Operational Excellence Manager

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

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.

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