Operational Excellence Manager

About the Opportunity

A growing advanced manufacturing company supporting the aerospace industry is seeking an experienced Operational Excellence Manager to lead Lean transformation initiatives across its manufacturing operation.

This is a newly created, high-impact leadership position responsible for improving operational performance through Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping, Daily Management, and continuous improvement initiatives.

The facility is experiencing significant growth and expanding operations over the next several years, creating an excellent opportunity for a hands-on Lean leader who enjoys working directly with production teams to drive measurable business results.

This position will initially operate as an individual contributor while helping establish the company's long-term Operational Excellence strategy, with future leadership opportunities as the Continuous Improvement team grows.

What You'll Do

• Lead Lean Manufacturing and Operational Excellence initiatives across manufacturing and support functions.
• Drive continuous improvement efforts focused on safety, quality, delivery, cost, and employee engagement.
• Facilitate Kaizen events, Value Stream Mapping workshops, Gemba walks, and structured problem-solving activities.
• Develop and implement Daily Management systems, KPI tracking, visual management, and tiered accountability processes.
• Conduct time studies, workflow analysis, and production assessments to identify waste and improve operational efficiency.
• Analyze manufacturing metrics including OEE, throughput, labor utilization, downtime, scrap, productivity, and capacity to identify improvement opportunities.
• Partner cross-functionally with Operations, Engineering, Quality, Maintenance, and Supply Chain to prioritize improvement projects and eliminate production constraints.
• Coach leaders and production teams on Lean principles, operational discipline, and sustainable continuous improvement methodologies.
• Lead change management initiatives that improve operational performance and strengthen Lean culture throughout the organization.
• Support strategic capital projects and manufacturing expansion initiatives through Lean implementation and operational planning.
• Promote a culture of accountability, collaboration, employee engagement, and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, or a related field required.
• 5 years of Continuous Improvement, Lean Manufacturing, Operational Excellence, Manufacturing Engineering, or Operations Leadership experience.
• Demonstrated success leading Lean transformation initiatives within manufacturing.
• Strong experience facilitating:
• Kaizen Events
• Value Stream Mapping (VSM)
• Gemba Walks
• Daily Management Systems
• Standard Work
• Visual Management
• Root Cause Analysis
• Experience utilizing manufacturing KPIs including:
• OEE
• Throughput
• Downtime
• Scrap
• Capacity
• Labor Productivity
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to convert operational data into actionable improvements.
• Excellent leadership and communication skills with the ability to influence cross-functional teams without direct authority.
• Proven project management experience leading multiple operational improvement initiatives simultaneously.
• Hands-on leadership style with a passion for working directly on the manufacturing floor.

Preferred Experience

• Aerospace Manufacturing
• Automotive Manufacturing
• Advanced Manufacturing
• Industrial Manufacturing
• Lean Transformation
• Operational Excellence
• Continuous Improvement Programs
• Metal Processing
• High-Mix Manufacturing

Why Join Us?

• Newly created leadership role with high visibility.
• Opportunity to build and shape the site's Lean culture.
• Facility projected to experience significant growth over the next several years.
• Direct influence on plant-wide operational strategy and performance.
• Strong executive support for Continuous Improvement initiatives.
• Opportunity to build and mentor a growing Continuous Improvement team.
• Backed by the resources and stability of a global manufacturing organization.
• Excellent benefits package including 401(k), pension plan, annual bonus, and relocation assistance.
• Collaborative culture that values autonomy, continuous learning, and long-term career growth.

Keywords

Operational Excellence • Continuous Improvement • Lean Manufacturing • Lean Manager • Continuous Improvement Manager • Operational Excellence Manager • Kaizen • Value Stream Mapping • VSM • Gemba • Daily Management • Hoshin Kanri • OEE • Root Cause Analysis • Standard Work • Visual Management • Manufacturing Engineering • Industrial Engineering • Process Improvement • Change Management • Lean Leadership • Operational Excellence Systems • Waste Reduction • Throughput Improvement • Productivity Improvement • Manufacturing Operations • Aerospace Manufacturing • Automotive Manufacturing • Operational Leadership