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Operational Excellence Project Manager Jobs in Conover, NC

This role focuses on deploying the OPEX program, driving continuous improvement projects, and fostering a culture of operational excellence. Additionally, the Opex Manager will oversee performance ...

This role focuses on deploying the OPEX program, driving continuous improvement projects, and fostering a culture of operational excellence. Additionally, the Opex Manager will oversee performance ...

This position is typically retained to manage multiple 'Green I' or 'Green II' projects per the Project Management Center of Excellence Project Profile Matrix. Initial responsibilities will focus on ...

Project Manager

Hickory, NC · On-site

$40K - $55K/yr

Your leadership will be pivotal in driving operational excellence and enhancing client satisfaction ... Monitor project performance and provide regular updates to senior management. * Collaborate with ...

This position typically is assigned to White or Green projects per the Project Management Center of Excellence Project Profile Matrix. DNJP23631 . NUCLEAR PROJECT CONTROLS SCHEDULER I . HUNTERSVILLE ...

Responsible for driving and delivering operational business initiatives, processes, and program leadership. Develops and manages intake processes, ensures consistency in project management practices ...

Responsible for driving and delivering operational business initiatives, processes, and program leadership. Develops and manages intake processes, ensures consistency in project management practices ...

Responsible for driving and delivering operational business initiatives, processes, and program leadership. Develops and manages intake processes, ensures consistency in project management practices ...

Responsibilities include scope, schedule, budget, risk, and stakeholder management while coordinating with Nuclear Engineering, Operations, IT, and site organizations. Serve as the Nuclear project ...

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Operational Excellence Project Manager information

See Conover, NC salary details

$35.9K

$88.1K

$141.2K

How much do operational excellence project manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for operational excellence project manager in Conover, NC is $88,072.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,000.00 and $100,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an operational excellence project manager do?

An Operational Excellence Project Manager is responsible for leading initiatives that improve efficiency, productivity, and quality within an organization. They use methodologies like Lean, Six Sigma, or Kaizen to identify areas for improvement and implement process changes. Their role often involves analyzing data, managing cross-functional teams, and ensuring that projects align with the company’s strategic goals. They help create a culture of continuous improvement and drive sustainable results across various departments.

How does an operational excellence project manager typically collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement process improvements?

Operational Excellence Project Managers regularly work with stakeholders from various departments such as operations, finance, IT, and quality assurance to identify inefficiencies and drive process improvements. This collaboration often involves facilitating workshops, leading Kaizen events, and aligning team members around common goals using methodologies like Lean or Six Sigma. Successful project managers build strong communication channels, ensure clear documentation, and foster a culture of continuous improvement so that all team members are engaged and accountable throughout the change process.

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

To thrive as an Operational Excellence Project Manager, you need strong project management expertise, process improvement knowledge (such as Lean or Six Sigma), and a background in business or engineering. Familiarity with project management tools (e.g., MS Project, Asana), process mapping software, and certifications like PMP or Lean Six Sigma are often required. Exceptional communication, analytical thinking, and leadership skills help drive change and engage cross-functional teams. These competencies are critical for successfully executing initiatives that boost efficiency, reduce costs, and ensure sustainable organizational improvements.

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

AspectOperational Excellence Project ManagerContinuous Improvement Specialist
CertificationsLean, Six Sigma, PMPLean, Six Sigma, Kaizen
Work EnvironmentProject teams, cross-functional departmentsOperational teams, process improvement groups
Industry UsageManufacturing, healthcare, financeManufacturing, service industries, logistics

The Operational Excellence Project Manager oversees large-scale projects to improve efficiency and processes across departments, often managing multiple initiatives. The Continuous Improvement Specialist focuses on ongoing process enhancements within specific teams or areas, emphasizing incremental improvements. Both roles require Lean and Six Sigma certifications and work in similar industries, but their scope and responsibilities differ in scale and focus.

What cities near Conover, NC are hiring for Operational Excellence Project Manager jobs?

Cities near Conover, NC with the most Operational Excellence Project Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Operational Excellence Project Manager job openings in Conover, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,072 per year, or $42.3 per hour.

Operational Excellence Manager

Wanzl NA

Newton, NC • On-site

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

Position Overview

The Opex Manager is responsible for leading operational excellence initiatives at the plant level, bridging strategic objectives with tactical execution. This role focuses on deploying the OPEX program, driving continuous improvement projects, and fostering a culture of operational excellence. Additionally, the Opex Manager will oversee performance monitoring and quality data auditing to ensure accuracy and compliance with company standards.


Company and Opportunity Overview

WNA’s vision is to be a leading entrepreneurial player in terms of market share, agility, and game-changing solutions. WNA is a solution provider, creating value along the supply chain of our customers, from online purchase to their customers.

WNA is headquartered in the Charlotte Metro Area, North Carolina. With around 500 employees and ~$200M of sales, WNA focuses on the retail and distribution market segments with marquee customers such as Walmart, Amazon, and the majority of large grocers and retailers.

In addition to being the largest manufacturer of shopping carts in North America, WNA has three additional main product segments as well as a Service business, providing turnkey solutions for customer guidance (Access Systems), Shelving & Fixtures, and Material Handling products.

Access Solutions provides sophisticated customer guidance and loss prevention systems for major retailers. With German-engineered products and a strong installed base, this segment focuses on protecting existing market share while expanding into adjacent opportunities in smart retail, autonomous store technology, and digital integration.

Additionally, WNA offers a range of digital solutions integrated into our products, including advanced shopping cart containment systems, smart exit gate technology, and innovations for autonomous and semi-autonomous retail stores. We are continuously expanding and enhancing our digital offerings to meet evolving customer needs and drive industry advancement.

WNA is part of the Wanzl Group, headquartered in Germany, and has 12 plants in 8 countries, providing comprehensive, solutions-driven service and expert knowledge of local markets for customers across the globe through their 360° service.

Duties and Responsibilities:

  1. Operational Excellence & Continuous Improvement
  • Deploy and sustain the OPEX program within the plant, ensuring alignment with corporate methodologies.
  • Lead Lean and Six Sigma-based projects to reduce waste, optimize processes, and improve KPIs, including operational performance and material flow.
  • Facilitate structured problem-solving sessions (PDCA, 5-Why, Fishbone) to address recurring issues.
  1. Industrial Controlling & Data Integrity
  • Monitor operational KPIs and ensure accurate reporting of production and quality data.
  • Audit data integrity across MES, ERP, and quality systems to guarantee compliance with company standards.
  • Support digitalization of dashboards and reporting tools (Power BI, Excel).
  1. Project Management
  • Plan, execute, and monitor improvement projects, ensuring delivery within scope, time, and budget.
  • Prepare project documentation, including charters, timelines, and performance reports.
  1. Training & Change Management
  • Develop and deliver training on OPEX tools and methodologies for supervisors and operators.
  • Drive cultural change by engaging stakeholders and promoting continuous improvement mindset.
  1. Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Coordinate with Production, Materials, and Quality teams to ensure alignment and successful execution of initiatives.
  • Benchmark best practices and apply innovative solutions to enhance operational performance.


Skills and Experience:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field. MBA degree is a plus.
  • Lean Manufacturing expert. Proven experience in VSM, identifying current state, future state, areas of optimization and required projects.
  • Six Sigma Black Belt certified. Proven experience in projects implementation.
  • Deep knowledge and proven experience on Problem Solving methodologies.
  • Minimum of 3 years of experience in operations, continuous improvement, or OPEX roles, within Manufacturing. 
  • Strong analytical skills and proficiency in data analysis tools (Excel, Power BI). 
  • Deep knowledge on Industrial KPIs (SQMDC). 
  • Excellent project management skills, with a track record of successfully leading cross-functional initiatives. Project Management certification is a plus.
  • Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate effectively at all levels of the organization, supporting organizational culture change management. Ability to Mentoring and Coaching, increasing Team’s motivation and focus. Ability to facilitate Workshops and to manage high exposure presentations.
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and manage multiple priorities effectively.
Proactiveness and Flexibility are a must. Ability to be self-driven and self-motivated. Result-oriented.