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Operations Improvement Manager Jobs in California

Continuous Improvement Manager

Crockett, CA · On-site

$108K - $145K/yr

DETAILED ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES Operations Excellence * Drive standardization and systematization ... Project Management * Facilitate Continuous Improvement project teams consistent with the standard ...

WHAT YOU'LL DO Operational Excellence & Process Improvement * Independently evaluate organizational ... Lead and manage complex organizational initiatives that support Titanium Healthcare's strategic ...

Continuous Improvement Manager

Crockett, CA · On-site

$108K - $145K/yr

DETAILED ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES Operations Excellence * Drive standardization and systematization ... Project Management * Facilitate Continuous Improvement project teams consistent with the standard ...

Continuous Improvement Manager

Wasco, CA · On-site

$121K - $163K/yr

The Continuous Improvement Manager is a senior individual-contributor role responsible for advancing operational excellence across farming and processing operations. This role drives strategic ...

Continuous Improvement Manager

Oxnard, CA

$100K - $134K/yr

Key Responsibilities As Continuous Improvement Manager, you are the site owner of the ESCO Operating System (EOS) and drive measurable gains in customer satisfaction and operational/financial ...

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Operations Improvement Manager information

See California salary details

$30.6K

$62.6K

$116.9K

How much do operations improvement manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for operations improvement manager in California is $62,625.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,500.00 and $76,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does an operations improvement manager identify and prioritize process improvement opportunities within an organization?

An Operations Improvement Manager often uses a combination of data analysis, stakeholder interviews, and process mapping to identify areas with the most potential for efficiency gains. They prioritize initiatives based on factors such as potential impact on cost savings, alignment with strategic goals, and feasibility of implementation. Collaboration with cross-functional teams is key, as it ensures that proposed changes are practical and supported by those responsible for day-to-day operations. Regular review meetings and performance metrics help track progress and continuously refine improvement efforts.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an operations improvement manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Operations Improvement Manager, you need expertise in process optimization, data analysis, and project management, typically supported by a degree in business, engineering, or a related field. Familiarity with Lean, Six Sigma methodologies, and tools like ERP software or process mapping systems is commonly required, often validated by certifications such as Lean Six Sigma Green or Black Belt. Outstanding problem-solving abilities, leadership, and communication skills distinguish top performers in this role. These competencies are crucial for driving efficiency, managing change, and delivering measurable improvements across organizational operations.

What is the difference between Operations Improvement Manager vs Process Improvement Specialist?

AspectOperations Improvement ManagerProcess Improvement Specialist
CredentialsBachelor's degree in Business, Operations, or related field; certifications like Six Sigma or LeanBachelor's degree; certifications like Six Sigma or Lean are common
Work EnvironmentOversees multiple departments, strategic planning, and cross-functional projectsFocuses on analyzing and optimizing specific processes within teams or departments
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing, logistics, healthcare, and large corporationsManufacturing, service industries, and consulting firms

The Operations Improvement Manager typically has broader responsibilities, overseeing multiple processes and strategic initiatives, while the Process Improvement Specialist concentrates on specific process enhancements. Both roles often require similar certifications and work in related environments, but their scope and focus differ.

What does an operations improvement manager do?

An operations improvement manager analyzes and enhances business processes to increase efficiency, reduce costs, and improve quality. They often use tools like Lean, Six Sigma, or data analysis to identify areas for improvement and implement solutions across departments or supply chains.

What cities in California are hiring for Operations Improvement Manager jobs?

Cities in California with the most Operations Improvement Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Operations Improvement Manager job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,625 per year, or $30.1 per hour.

Continuous Improvement Manager

Anaheim, CA

$130K - $150K/hr

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

New


Job description

SUMMARY:

The Continuous Improvement Manager is responsible for driving operational excellence initiatives for the manufacturing facility through the deployment of Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, and performance management methodologies. This role partners closely with the General Manager, and site leadership to identify improvement opportunities, reduce waste, increase productivity, improve quality, and enhance overall operational performance. The Continuous Improvement Manager serves as a change agent, coaching leaders and employees in Lean principles while creating sustainable systems and processes that deliver measurable business results. This is a highly collaborative role requiring strong facilitation, analytical, and leadership skills. Some travel may be required.

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Partner with General Manager and site leadership teams to evaluate operational performance and identify continuous improvement opportunities.
  • Lead Lean Manufacturing initiatives focused on safety, quality, delivery, cost, and employee engagement.
  • Facilitate Kaizen events, value stream mapping exercises, process improvement workshops, and problem-solving activities.
  • Work alongside the work engineers to identify opportunities where process improvements and automation solutions can improve productivity and reduce labor content.
  • Support the development and execution of site-specific operational improvement roadmaps.
  • Drive standardization of best practices and work methods.
  • Analyze operational data and key performance indicators (KPIs) to identify trends, bottlenecks, and improvement opportunities.
  • Coach and mentor plant leadership teams on Lean principles, problem-solving methodologies, and continuous improvement tools.
  • Implement and sustain Lean systems including, 5S, Standard Work, Visual Management, Kaizen, etc.
  • Establish measurable improvement targets and track project results.
  • Lead cross-functional teams to execute improvement projects and ensure sustainability of gains achieved.
  • Promote a culture of accountability, employee engagement, and continuous improvement throughout the organization.
  • Ensure all improvement initiatives align with safety, quality, and operational objectives.
  • Prepare and present progress updates, project results, and performance metrics to senior leadership.

 

SKILLS & COMPETENCIES:

  • Strong expertise in Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement methodologies.
  • Excellent facilitation and workshop leadership skills.
  • Strong analytical and data-driven decision-making capabilities.
  • Proven ability to lead organizational change and influence without direct authority.
  • Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills.
  • Strong business acumen with the ability to connect operational improvements to financial results.
  • Effective project management and prioritization skills.
  • Ability to coach leaders and frontline teams through process and cultural transformation.
  • Experience developing and implementing sustainable operating systems.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Power BI, and data analysis tools.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

Required

  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, or related (Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, or related field) or equivalent experience.
  • 7+ years of manufacturing, operations, Lean, or continuous improvement experience.
  • Demonstrated success leading Lean transformation or operational excellence initiatives.
  • Experience facilitating Kaizen events and process improvement projects.
  • Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, labor productivity, quality systems, and operational metrics.
  • Experience working directly with plant leadership and cross-functional teams.
  • Light travel may be required.

Desired

  • Lean Six Sigma certification (Green Belt required; Black Belt preferred).
  • Experience in multi-site manufacturing environments.
  • Experience supporting automation
  • Experience implementing operational management systems and KPI scorecards.
  • Prior leadership or management experience.

 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

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. 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand and hear. The employee is frequently required to walk; reach with hands/arms; lift and/or lower; push and/or pull; and use hands to finger, handle, feel and/or finely manipulate objects.  The employee must frequently lift/move and/or push/pull up to 20 lbs. and occasionally lift/move and/or push/pull up to 50 lbs.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.  Use of vision correction is acceptable, if necessary; however, any vision correction apparatus must meet all safety guidelines for the area of activity.