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Operations Excellence Manager Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

... Excellence (OPEX) Manager for our Lincoln, IL manufacturing facility. Relocation assistance is ... Minimum of seven (7) years of experience in manufacturing, operations, engineering, quality, supply ...

Quality Oversight & Issue Management: Identify systemic patterns across the issue queue ... Establish the Operations Excellence function, including its operating model, governance cadence ...

Traveling up to 20% The Regional Commercial Operations Manager is responsible for establishing the monthly Integrated Business Plan (IBP) that aggregates the individual district and territory sales ...

Manager, Operational Excellence Company: Prologis A day in the life Are you passionate about ... You'll play a key role in shaping strategic operations, managing impactful projects, and fostering ...

The Performance Excellence (PE) Manager is the site resource and coach for the site operations and point of contact for the ADM central PE & Learning teams for implementing PE & Learning practices ...

Manager, Operational Excellence

Alsip, IL · On-site

$96K - $129K/yr

Establish standardized procedures to ensure consistency and quality in operations. * Develop ... Manage CI Projects: * Lead and manage CI projects from conception to completion, ensuring alignment ...

Manager, Operational Excellence

Aurora, IL · On-site

$93K - $125K/yr

Establish standardized procedures to ensure consistency and quality in operations. * Develop ... Manage CI Projects: * Lead and manage CI projects from conception to completion, ensuring alignment ...

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Operations Excellence Manager information

See Illinois salary details

$30K

$61.5K

$114.8K

How much do operations excellence manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for operations excellence manager in Illinois is $61,491.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,700.00 and $75,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Operations Excellence Manager vs Continuous Improvement Manager?

AspectOperations Excellence ManagerContinuous Improvement Manager
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in engineering, business, or related field; certifications like Lean, Six Sigma are commonSimilar credentials; Lean, Six Sigma certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentWorks across departments to optimize processes, often in manufacturing or large organizationsFocuses on process improvements, often in manufacturing, healthcare, or service industries
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by companies aiming for operational efficiency and quality improvementsUsed by organizations seeking continuous process enhancements and waste reduction

The Operations Excellence Manager and Continuous Improvement Manager roles share similar credentials and work environments, focusing on process optimization. However, the Operations Excellence Manager often has a broader scope, overseeing multiple initiatives across departments, while the Continuous Improvement Manager concentrates specifically on ongoing process improvements. Both roles are vital for organizations committed to operational efficiency and quality enhancement.

How does an Operations Excellence Manager typically collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive process improvements?

An Operations Excellence Manager regularly works alongside departments such as production, quality, supply chain, and IT to identify inefficiencies and develop improvement strategies. This collaboration often involves facilitating workshops, leading process mapping sessions, and coordinating with team leads to implement best practices. Through effective communication and change management, the Operations Excellence Manager ensures alignment of goals and fosters a culture of continuous improvement across the organization.

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

To thrive as an Operations Excellence Manager, you need a strong background in process improvement, data analysis, and project management, typically supported by a degree in business, engineering, or a related field. Familiarity with Lean, Six Sigma methodologies, and ERP or process mapping software—as well as relevant certifications like Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt—is often required. Exceptional leadership, communication, and change management skills set top performers apart in this role. These skills are crucial for driving operational efficiency, fostering team alignment, and sustaining continuous improvement initiatives across the organization.

What does an Operations Excellence Manager do?

An Operations Excellence Manager is responsible for improving business processes to enhance efficiency, quality, and productivity within an organization. They analyze current operational procedures, identify areas for improvement, and implement best practices and Lean methodologies. Their goal is to streamline operations, reduce costs, and ensure high standards of performance across departments. They often lead cross-functional teams and drive continuous improvement initiatives to achieve organizational goals.
What are the most commonly searched types of Operations Excellence jobs in Illinois? The most popular types of Operations Excellence jobs in Illinois are:
What are popular job titles related to Operations Excellence Manager jobs in Illinois? For Operations Excellence Manager jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Operations Excellence Manager jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Operations Excellence Manager jobs in Illinois are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Operations Excellence Manager jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Operations Excellence Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Operations Excellence Manager job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,491 per year, or $29.6 per hour.

Operational Excellence Manager

Hearthside Food Solutions LLC

Downers Grove, IL • On-site

$97K - $145K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Re-posted 20 days ago


Hearthside Food Solutions rating

5.9

Company rating: 5.9 out of 10

Based on 34 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

342nd of 438 rated food and drinks producers


Job description

Job Summary
The Operational Excellence Manager is responsible for driving the successful implementation of operational excellence initiatives across the organization. This role partners closely with site leadership and cross-functional teams to identify productivity improvements ideas through embed continuous improvement principles, standardize processes, and sustain performance gains. The ideal candidate is a hands-on leader who can influence change, build capability, and deliver measurable business results. This position requires strong technical Lean Manufacturing, Operational, Engineering, and hands-on leadership skills.
Job Duties
Duties may include, but are not limited to the following:
Drive Operational Excellence Initiatives
  • Lead deployment of continuous improvement programs (Lean, Six Sigma, TPM, etc.)
  • Support implementation of tiered management systems, daily management, and performance routines.
  • Identify gaps in current processes and develop action plans to close them.

Change Leadership & Adoption
  • Act as a change champion, ensuring alignment and buy-in across all levels of the organization.
  • Develop and execute change management plans, including communication and engagement strategies.
  • Coach leaders and frontline teams on new ways of working.

Capability Building
  • Train and mentor teams on operational excellence tools and methodologies
  • Build internal capability to sustain improvements (problem solving, root cause analysis, standard work)
  • Facilitate workshops, kaizen events, and training sessions.

Performance Management
  • Establish KPIs and visual management systems to track progress.
  • Monitor and report on implementation success, including productivity, quality, safety, and cost metrics.
  • Drive accountability through structured follow-ups and governance routines.

Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Partner with Operations, Quality, Maintenance, and Supply Chain teams
  • Support alignment between site-level initiatives and broader organizational strategy.
  • Share best practices across sites to accelerate adoption.

Continuous Improvement Culture
  • Foster a culture of accountability, discipline, and continuous improvement.
  • Reinforce behaviors aligned with operational excellence principles.
  • Recognize and promote successes to sustain momentum.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Business, related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience in a manufacturing environment
  • 5+ years of experience in manufacturing, Engineering or operations roles
  • Lean Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or Black Belt) preferred
  • Experience with TPM, Daily Management Systems, and Tiered Accountability structures preferred
  • Proven experience leading change initiatives and driving measurable improvements
  • Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement tools
  • Demonstrated ability to influence without authority and lead through change
  • Excellent communication, facilitation, and coaching skills
  • Data-driven mindset with strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities
  • Ability to work in fast-paced, dynamic environments
  • Travel - must be willing to travel 70%+
  • Proficiency in MS Office Suite, Excel, and PowerPoint

The pay range for this full-time, salaried position is $97,210-$145,814/year. Individual base pay depends on work location and additional factors such as experience, job-related skills, and relevant education or training. The position is eligible for a discretionary annual incentive based on company and individual performance. We offer a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, 401k and wellness benefits beginning on the first day of employment.
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