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Operational Excellence Lean Leader Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Coach leaders on Lean principles, including Leader Standard Work * Partner with field operations ... Lean, continuous improvement, or operational excellence experience preferred * Ability to travel ...

Coach leaders on Lean principles, including Leader Standard Work * Partner with field operations ... Lean, continuous improvement, or operational excellence experience preferred * Ability to travel ...

Coach leaders on Lean principles, including Leader Standard Work * Partner with field operations ... Lean, continuous improvement, or operational excellence experience preferred * Ability to travel ...

TPM/Lean Leader

Greenwood, IN · On-site

$122K - $158K/yr

TPM/Lean Leader At Endress+Hauser, progress happens by working together. As the global leader in ... This role drives equipment reliability, operational excellence, and continuous improvement through ...

TPM/Lean Leader

Greenwood, IN · On-site

$122K - $158K/yr

TPM/Lean Leader At Endress+Hauser, progress happens by working together. As the global leader in ... This role drives equipment reliability, operational excellence, and continuous improvement through ...

The successful candidate will operate as a strategic partner to the VP Operational Excellence, trusted advisor to the CSCO, and functional leader for the Lean organization. They will be an executive ...

Min 7 years direct experience+ 2 years in supervisory leadership role * Certified Lean Six Sigma black belt * Strong background in Operational Excellence, Lean Six Sigma or structured problems ...

Lead and support continuous improvement initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, TPM, and ... Strong analytical, problem-solving, project leadership, change management, communication, and ...

Showing results 21-40

Operational Excellence Lean Leader information

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How much do operational excellence lean leader jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for operational excellence lean 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 lean leader?

An Operational Excellence Lean Leader is a professional who drives process improvement and efficiency initiatives within an organization using Lean methodologies. Their primary role is to identify areas of waste, streamline operations, and implement best practices that promote continuous improvement. They often lead cross-functional teams, provide training on Lean principles, and support a culture of operational excellence to achieve organizational goals. This role requires strong leadership, analytical skills, and a deep understanding of Lean tools and techniques.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an operational excellence lean leader?

To thrive as an Operational Excellence Lean Leader, you need expertise in lean methodologies, process improvement, and project management, often supported by a bachelor's degree and certifications like Lean Six Sigma. Familiarity with process mapping tools, data analytics software, and continuous improvement platforms is typically required. Exceptional leadership, communication, and change management skills help motivate teams and drive organizational transformation. These skills enable effective implementation of lean initiatives, resulting in sustained efficiency, cost savings, and a culture of continuous improvement.

How does an operational excellence lean leader typically collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive process improvements?

An Operational Excellence Lean Leader works closely with cross-functional teams by facilitating workshops, leading Kaizen events, and coaching team members on Lean principles. They often partner with stakeholders from production, quality, supply chain, and leadership to identify inefficiencies, map value streams, and implement standardized processes. Regular communication and feedback sessions help ensure alignment and sustainment of improvements. Success in this role relies on strong interpersonal skills and the ability to influence change across various departments.

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

AspectOperational Excellence Lean LeaderContinuous Improvement Specialist
CertificationsLean, Six Sigma, KaizenLean, Six Sigma, Kaizen
Work EnvironmentManufacturing, Healthcare, Service industriesManufacturing, Service industries, Corporate settings
Primary FocusImplementing lean principles, process optimization, leadershipIdentifying improvement opportunities, project support, data analysis
Employer UsageOften in organizations with formal lean programsIn companies seeking continuous process improvements

The Operational Excellence Lean Leader and Continuous Improvement Specialist roles share similar certifications and work environments, focusing on process improvements. However, the Lean Leader typically has a broader leadership role, driving lean initiatives across departments, while the Continuous Improvement Specialist often supports specific projects and analyzes data to identify improvements.

What states have the most Operational Excellence Lean Leader jobs?

States with the most job openings for Operational Excellence Lean Leader jobs include:

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

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

Infographic showing various Operational Excellence Lean Leader job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 85% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,139 per year, or $28 per hour.

Director, Global Supply Chain - Operational Excellence (LEAN)

South San Francisco, CA • On-site

Cytokinetics
Biotechnology Research and Development • 51 - 200 employees

$218K - $247K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 18 days ago


Job description

Cytokinetics is a specialty cardiovascular biopharmaceutical company, building on its over 25 years of pioneering scientific innovations in muscle biology, and advancing a pipeline of potential new medicines for patients suffering from diseases of cardiac muscle dysfunction.
The Director of Operational Excellence (OpEx) is a key leadership role responsible for driving end-to-end process improvement, operational efficiency, and organizational capability building across Supply Chain, External Manufacturing, and Technical Operations within the pharmaceutical manufacturing network. This role will partner with internal and external stakeholders to deliver transformational initiatives, ensure robust supply performance, and enhance the company's ability to deliver high-quality medicines to patients reliably and cost-effectively.
The ideal candidate brings expertise in Lean Six Sigma, pharmaceutical manufacturing processes (including cGMP), and the unique challenges of managing a global external manufacturing and supply network.
Responsibilities:
Lead Operational Excellence Strategy & Execution
  • Develop and execute the Operational Excellence roadmap for Supply Chain, External Manufacturing, and Technical Operations, aligned with business goals and priorities.
  • Drive transformational initiatives that enhance reliability, agility, and cost-effectiveness of the end-to-end supply network.
  • Embed a culture of continuous improvement across internal teams and external partners.
  • Monitor industry trends and benchmark performance to sustain competitive advantage in operational practices.

Process Improvement & Performance Optimization
  • Identify, prioritize, and implement process improvement opportunities to enhance service, reduce costs, and ensure compliance across planning, sourcing, manufacturing, and distribution.
  • Facilitate cross-functional projects using Lean, Six Sigma, Value Stream Mapping, and other proven methodologies.
  • Support Technical Operations in problem-solving initiatives by coaching team leads to effectively utilize fit-for-purpose frameworks for identifying root cause(s).
  • Standardize and digitize key supply chain and manufacturing processes to improve visibility, control, and decision-making.

External Manufacturing & Supplier Excellence
  • Collaborate with CMOs/CDMOs and internal stakeholders to assess and improve external manufacturing performance through systematic KPI reviews and improvement plans.
  • Lead joint improvement initiatives with external partners while ensuring cGMP and regulatory compliance.
  • Build strong relationships and foster a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement with suppliers and contract manufacturers.

Tier Management & Visual Performance Management
  • Design, implement, and sustain a Tiered Management System (Tier 1-3) across Supply Chain, External Manufacturing, and Technical Operations to enable effective daily, weekly, and monthly performance management.
  • Deploy visual management tools and performance dashboards at each tier level to drive accountability, transparency, and fast problem resolution.
  • Train and coach teams and partners in daily management practices, visual controls, and structured problem-solving.
  • Ensure escalation processes and feedback loops are effective and standardized across the network.

Capability Building & Change Leadership
  • Build organizational capabilities by developing and delivering training on Operational Excellence tools and methodologies to internal teams and external partners.
  • Coach functional and site leaders in OpEx mindset and practices to enable self-sufficiency and sustained improvements.
  • Lead change management efforts to overcome resistance and embed new ways of working.
  • Act as a role model for continuous improvement, demonstrating a data-driven, collaborative, and solution-oriented approach.

Qualifications & Experience:
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Life Sciences, or related field required; Master's degree or MBA preferred.
  • Minimum 8-10 years of experience in a regulated healthcare industry segment (e.g., pharmaceutical development, supply chain, manufacturing, medical device, or technical operations, with at least 5-10 years in operational excellence, continuous improvement, or similar leadership roles.
  • Strong understanding of manufacturing and supply chain processes, cGMP, regulatory requirements, and the complexities of external manufacturing.
  • Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt (or equivalent) strongly preferred.
  • Proven track record of delivering measurable improvements in operational performance, cost reduction, and process efficiency.
  • Experience managing and improving external manufacturing or supplier relationships in a regulated industry.
  • Exceptional project management, change management, and facilitation skills.
  • Excellent communication, influencing, and stakeholder management abilities across all organizational levels and with external partners.
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, matrixed, and global environment.

Competencies
  • Strategic thinking with a hands-on approach.
  • Results-oriented and data-driven decision-making.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to lead without authority and drive collaboration.
  • Passion for excellence and continuous improvement.
    #LI-HYBRID

Pay Range:
In the U.S., the hiring pay range for fully qualified candidates is $223,200 - $260,400 per year. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate's geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors.
Our employees come from different backgrounds, and we celebrate those differences. We are looking for the best candidates for our open roles, but do not expect applicants to meet every qualification in order to be considered. If you are excited about what you could accomplish at Cytokinetics and believe you can add value to our team, we would love to hear from you.
Please review our General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) policy PRIOR to applying.
Our passion is anchored in robust scientific thinking, grounded in integrity and critical thinking. We keep the patient front and center in all we do - all actions and decisions are in service of the patient and their caregivers. We champion integrity, ethics, doing the right thing, and being our best selves.
Fraud Warning: How to Identify Impersonated Cytokinetics Job Postings and Offers
Recently, there have been fraudulent employment offers being sent to candidates on behalf of Cytokinetics. Please be advised that all legitimate offers from Cytokinetics will come directly from our official email domain (Cytokinetics.com) and will only be made after completing a formal interview process.
Here are some ways to check for authenticity:
  • We do not conduct job interviews through non-standard text messaging applications
  • We will never request personal information such as banking details until after an official offer has been accepted and verified
  • We will never request that you purchase equipment or other items when interviewing or hiring
  • If you are unsure about the authenticity of an offer, or if you receive any suspicious communication, please contact us directly at talentacquisition@cytokinetics.com

Please visit our website at: www.cytokinetics.com
Cytokinetics is an Equal Opportunity Employer