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Operational Excellence Project Manager Jobs in Durham, NC

CAI

Operational Readiness Project Manager

Raleigh, NC · On-site

We provide program and project management, commissioning, qualification, validation, start-up, and other consulting services associated with operational readiness and operational excellence to FDA ...

CAI

Operational Readiness Project Manager

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$140K - $175K/yr

We provide program and project management, commissioning, qualification, validation, start-up, and other consulting services associated with operational readiness and operational excellence to FDA ...

CAI

Operational Readiness Project Manager

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$140K - $175K/yr

We provide program and project management, commissioning, qualification, validation, start-up, and other consulting services associated with operational readiness and operational excellence to FDA ...

avalign

Enterprise Project Manager

Nashville, TN · On-site +1

... operational excellence, business process improvements, manufacturing initiatives, quality programs, and other enterprise-wide initiatives. The Project Manager serves as an individual contributor ...

LINDSAY PRECAST MASTER

Project Manager

Franklinton, NC · On-site

... to operational excellence and customer satisfaction. Key Responsibilities * Lead concrete ... Manage RFIs, submittals, change orders, project documentation, and project closeout. * Identify ...

LINDSAY PRECAST MASTER

Project Manager

Franklinton, NC · On-site

... to operational excellence and customer satisfaction. Key Responsibilities * Lead concrete ... Manage RFIs, submittals, change orders, project documentation, and project closeout. * Identify ...

Lindsay Precast Master

Project Manager

Franklinton, NC · On-site

$100 - $125/hr

... to operational excellence and customer satisfaction. Key Responsibilities * Lead concrete ... Manage RFIs, submittals, change orders, project documentation, and project closeout. * Identify ...

Novartis

Sr. Project Manager, Engineering

Durham, NC · On-site

$108K - $201K/yr

As a Sr. Project Manager, Engineering at Novartis, you will lead a complex portfolio of capital ... Drive operational excellence by capturing lessons learned and supporting continuous improvement ...

Sunrock

Project Manager

Wake Forest, NC · On-site

$100 - $125/hr

Project Manager (Heavy Civil Construction) General Summary The Project Manager is responsible for ... Participate in continuous improvement and operational excellence initiatives * Perform other duties ...

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All JobsOperational Excellence Project JobsOperational Excellence Project Manager JobsOperational Excellence Project Manager Jobs in Durham, NC

Operational Excellence Project Manager information

See Durham, NC salary details

$37.7K

$92.5K

$148.3K

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 Durham, NC is $92,528.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $72,500.00 and $105,300.00 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 Durham, NC are hiring for Operational Excellence Project Manager jobs?

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

Operational Excellence Project Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Operational Excellence Project Manager job openings in Durham, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $92,528 per year, or $44.5 per hour.

Operational Readiness Project Manager

CAI

Raleigh, NC • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

CAI Overview:
Are You Ready?
CAI is a professional services company established in 1996 that has grown to over 700 people worldwide. We provide program and project management, commissioning, qualification, validation, start-up, and other consulting services associated with operational readiness and operational excellence to FDA-regulated and other mission-critical industries.
We put our clients' interests first, we do not stop until it is right, and we will do whatever it takes to get there.
At CAI, we are committed to living our Foundational Principles:
We act with integrity
We serve each other
We serve society
We work for our future
We believe that with employee ownership, one person's success is everyone's success. We embrace a Team Before Self mindset, demonstrate Respect for Others, and maintain a Can-Do Attitude-our three core values.
 
Position Overview:
The Operational Readiness Project Manager (ORPM) serves as a strategic leader bridging the gap between mechanical completion and sustained operational performance. The ORPM designs and leads holistic Operational Readiness programs using CAI's six-pillar Readiness Framework. This role ensures project teams achieve right-first-time metrics, foster a culture of continuous improvement, and deliver world-class performance from day one.
 
Key Responsibilities:
1. Project & Program Leadership
- Lead project teams to achieve Operational Readiness (OR) objectives.
- Manage readiness-to-operations lifecycle for 1-3 client engagements simultaneously.
- Drive on-time, on-scope delivery of readiness programs.
 
2. Pillar Integration & Execution
- Serve as the primary consultant for OR campaigns integrating with Quality, Process, and Workforce streams.
- Apply OE principles to pre-Day One activities (e.g., visual management, accountability, problem-solving).
 
3. Client Advisory
- Act as a trusted advisor to executive stakeholders (VPs, Site Heads, etc.).
- Guide decision-making with a risk-based, speed-to-value mindset.
 
4. People Development
- Lead and coach cross-functional teams including CQV, Quality, and external contractors.
- Cultivate a culture of feedback and growth.
 
5. Thought Leadership
-Contribute to CAI's brand via white papers, conference presentations, and client tools.
 
Skills & Characteristics Required:
- Consulting & Facilitation
- Align project stakeholders with clear vision and measurable goals.
- Expert-level guidance for site and department leadership.
- Project Execution
- Manage scheduling, resource loading, controls, and closeout.
- Execute comprehensive project planning and delivery.
- Continuous Improvement
- Drive site-wide transformation using Lean, Six Sigma, or TPM methodologies.
 
Qualifications and Experience:
- BS or MS in a relevant science or engineering field (or equivalent).
- 3+ years as a program/project manager on life science projects ($1MM+), or
- 8+ years in GMP-regulated operations with 5+ years leading readiness/start-up/OE transformations.
(Black Belt or equivalent preferred.)
- Proven multi-site or multi-client portfolio experience.
- Deep understanding of quality systems, tech transfer, equipment qualification, and analytics.
- Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills.
- Proficient in project management software tools.
 
Other Requirements:
- Excellent written and verbal English communication.
- Able to work in the U.S. without sponsorship now or in the future.
- Domestic and international travel may be required.
- Willing to work overtime when necessary.
- PMI PMP or PgMP certification a plus.
 
Critical Competencies
Influence Strategy
- Evaluates and pursues initiatives, opportunities, and priorities based on fit with organization strategies.
- Identifies innovative solutions to challenges that have strategic impact, balancing both short- and long-term concerns.
- Identifies issues related to emerging customer and market needs.
 
Satisfy the Customer
- Identifies and anticipates customer requirements, expectations, and needs.
- Develops solutions that meet or exceed customer expectations and shares feedback with relevant groups.
- Consistently follows up with customers to resolve issues and maintain customer satisfaction and loyalty.
- Continually searches for ways to improve customer service, including removal of barriers and providing solutions.
 
Plan for Success
- Translates business/function strategies into aligned plans and objectives and integrates across business groups.
- Obtains and allocates resources needed to accomplish goals.
- Anticipates risk and builds effective contingency plans.
 
Pursue Execution
- Prioritizes and balances time, actions, resources, and initiatives to ensure achievement of critical goals.
- Holds self and others accountable for achieving outcomes. 
- Anticipates obstacles and takes appropriate actions to accelerate work or improve quality.
 
Tailor Communication
- Communicates information clearly, concisely, and professionally.
- Tailors communication style and content to audience effectively.
- Writes technical concepts clearly and thoroughly for all audience types.
 
Build Partnerships
- Cultivates a network of people across a variety of disciplines and functions within the organization.
- Builds collaboration by identifying and conveying common interests and priorities, removing barriers, and breaking down silos.
- Appropriately involves others in decisions and plans that affect them.
- Maintains positive relationships regardless of challenges, organizational level, personality, or background differences.
 
Influence Others
- Develops and articulates compelling rationale for positions.
- Builds a broad base of support among key decision makers and influencers.
- Positions and explains ideas and proposals in ways that get support from others.
  Encourages others to find new solutions that improve outcomes and deliver value.
 
Develop Self and Others
- Continuously develops interpersonal skills to build effective internal and external relationships.
  Models company values and always acts with integrity.
  Looks for opportunities to develop breakthrough ideas and initiatives.
$140,000 - $175,000 a year
Average base salary range - not including benefits, and potential overtime and/or Cost of Living Adjustment.
 
CAI Benefits:
Comprehensive Health Insurance coverage
24 days of Paid Time Off
Company paid Life Insurance
Company paid Long Term Disability
We are an equal opportunity employer; we are proud to employ veterans and promote diversity and inclusion in our workplace. Diversity is a strength for our global company. We pledge that CAI will be operated in a way that is fair and equitable to all - our employees, our customers, and the broader society.
 
This job description is not all inclusive and you may be asked to do other duties. CAI will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Fair Chance Act (FCA) / Fair Chance Ordinance (FCO). 
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
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