Operational Excellence Manager

Operational Excellence Manager

Location: Virginia Beach, VA
Job Type: Direct Hire
Starting Salary: $85,000/year — higher depending on experience

Position Summary

We 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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