.
Essential Responsible Areas:
  • Plant resource to facilitate/execute plant standardization of the management system and work with employees at all levels to help facilitate, train and track implementation to standard.
  • Leads and facilitates improvement teams, workshop teams, and individual improvement projects aligned with plant or department priorities:
  • Participates as a team member, problem solving resource and group facilitator on plant or department improvement teams as required; also participates in daily problem-solving activities.
  • Collaborates with plant team to conduct process analysis and performance reporting in support of internal or external client needs.
  • Learns and practices Lean tools and techniques (DMAIC, PDCA, root cause analysis, risk assessment/FMEA, kaizen).
  • Collaborates with plant training resources to support the development, documentation, training, sustainment and improvement of standardized work.
  • Supports and facilitates adoption of best practices to eliminate waste and improve performance for assigned plant or function.
  • Required to present, educate, train and facilitate at all levels and to external audiences.

Position Requirements:
  • Bachelor's Degree in engineering, Science, Supply Chain or equivalent work-related experience
  • Job related experience process improvement or project management experience; manufacturing experience (preferred).
  • Must be able to prioritize multiple projects, perform complex tasks, organize and follow through consistently and work under pressure to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
  • Proven team builder and leader
  • Strong written and oral communication, facilitation and presentation skills
  • Ability to influence upward, across and down without formal authority
  • Willing to take risks, challenge the status quo and work under ambiguous circumstances
  • Intellectually, emotionally and logically capable and confident; has the intelligence and stature to quickly gain credibility and become a trusted advisor.
  • Computer based skills (MS Excel, PowerPoint, Word)

Compensation & Benefits:
  • Expected Hiring Salary Range: $66,700-93,160 (Salary to be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.)
  • This role will be eligible to participate in the annual incentive compensation plan.
  • Please visit our "Total Rewards" page to learn more about Ball's comprehensive benefits structure.
  • Onsite Work Environment: This position is based in Fort Atkinson, WI and requires regular in-person engagement by working on-site. Travel and local commute between Ball locations and other possible non-Ball locations may be required.

When submitting your application to Ball, we encourage you to emphasize your skills, experience, and qualifications that align with the role.
Ball Corporation is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We actively encourage applications from everybody. All qualified job applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, creed, national origin, aboriginality, genetic information, ancestry, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, veteran status, age, political affiliation or any other non-merit characteristic.
Please note the advertised job title might vary from the job title on the contract due to local job title structure and global HR systems.
  • Under Colorado, California, Connecticut, Minnesota, and Pennsylvania law, you have the right to exclude or redact age-related details-such as your date of birth, school attendance dates, or graduation dates-from your resume, cover letter, CV, or other supporting documents (e.g., transcripts, certificates).
  • Legal authorization to work in the U.S. We will not sponsor individuals for employment visa, now or in the future, for this job opening.

* This position will be posted internally for a minimum of 3 days and will remain open until filled or adjusted based on the volume of applicants.
No agencies please.

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