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Operational Excellence Leader Jobs (NOW HIRING)

EnCore

Operational Excellence Leader

Huntington Beach, CA · On-site

$120K - $175K/yr

JOB SUMMARY The Operational Excellence Leader is responsible for driving continuous improvement and operational efficiency across the organization. This role leads strategic initiatives using Lean ...

Flowserve

NAM Operational Excellence Leader

Cookeville, TN · On-site

$109K - $163K/yr

The NAM Operational Excellence Leader will lead a consistent and rapid LEAN deployment, providing leadership for CI initiatives, assessing current business performance, identifying gaps, establishing ...

Flowserve

NAM Operational Excellence Leader

Houston, TX · On-site

$109K - $163K/yr

The NAM Operational Excellence Leader will lead a consistent and rapid LEAN deployment, providing leadership for CI initiatives, assessing current business performance, identifying gaps, establishing ...

Flowserve

NAM Operational Excellence Leader

Springville, UT · On-site

$109K - $163K/yr

The NAM Operational Excellence Leader will lead a consistent and rapid LEAN deployment, providing leadership for CI initiatives, assessing current business performance, identifying gaps, establishing ...

Flowserve

NAM Operational Excellence Leader

Lynchburg, VA · On-site

$109K - $163K/yr

The NAM Operational Excellence Leader will lead a consistent and rapid LEAN deployment, providing leadership for CI initiatives, assessing current business performance, identifying gaps, establishing ...

Flowserve

NAM Operational Excellence Leader

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$109K - $163K/yr

The NAM Operational Excellence Leader will lead a consistent and rapid LEAN deployment, providing leadership for CI initiatives, assessing current business performance, identifying gaps, establishing ...

Flowserve

NAM Operational Excellence Leader

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$109K - $163K/yr

The NAM Operational Excellence Leader will lead a consistent and rapid LEAN deployment, providing leadership for CI initiatives, assessing current business performance, identifying gaps, establishing ...

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How much do operational excellence leader jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for operational excellence leader in the United States is $27.95, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.27 and $31.01 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an operational excellence leader?

Operational Excellence Leaders are professionals responsible for driving continuous improvement and efficiency within an organization. They use methodologies such as Lean, Six Sigma, and process optimization to identify areas of waste, streamline operations, and enhance overall performance. Their role often involves leading cross-functional teams, implementing best practices, and fostering a culture of ongoing improvement to meet business objectives. By focusing on quality, productivity, and cost-effectiveness, Operational Excellence Leaders help organizations achieve sustainable growth and competitive advantage.

What are some common challenges operational excellence leaders face when driving process improvement initiatives across teams?

Operational Excellence Leaders often encounter resistance to change when implementing new processes, as team members may be accustomed to established workflows. Aligning cross-functional teams with shared objectives and maintaining clear communication can also be challenging, especially in larger organizations. Additionally, balancing short-term productivity goals with long-term improvement strategies requires strong stakeholder management and the ability to demonstrate measurable benefits. Successful leaders address these challenges by fostering a culture of continuous improvement and engaging teams early in the change process.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an operational excellence leader, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Operational Excellence Leader, you need expertise in process improvement methodologies (such as Lean, Six Sigma), strong analytical skills, and a relevant degree in business, engineering, or a related field. Familiarity with process mapping tools, statistical analysis software, and certifications like Lean Six Sigma Black Belt are typically expected. Exceptional leadership, communication, and change management skills help drive cross-functional collaboration and sustain improvement initiatives. These skills are crucial for optimizing organizational performance, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, and achieving measurable results.

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

AspectOperational Excellence LeaderContinuous Improvement Manager
CredentialsLean, Six Sigma certifications often requiredLean, Six Sigma certifications often required
Work EnvironmentCross-functional teams, strategic initiativesProcess-focused, project management
Industry UsageManufacturing, healthcare, financeManufacturing, services, logistics
Primary FocusOverall operational efficiency and strategic alignmentProcess improvements and project execution

Both roles focus on improving processes and efficiency, often requiring similar certifications. The Operational Excellence Leader typically oversees broader strategic initiatives across departments, while the Continuous Improvement Manager concentrates on specific process enhancements within teams. Understanding these distinctions helps organizations assign roles effectively and align career paths.

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Operational Excellence Leader jobs near you
Infographic showing various Operational Excellence Leader job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,139 per year, or $28 per hour.

Operational Excellence Leader

Flagstaff, AZ • On-site

Nackard Pepsi
Food Services and Drinking Places • 201 - 500 employees
Learn more about Nackard Pepsiexternal

Full-time

Posted 27 days ago

Job description

JOB TITLE: Operational Excellence Leader

EMPLOYER: Nackard Pepsi, Flagstaff, AZ

DEPARTMENT: Operations

REPORTS TO: Director of Operations

EFFECTIVE DATE: Upon Hire

POSITION: Full-Time, On-Site, Salary (to be discussed in interview)


SUMMARY:

The Operational Excellence Leader is responsible for driving operational excellence across the company's distribution network, consisting of two warehouses with live inventory and one satellite warehouse in Northern Arizona. This position leads company-wide continuous improvement initiatives that enhance warehouse operations, delivery, inventory management, customer service, safety, and financial performance through Lean principles, Six Sigma methodologies, and data-driven decision making.

The Operational Excellence Leader partners closely with Warehouse Operations, Delivery, Supply Chain, and Information Technology to standardize processes, improve operational efficiency, eliminate waste, and build a culture of continuous improvement.

SCHEDULE: 

  • In-Office 8am-5pm, Monday-Friday. Flexibility required when needed. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Operational Excellence
    • Develop and execute the company's Operational Excellence strategy.
    • Lead continuous improvement initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, 5S, Standard Work, Value Stream Mapping, and Root Cause Analysis.
    • Identify operational inefficiencies and implement sustainable improvements.
    • Standardize operating procedures across all warehouse and delivery operations.
    • Facilitate continuous improvement workshops and Kaizen events.
    • Establish governance for process improvements and operational best practices.
    • Promote a culture focused on safety, accountability, continuous improvement, and employee engagement.
  • Warehouse Operations
    • Provide operational excellence leadership across all warehouse functions including: Receiving, put-away, replenishment, inventory control, picking, loading, and returns Processing
    • Drive improvements in inventory accuracy, warehouse productivity, labor utilization, equipment utilization, slotting optimization, order accuracy, shrink reduction and warehouse safety
  • Delivery Operations
    • Partner with Delivery leadership to improve delivery performance through: Route optimization, driver productivity, fleet utilization, vehicle loading efficiency, delivery cost reduction, DOT compliance support, delivery safety initiatives, and delivery process standardization
    • Develop performance improvement initiatives that reduce cost while maintaining exceptional customer service.
  • Performance Management
    • Develop and maintain operational performance metrics including:
      • Warehouse KPIs: Cases per labor hour, inventory accuracy, order accuracy, picking productivity, warehouse capacity utilization, safety performance and employee productivity
      • Transportation KPIs: Cost per case delivered, route efficiency, driver productivity, fleet utilization, delivery exceptions and customer satisfaction
      • Continuous Improvement KPIs: Cost savings achieved, waste elimination, process cycle time improvements
  • Data Analytics
    • Analyze operational performance using data and analytics.
    • Develop dashboards and scorecards for executive leadership.
    • Conduct root cause analysis on operational issues.
    • Recommend process improvements based on operational trends.
    • Support labor planning and capacity forecasting through analytical modeling.
  • Change Management
    • Lead cross-functional improvement projects.
    • Support implementation of new technologies and operational systems.
    • Drive adoption of standardized best practices.
    • Coach leaders through organizational change.
    • Develop communication and implementation plans for operational initiatives.
  • Leadership & Culture
    • Serve as the company's Operational Excellence subject matter expert.
    • Mentor managers and supervisors in Lean leadership principles.
    • Deliver continuous improvement training across operations.
    • Foster collaboration across Warehouse, Delivery, and Supply Chain
    • Champion a culture focused on continuous improvement, operational discipline, and accountability.

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor's degree in one of the following: Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Business Administration, Engineering, and/or another related discipline
  • 3–5 years of operations OPEX experience 
  • Minimum of 3 years leading warehouse, logistics, distribution, or supply chain operation projects. 
  • Experience managing continuous improvement initiatives across multiple facilities.
  • Demonstrated success implementing Lean and Six Sigma methodologies.
  • Experience supporting transportation and delivery operations.
  • Beverage, food service, consumer packaged goods (CPG), or wholesale distribution experience preferred.
  • Preferred Certifications
    • Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt (preferred)
    • Project Management Professional (PMP)
  • Technical Skills
    • Warehouse Management Systems (WMS)
    • Transportation Management Systems (TMS)
    • Microsoft Excel (Advanced)
    • Microsoft Power BI

COMPETENCIES:

  • Leadership - Exhibits confidence in self and others; Inspires and motivates others to perform well; Effectively influences actions and opinions of others; Accepts feedback from others; Gives appropriate recognition to others.
  • Teamwork - Balances team and individual responsibilities; Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; Gives and welcomes feedback; Contributes to building a positive team spirit; Puts success of team above own interests; Able to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives; Supports everyone's efforts to succeed
  • Safety and Security - Observes safety and security procedures; Determines appropriate action beyond guidelines; Reports potentially unsafe conditions; Uses equipment and materials properly.
  • Quality - Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Applies feedback to improve performance; Monitors own work to ensure quality.
  • Quantity - Meets productivity standards; Completes work in timely manner; Strives to increase productivity; Works quickly.
  • Initiative - Volunteers readily; Undertakes self-development activities; Seeks increased responsibilities; Takes independent actions and calculated risks; Looks for and takes advantage of opportunities; Asks for and offers help when needed.
  • Dependability - Follows instructions, responds to management direction; Takes responsibility for own actions; Keeps commitments; Commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals; Completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan.
  • Professionalism - Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments.
  • Judgement - Displays willingness to make decisions; Exhibits sound and accurate judgment; Supports and explains reasoning for decisions; Includes appropriate people in decision-making process; Makes timely decisions.
  • Adaptability - Adapts to changes in the work environment; Manages competing demands; Changes approach or method to best fit the situation; Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.
  • Customer Service - Manages difficult or emotional customer situations; Responds promptly to customer needs; Solicits customer feedback to improve service; Responds to requests for service and assistance; Meets commitments.
  • Planning/Organizing - Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently; Plans for additional resources; Sets goals and objectives; Organizes or schedules other people and their tasks; Develops realistic action plans.
  • Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in group problem solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.
  • Ethics - Treats people with respect; Keeps commitments; Inspires the trust of others; Works with integrity and ethically; Upholds organizational values.
  • Diversity - Demonstrates knowledge of EEO policy; Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; Educates others on the value of diversity; Promotes a harassment-free environment; Builds a diverse workforce.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

  • Frequent travel between company facilities in Flagstaff, Show Low, and Prescott.
  • Ability to work in warehouse, office, and field environments.

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