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Operational Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Responsibilities • Oversee and coordinate daily operational activities to ensure smooth business operations. • Manage and optimize resources to meet financial targets and budget goals. • ...

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Operational Manager information

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$13

$21

$37

How much do operational manager jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for operational manager in California is $21.94, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $23.94 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Operational Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Operational Manager, you need strong leadership, organizational, and analytical skills, typically supported by a bachelor's degree in business administration or a related field. Familiarity with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, project management software, and relevant certifications like PMP or Six Sigma is often required. Exceptional communication, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities help you lead teams and drive process improvements. These competencies are essential to ensure efficient operations, achieve business objectives, and foster a productive work environment.

How does an Operational Manager typically collaborate with other departments to drive organizational success?

Operational Managers play a key role in cross-departmental collaboration, regularly working with teams such as finance, HR, sales, and logistics to ensure seamless business operations. They often coordinate meetings to align departmental goals, troubleshoot workflow bottlenecks, and implement process improvements. Effective communication and strong project management skills are essential, as Operational Managers must balance diverse priorities and foster a culture of cooperation. This collaboration not only helps achieve company objectives but also supports continuous improvement across the organization.

What is the difference between Operational Manager vs Operations Supervisor?

AspectOperational ManagerOperations Supervisor
ResponsibilitiesOversees multiple departments, strategic planning, and overall operational efficiencyManages daily activities of a specific team or department, ensuring tasks are completed
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in Business, Management, or related field; often requires experience in operationsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles prefer associate or bachelor's degree
Work EnvironmentOffice setting, cross-departmental collaborationOn-site, direct supervision of staff
Industry UsageCommon in manufacturing, logistics, retail, and service industriesTypically found in retail stores, warehouses, and hospitality sectors

Operational Managers focus on strategic oversight and managing multiple teams or departments, while Operations Supervisors handle day-to-day team supervision. Both roles are essential for smooth business operations but differ in scope and responsibilities.

What does an Operational Manager do?

An Operational Manager oversees the daily operations of a business or organization to ensure efficiency and effectiveness. Their responsibilities include managing staff, optimizing processes, implementing policies, and coordinating between different departments. They analyze performance data, solve operational problems, and work to improve productivity and quality. Operational Managers play a key role in achieving organizational goals by ensuring that all resources are used efficiently.
What are the most commonly searched types of Operational jobs in California? The most popular types of Operational jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Operational Manager jobs? Cities in California with the most Operational Manager job openings:
Operational Excellence Manager

Operational Excellence Manager

Ajinomoto Foods North America

San Diego, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted yesterday


Job description

Position Summary

The factory Operational Excellence (OpEx) Manager is responsible for developing, implementing, and sustaining Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) strategies to improve equipment reliability, reduce downtime, reduce food loss, and enhance the overall operational efficiency (OEE) in our food manufacturing facility. This position will lead the factory continuous improvement culture in achieving our TPM program objectives and total delivered cost (TDC) reductions at the factory.


Position Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Primary Responsibilities

·         TPM Program Leadership

·         Drive process improvement and team development through the implementation of AFNA TPM reference standards for all launched pillars (AM, PM, FI, E&T, Leadership, etc.) with the factory leaders and department teams

·         Coordinate and conduct training sessions based on AFNA TPM reference standards to all levels of the factory

·         Lead and drive TPM related activities and discussions with hourly and management leaders to facilitate and promote change to meet business targets

·         Perform internal assessments and coaching of the health and well-being of the TPM standards that are used

·         Communicate and escalate to our central OpEx organization for additional detailed training and assistance of our AFNA TPM reference standards

·         FI Pillar Leadership

·         Lead the loss identification and prioritization of losses (e.g. OEE, downtime, raw material loss, labor loss, etc.) through effective visual and verbal sharing and guidance with the factory leaders and team members

·         Ensure effective root cause analysis and sustainable actions are taking place by guiding and developing applicable factory personnel.

·         Own the understanding, ownership and usage of the key OEE performance indicator within the factory to drive continuous improvement activities

·         Total Delivered Costs (TDC) Leadership

·         Lead the factory’s cross functional TDC program to identify and generate projects and activities to drive annual cost reduction targets

·         Ensure the execution of the cost reduction projects and activities are taking place to meet timeline expectations

·         Provide the appropriate reporting of TDC activities and escalations to our AFNA leaders

Supervisory Responsibilities:  Yes

# of Direct Reports:  Roles that may report into the OpEx MGR: OpEx Specialist, Process Engineer I, Process Engineer II

# of Indirect Reports:  0


Position Qualifications

Education, Certifications and Experience

An equivalent combination of experience and education will also be considered.

Education

Education Level

Description

2 Year / Associate Degree

Minimum Associate of Science degree in a STEM field (Engineering, Food Science, Technology, Math, etc.) required.

4 Year / Bachelors Degree

Bachelor of Science degree in a STEM field or active enrollment in a STEM degree program preferred.

Other

Experience in lieu of degree will be considered.

Experience

Minimum Years of Experience

Comments

4 to 6 years

Minimum of 4 years of manufacturing experience in a leadership role, preferably in the food industry.

2 to 4 years

Minimum of 2 years of AFNA manufacturing experience in a leadership role preferred.

Certifications

·         Certifications in advanced CI tools preferred

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

·         Knowledge & Skills

·         Strong knowledge of TPM methodology, Lean principles or a continuous improvement program is a must, certifications in advanced CI tools preferred

          Bilingual (English / Spanish)

·         Demonstrated Proficiencies

·         Demonstrated leadership and management skills; ability to motivate, develop, and inspire others

·         Excellent leadership, communication, problem solving skills, and change management

·         Experience successfully identifying, adopting and leading change initiatives and gaining alignment

·         Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with stakeholders, peer groups and all factory personnel levels

·         Proven track record of driving results in a factory environment

Working Conditions

The working conditions of this job require the employee to frequently be exposed to wet, humid, and extremely cold conditions. Employee is occasionally exposed to vibration and the noise level can be moderate. To protect against these conditions, frequent use of personal protective equipment is required.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands Hardcoded

Demand

Frequency

Sit

Frequent

Stand

Frequent

Walk

Frequent

Lift

Frequent

Bend/Twist

Frequent

Reach

Frequent

Vision - Close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

Constant

Other Physical Demands or Working Conditions

Characterized as sedentary work.Job demands may require long periods of sitting; telephone work and/or computer work as well as interactions with other employees and customers; filing in lateral and upright file cabinets.The employee frequently is required to use hands to finger, handle or touch. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 15 pounds. Travel 25% of the time on average is required.

AAP/EEO Statement

Ajinomoto Foods North America, Inc. (AFNA) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. AFNA does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis protected by stated, federal, or local law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.

The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions for this job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned.

Salary: 116,100 -141,900 /yr - DOE

20% annual STI bonus based on performance.

#INDSAN

Qualifications:

Education, Certifications and Experience

An equivalent combination of experience and education will also be considered.

Education

Education Level

Description

2 Year / Associate Degree

Minimum Associate of Science degree in a STEM field (Engineering, Food Science, Technology, Math, etc.) required.

4 Year / Bachelors Degree

Bachelor of Science degree in a STEM field or active enrollment in a STEM degree program preferred.

Other

Experience in lieu of degree will be considered.

Experience

Minimum Years of Experience

Comments

4 to 6 years

Minimum of 4 years of manufacturing experience in a leadership role, preferably in the food industry.

2 to 4 years

Minimum of 2 years of AFNA manufacturing experience in a leadership role preferred.

Certifications

·         Certifications in advanced CI tools preferred

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

·         Knowledge & Skills

·         Strong knowledge of TPM methodology, Lean principles or a continuous improvement program is a must, certifications in advanced CI tools preferred

          Bilingual (English / Spanish)

·         Demonstrated Proficiencies

·         Demonstrated leadership and management skills; ability to motivate, develop, and inspire others

·         Excellent leadership, communication, problem solving skills, and change management

·         Experience successfully identifying, adopting and leading change initiatives and gaining alignment

·         Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with stakeholders, peer groups and all factory personnel levels

·         Proven track record of driving results in a factory environment

Working Conditions

The working conditions of this job require the employee to frequently be exposed to wet, humid, and extremely cold conditions. Employee is occasionally exposed to vibration and the noise level can be moderate. To protect against these conditions, frequent use of personal protective equipment is required.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands Hardcoded

Demand

Frequency

Sit

Frequent

Stand

Frequent

Walk

Frequent

Lift

Frequent

Bend/Twist

Frequent

Reach

Frequent

Vision - Close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

Constant

Other Physical Demands or Working Conditions

Characterized as sedentary work.Job demands may require long periods of sitting; telephone work and/or computer work as well as interactions with other employees and customers; filing in lateral and upright file cabinets.The employee frequently is required to use hands to finger, handle or touch. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 15 pounds. Travel 25% of the time on average is required.

AAP/EEO Statement

Ajinomoto Foods North America, Inc. (AFNA) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. AFNA does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis protected by stated, federal, or local law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.

The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions for this job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned.

Salary: 116,100 -141,900 /yr - DOE

20% annual STI bonus based on performance.

#INDSAN

Education:UNAVAILABLEEmployment Type: FULL_TIME