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How much do manager operational excellence jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for manager operational excellence in the United States is $22.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $24.28 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.
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Manager Operational Excellence jobs near you
Infographic showing various Manager Operational Excellence job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,249 per year, or $22.2 per hour.
Senior Manager Operational Excellence

Senior Manager Operational Excellence

Leonardo DRS

Bridgeton, MO

$116K - $157K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago

Leonardo DRS rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 55 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

133rd of 527 rated manufacturers

Job description

Job ID: 114658 

The Leonardo DRS Land Systems business is a recognized leader in the design and integration of complex technologies into new and legacy systems and platforms for global military and commercial customers. We are a 5 year running Top Workplace in the Greater St. Louis area.  

Job Summary

Leonardo DRS Land Systems is seeking a full time Senior Manager of Operational Excellence.  This position is based out of Bridgeton, MO, but would require travel 50% of the time to West Plains, MO.  APEX (Always Performing for Excellence) is the Leonardo DRS Operational Excellence program designed to drive our culture, our way of life to a new level as the team strives for excellence in pursuit of top performance.  The Senior Operational Excellence Manager supports the Business Unit on Operational Excellence initiatives and is viewed as a Subject Matter Expert and business partner.

Job Responsibilities
  • Guide, maintain and monitor the operational excellence program and activities, ensuring integration and coordination with the Operational Excellence leadership
  • Manage opportunities identified for improvement using Operational Excellence principles and methodologies
  • Oversee process improvement events, define and monitor performance metrics, foster culture, and mentor quality team
  • Provide subject matter expertise in structured problem solving & root cause analysis, leading complex investigations and teaching/coaching others in problem solving methodology
  • Conducts briefings with and provide technical guidance for senior leadership and top executive management
  • Establishes processes and ensure that these processes conform to the organization's and/or corporate policies and procedures, values, and federal, state, and local regulations
  • Lead cross-functional teams in defining and scoping charters for continuous improvement projects
  • Provide advice and assistance to other departments as required
  • Establish and utilize dashboards for KPI's, track performance of Operational Excellence Cost Savings and Project goals
  • Manage execution in support of 5S, Visual Controls, Risk Management, Change Management, and Strategy Deployment
  • Develop and maintain integrated project plans
  • Effectively communicate with team members, senior leaders and key stakeholders on the status, objectives, risks, and mitigation plans associated with projects, as well as ensure team members are aware of integrated project timelines
  • Manage the Quality and Lean Six Sigma strategy to facilitate continuous production of products consistent with established industry standards, government regulations and customer requirements
  • Ensure OE standards (e.g., DMAIC, Lean, Root Cause Analysis) are being used for problem solving (tools and methods) and daily continuous improvement.  Champion use of KPI / metric management for data-based decision making.  Identify and support individuals with interest in OE leading to development/certification of future Yellow/Green/Black Belts
  • Improve overall business operations focusing on material flow, line balancing, lineside material presentation, and on deployment, and other lean manufacturing principles and practices
  • Provide training in support of operational excellence objectives and the execution of chartered projects
  • Support and drive Corrective Action Request responses and share best practices
  • Manage budget, cost, schedule and rate of return for operational excellence activities
  • Communicate clearly (written and oral) with customers, people and partners
  • Support, communicate, reinforce and defend the mission, values and culture of the organization
  • Attend appropriate customer or business meetings
  • Other responsibilities, as needed by the organization
Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related technical field with a minimum of 5 years experience focused in Lean Practice and Problem Solving or Operational Excellence 
  • 7+ years of relevant experience
  • Industry certification in Lean Principles and/or Six Sigma
  • Proficient technical expertise with demonstrated application
  • Excellent interpersonal, leadership, negotiation, communication and writing skills
  • Willing and able to travel up to 50% as needed

The salary range for this position is $116,811.00/year- $157,695.00/year for the state of Illinois.  This range reflects the good faith estimate of pay the employer is willing to offer at the time of posting. Several factors can influence the pay scale, including but not limited to: Federal contract labor categories and contract wage rates, collective bargaining agreements, geographic location, business considerations, scope, and responsibilities of the position, local or other applicable market conditions, and internal equity. Other factors include the candidate's qualifications such as prior work experience, specific skills and competencies, education/training, and certifications. In addition to base pay, employees may be eligible for: annual performance-based bonuses, equity awards, and overtime pay (for non-exempt employees as applicable. Our benefits package includes comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, vision), employer matching 401(k) retirement plan, paid time off including vacation, holidays, and sick leave (including ant state-mandated paid sick leave), parental leave benefits, tuition reimbursement, professional development support, and life and disability insurance coverage.

Taking care of our people is a top priority at Leonardo DRS. We are proud to offer competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, a company contribution to a health savings account, telemedicine, life and disability insurance, legal insurance, and a 401(k) savings plan. We champion wellness programs that focus on physical, emotional, and financial well-being. We develop our talent by offering programs and activities to support career-growth, professional development, and skill enhancement. And we understand there is more to life than work, and the importance of offering flexible work schedules with our 9/80 program, competitive vacation, health/emergency leave, paid parental leave, and community service hours. 
*Some employees are eligible for limited benefits only

Leonardo DRS, Inc. and its subsidiaries provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. #LSY

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