Operational Excellence ManagerLocation: Virginia Beach, VA
Job Type: Direct Hire
Starting Salary: $85,000/year - higher depending on experience
Position SummaryWe are seeking an
Operational Excellence Manager to improve manufacturing performance through process optimization, Lean practices, data analysis, and structured problem-solving. This position works closely with operations and production teams to reduce waste, improve productivity and quality, strengthen workflows, and establish sustainable improvements.
The ideal candidate is a hands-on leader who can coach teams, lead improvement projects, analyze operational data, and turn identified opportunities into measurable results.
Key Responsibilities- Lead operational excellence and continuous improvement initiatives in alignment with business and production goals.
- Work with manufacturing and operations teams to identify process improvements, productivity opportunities, and cost reductions.
- Facilitate Kaizen events, process improvement workshops, and structured problem-solving activities.
- Apply Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Root Cause Analysis, and other continuous improvement methods.
- Review workflows and production processes to identify bottlenecks, waste, and inefficiencies.
- Develop and implement practical solutions that improve productivity, labor efficiency, cycle time, quality, safety, and delivery performance.
- Train, coach, and mentor employees on continuous improvement tools and techniques.
- Work directly with production teams on the manufacturing floor to implement and sustain process changes.
- Establish and monitor KPIs to measure improvement activities and operational performance.
- Communicate project progress, findings, results, and recommendations to leadership.
- Help develop communication and engagement strategies that encourage participation in improvement initiatives.
- Support workflow design, process optimization, and opportunities for strategic capital investment.
- Assist across multiple shifts when needed to implement and maintain improvement efforts.
- Promote accountability, teamwork, innovation, safety, quality, and continuous learning.
Qualifications- Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, Business Management, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field; equivalent experience may be considered.
- At least 5 years of experience leading or implementing continuous improvement initiatives in a manufacturing environment.
- Experience in engineer-to-order, fabrication, industrial, or manufacturing operations preferred.
- Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or Continuous Improvement certification strongly preferred.
- Demonstrated ability to lead process improvement projects with measurable operational results.
- Strong knowledge of Lean principles, value stream mapping, root cause analysis, Kaizen facilitation, and change management.
- Ability to collect, analyze, and interpret operational data for decision-making and action planning.
- Strong leadership and collaboration skills with the ability to influence teams across departments and organizational levels.
- Excellent presentation, communication, facilitation, and training skills.
- Strong problem-solving mindset with the ability to take initiative.
- Effective project management, organizational, and time management skills.
- Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
- Commitment to safety, quality, accountability, and operational excellence.
Work Requirements- Regularly walk and work on the production floor while interacting with manufacturing teams.
- Ability to stand, bend, and move throughout manufacturing areas during assessments and improvement activities.
- Ability to occasionally lift up to 50 lbs.
- Ability to support multiple shifts and work flexible hours when required.
- Comfortable working in both office and manufacturing environments
