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Operational Excellence Leader Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Abaxis

Operational Excellence Manager

Kalamazoo, MI

Role Description POSITION SUMMARY The Operational Excellence (OpEx) Leader is a key individual contributor within the Kalamazoo Digital Transformation and Operational Excellence organization. The ...

Aramark

Operational Excellence Director

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

... leadership training(s) • Marketing and training of new innovations based on field experience • Influencing without Authority • Coach field users of Sherlok to grow their business and capture ...

Aramark

Operational Excellence Director

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

... of operations Research and explore opportunities to increase effective use of labor Create ... leadership training(s) Marketing and training of new innovations based on field experience ...

Aramark

Operational Excellence Director

Ann Arbor, MI

... leadership training(s) • Marketing and training of new innovations based on field experience • Influencing without Authority • Coach field users of Sherlok to grow their business and capture ...

Dupont

Manufacturing Domain Leader

Midland, MI

Reporting directly to the Vice President, Operational Excellence , you will serve as a key member of the Global Operational Excellence Leadership Team and help define how manufacturing excellence is ...

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How much do operational excellence leader jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for operational excellence leader in Michigan is $24.36, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.91 and $27.02 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.

What are popular job titles related to Operational Excellence Leader jobs in Michigan?

For Operational Excellence Leader jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Operational Excellence Leader jobs in Michigan look for?

The top searched job categories for Operational Excellence Leader jobs in Michigan are:

Operational Excellence Leader jobs near you
Infographic showing various Operational Excellence Leader job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,674 per year, or $24.4 per hour.

Operational Excellence Manager

- Zoetis Belgium S.A.

Kalamazoo, MI

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago

Job description

Role Description

POSITION SUMMARY

The Operational Excellence (OpEx) Leader is a key individual contributor within the Kalamazoo Digital Transformation and Operational Excellence organization. The principal purpose of the role is to identify, initiate, and complete projects that drive business results. This involves strengthening the culture of continuous improvement and leading cross-functional teams through the rigorous application of Lean & Six Sigma methodologies to achieve measurable outcomes. This role supports the entire Kalamazoo site, partnering across all functions including Manufacturing, Quality, Laboratories, Warehouse, Supply Chain, and Finance to drive efficiency and eliminate waste. This position reports to the Senior Manager - Digital Transformation and Operational Excellence.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Conduct process evaluations and implement improvements to enhance efficiency and reduce waste.
  • Develop and manage Lean initiatives to improve system performance and efficiency.
  • Monitor the effectiveness of implemented Lean processes and make necessary adjustments.
  • Create and present reports on Lean initiatives and their impact to senior management.
  • Achieve aggressive operational targets with delivery of significant financial benefit.
  • Serve as a recognized expert to facilitate highly complex problem solving, value stream mapping and special data analysis as required.
  • Network both internally and externally to exchange learning's and ensure best practices are adopted throughout the operations.
  • Coach and train site colleagues on Lean methodology.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

  • Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt.
  • Minimum 5-10 years progressive work experience or equivalent in a business environment preferably manufacturing technical/engineering or supply chain management.
  • Strong understanding of Lean methodologies and principles.
  • Bachelor's degree in STEM field.
  • Demonstrated training and facilitation experience preferred.
  • Experience in data analysis and visualization preferred.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

  • The work environment includes both office and manufacturing settings.
  • Approximately 75% office-based and 25% walking/standing in manufacturing areas.
  • May require use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as gloves, eye protection, and protective clothing as per GMP standards.
  • Potential for limited domestic and/or international travel up to 5%.
  • Colleague will work in a facility that manufactures Cephalosporins and must not be Cephalosporin sensitive.
Full timeRegularColleague

Any unsolicited resumes sent to Zoetis from a third party, such as an Agency recruiter, including unsolicited resumes sent to a Zoetis mailing address, fax machine or email address, directly to Zoetis employees, or to Zoetis resume database will be considered Zoetis property. Zoetis will NOT pay a fee for any placement resulting from the receipt of an unsolicited resume.

Zoetis will consider any candidate for whom an Agency has submitted an unsolicited resume to have been referred by the Agency free of any charges or fees. This includes any Agency that is an approved/engaged vendor but does not have the appropriate approvals to be engaged on a search.

Notice: Zoetis Recruiters will contact candidates via email from an address ending in @zoetis.com and may also initially connect with candidates through LinkedIn, including LinkedIn InMail. Zoetis does not use Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo, or other web-based/generic email domains to communicate about job opportunities, interviews, or offers of employment. If you receive a recruitment-related email message claiming to be from Zoetis that does not come from @zoetis.com, please treat it as suspicious. For your security, do not reply, click links, open attachments, share personal or financial information, or send money in response to unexpected or questionable recruitment communications.

Zoetis is committed to equal opportunity in the terms and conditions of employment for all employees and job applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, gender identity or gender expression, national origin, disability or veteran status or any other protected classification. Disabled individuals are given an equal opportunity to use our online application system. We offer reasonable accommodations as an alternative if requested by an individual with a disability. Please contact Zoetis Colleague Services at zoetiscolleagueservices@zoetis.com to request an accommodation. Zoetis also complies with all applicable national, state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment as well as employment eligibility verification requirements of the Immigration and Nationality Act. All applicants must possess or obtain authorization to work in the US for Zoetis. Zoetis retains sole and exclusive discretion to pursue sponsorship for the acquisition or maintenance of nonimmigrant status and employment eligibility, considering factors such as availability of qualified US workers. Individuals requiring sponsorship must disclose this fact. Please note that Zoetis seeks information related to job applications from candidates for jobs in the U.S. solely via the following: (1) our company website at www.Zoetis.com/careers site, or (2) via email to/from addresses using only the Zoetis domain of "@zoetis.com". In addition, Zoetis does not use Google Hangout for any recruitment related activities. Any solicitation or request for information related to job applications with Zoetis via any other means and/or utilizing email addresses with any other domain should be disregarded. In addition, Zoetis will never ask candidates to make any type of personal financial investment related to gaining employment with Zoetis.

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