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Operational Excellence Leader Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Trelleborg

Manufacturing Excellence Leader

Delano, MN · On-site

$80K - $95K/yr

The Manufacturing Excellence Leader works closely with the global Operational Excellence team to maintain alignment, share best practices, and implement new Lean concepts, while owning end-to-end ...

PPG

Operational Excellence Manager

Delaware, OH

Reporting directly to the Regional Operational Excellence leader your efforts will focus on driving operational improvements, standardizing best practices, and promoting a sustainable culture through ...

Bayer

Operational Excellence Lead

Myerstown, PA

The role leads a dynamic team and is accountable to spearhead the deployment and integration of the PSS (Product Supply System) program and capabilities built across all functions at the Myerstown ...

Bayer Inc.

Operational Excellence Lead

Myerstown, PA · On-site

The role leads a dynamic team and is accountable to spearhead the deployment and integration of the PSS (Product Supply System) program and capabilities built across all functions at the Myerstown ...

Bayer

Operational Excellence Lead

Myerstown, PA · On-site

The role leads a dynamic team and is accountable to spearhead the deployment and integration of the PSS (Product Supply System) program and capabilities built across all functions at the Myerstown ...

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Operational Excellence Leader information

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How much do operational excellence leader jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 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 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 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 4 pillars of operational excellence?

The four pillars of operational excellence are standardization, continuous improvement, waste elimination, and employee engagement. These principles help organizations improve efficiency, quality, and safety while reducing costs. A focus on these pillars is essential for leaders aiming to sustain high performance and competitive advantage.

What does an operational excellence leader do?

An operational excellence leader is responsible for improving organizational processes, efficiency, and quality by implementing best practices such as Lean, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies. They analyze workflows, lead cross-functional teams, and develop strategies to reduce waste, increase productivity, and enhance overall performance. Strong analytical skills, project management, and certifications like Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt are often required.

What jobs pay 500,000 a year in the US?

Operational Excellence Leaders in large organizations or executive roles such as Chief Operating Officers can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with bonuses and stock options. High-level executive positions in industries like technology, finance, and healthcare often reach or exceed this compensation level, typically requiring extensive experience, leadership skills, and advanced certifications. Compensation varies based on company size, location, and individual performance.

Is head of operations a high position?

The head of operations is typically a high-level leadership role responsible for overseeing daily business activities, strategic planning, and process improvements. It often reports to executive management and requires strong management skills, industry experience, and sometimes certifications like Six Sigma or Lean. This position is considered senior within an organization’s hierarchy.

What are Operational Excellence Leaders?

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 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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,139 per year, or $28 per hour.

Operational Integrity and Excellence Leader

bakelite

Atlanta, GA • On-site

Other

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

Operational Integrity and Excellence Leader: The Impact You’ll Have On The Organization and World

  • You will serve as Bakelite’s senior technical leader for Operational Integrity and Excellence across more than eleven manufacturing sites throughout North America, with support to South America.
  • You will shape and govern enterpriselevel Process Safety Management (PSM), Mechanical Integrity (MI), Electrical Integrity (EI), and Operational Excellence (OE) programs—ensuring they operate as an integrated system that protects people, assets, and the environment.
  • You will influence how work is done every day by strengthening asset integrity, driving disciplined operational practices, improving reliability, and ensuring regulatory compliance—directly enabling safe, reliable, and efficient manufacturing operations.
  • You will lead and develop a team of technical specialists, mentor site and regional leaders, and partner across Engineering, EHS, Manufacturing, and Global Operations to embed best practices and Most Effective Technologies across the network.

It's Better with Bakelite: Our Commitment Back to You

  • You’ll Help Shape Our Future. As a Bakelite associate, you’re part of a diverse, global population creating the next generation of the company and we expect you to put your fingerprint on it.
  • We Champion Our Associates. At Bakelite, you don’t just climb the career ladder – you pave your personal path through continued learning and development.
  • Together, We Will Protect the Planet. From our processes to our products, we are focusing on the opportunities that both grow our profitability as a company, and improve and protect the planet.
  • Safety is a Core Value. At Bakelite, safety is a 24/7 mindset. We are all safe today to ensure we are able to show up tomorrow – for our families and friends, for each other and for our communities.
  • We Care. Plain and simple, we care about our associates. From the top on down, we place a high value on our culture and the associate experience. We offer competitive compensation, robust benefits and support our associates every step of their career.

Life in Atlanta: Atlanta is Georgia’s capital, largest city, and home to Bakelite’s corporate headquarters.

  • The city offers lots of activities. In addition to restaurants and a bustling downtown area, you can explore Zoo Atlanta, Georgia Aquarium, Atlanta Botanical Garden and more.
  • Check out some of Atlanta’s famed sports teams, including the Braves, Falcons and Hawks.
  • Atlanta is home to several the most colleges and universities in the southern U.S., including University of Georgia, Emory University, Georgia Institute of Technology, John Marshall Law School and others.
  • Love to travel? You’ll be close to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the busiest airport in the world.
  • Learn more about Atlanta

What Does a Typical Day Look Like? Here are your primary responsibilities:

Operational Integrity Strategy & Governance

  • Deploy and govern the longterm strategy for Operational Integrity and Excellence aligned with Bakelite’s engineering roadmap.
  • Ensure compliance with OSHA PSM, EPA regulations, NFPA electrical codes, and ASME/API mechanical integrity standards across all supported sites.
  • Govern consistent execution of PHAs, MOCs, incident investigations, audits, and inspection programs.

Asset & Reliability Leadership

  • Provide seniorlevel guidance on fixed and rotating equipment integrity, including inspection strategies, PM optimization, and lifecycle asset decisions.
  • Review inspection findings, equipment failures, and risk assessments to ensure timely, effective corrective actions.
  • Support reliability improvement efforts that reduce variability, downtime, and operational risk.

Operational Excellence (OE)

  • Lead and govern the Operational Excellence program, reinforcing a culture of standard work, problem-solving, accountability, and continuous improvement.
  • Partner with site leaders to strengthen foundational work processes and improve operational discipline.
  • Support and coach teams in the use of OE tools and methodologies.

CrossFunctional & Project Collaboration

  • Partner with central engineering and site teams to ensure engineering standards, risk reviews, constructability assessments, and QA/QC requirements are consistently applied.
  • Support major capital projects through risk identification, commissioning readiness, and longterm asset strategy development.
  • Collaborate with global counterparts to share best practices and deploy Most Effective Technologies across the network.

Systems, Data & Financial Stewardship

  • Serve as Business Process Owner for SAP PM, ensuring accurate asset data, work management processes, and maintenance records.
  • Lead budgeting and longrange planning for Operational Integrity programs.
  • Identify and deliver costimprovement opportunities that preserve or enhance safety and reliability.

Talent Development & Leadership

  • Lead and develop a team of program specialists; set clear expectations, coach performance, and build bench strength.
  • Mentor and develop technical capabilities across PSM, MI, EI, and OE throughout the organization.

Travel & Site Engagement

  • Travel approximately 30–50% to support site assessments, audits, program deployments, incident reviews, and leadership engagements.

What is Needed to be Successful in this Role (Required Skills/Abilities):

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, or related discipline).
  • Minimum of 10 years of experience in industrial manufacturing.
  • At least 5 years of leadership experience in PSM, Mechanical Integrity, Electrical Integrity, Reliability, or Operational Excellence.
  • Strong working knowledge of OSHA PSM, mechanical integrity standards, electrical safety codes, and asset management practices.
  • Proficiency in SAP PM/PS and engineering documentation systems.
  • Strong communication, analytical, and influence leadership skills in a multisite environment.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Master’s degree (Engineering or MBA).
  • Industry certifications such as API, PHA Facilitator, CMRP, or CRE.
  • Experience deploying multisite or global engineering and operational integrity programs.

Are you ready to help us build a better tomorrow and put your fingerprints on the world?  Apply for this exciting opportunity, and learn more about our hiring process, insights from our global associates, our robust benefits and more at Bakelite.com/careers.

Apply