Operational Excellence Manager (Hybrid)

RTX • Rockford, IL

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Operational Excellence Manager supports performance improvement initiatives across Collins Aerospace’s Power & Controls Aftermarket business. In this individual-contributor role, the manager collaborates with site, regional, and functional teams to identify operational challenges, improve business processes, and implement sustainable solutions that enhance quality, delivery, cost, productivity, and customer satisfaction. The role applies the CORE (Customer Oriented Results and Excellence) Operating System, Lean methodologies, and data-driven problem-solving to deliver measurable business results.

This is a hybrid position based in Rockford, Illinois, or Windsor Locks, Connecticut. Weekly onsite presence is required, with anticipated travel of 25%, including international travel. The position requires U.S. citizenship because only U.S. citizens are authorized to access information under the applicable program or contract. No security clearance is required.

Requirements

• University degree or equivalent experience and at least 8 years of prior relevant experience, or an advanced degree in a related field and at least 5 years of experience.
• Experience in operations, operational excellence, continuous improvement, manufacturing, aftermarket operations, or business process improvement.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally as required.
• U.S. citizenship is required for access to information under the program or contract.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in manufacturing, aerospace, aftermarket operations, supply chain, or quality management systems.
• Experience leading operational excellence or business process improvement initiatives across multiple functions or locations.
• Continuous improvement certification, such as CORE, Lean Six Sigma, or equivalent.
• Experience facilitating Kaizen events, process mapping, value stream analysis, and structured problem-solving activities.
• Knowledge of operational performance management, key performance indicators (KPIs), and visual management systems.
• Experience identifying and implementing process automation, digital transformation, or data-driven improvement opportunities.
• Strong analytical, project management, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Demonstrated ability to drive measurable improvements in quality, delivery, cost, productivity, or customer satisfaction.

Responsibilities

• Partner with site, regional, and functional leaders to identify, prioritize, and execute operational excellence initiatives aligned with business objectives.
• Lead cross-functional improvement projects focused on operational performance, process efficiency, quality, delivery, cost, and customer satisfaction.
• Analyze operational performance metrics and business processes to identify gaps, determine root causes, and implement sustainable improvements.
• Facilitate structured problem-solving activities, process improvement workshops, and CORE engagements.
• Develop and execute operational improvement plans, including milestones, deliverables, performance measures, and action tracking.
• Collaborate with operational teams to standardize processes, eliminate inefficiencies, reduce variation, and strengthen execution across sites.
• Apply CORE, Lean, and business process management methodologies to improve operational effectiveness and support continuous improvement.
• Support implementation and maturity of the CORE Operating System through performance management, process assessments, and improvement activities.
• Identify opportunities for process automation, digital solutions, and improved operational data visibility.
• Facilitate sharing of best practices and lessons learned across operations.
• Monitor improvement initiative progress, validate results, and establish sustainment plans.
• Guide and coach cross-functional teams on operational excellence tools and structured problem-solving practices.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Three weeks of vacation for newly hired employees
• 401(k) plan with employer matching funds and a separate employer retirement contribution
• Tuition reimbursement
• Student loan repayment program
• Life insurance and disability coverage
• Optional pet, home and auto, additional life and accident, critical illness, group legal, and identity theft protection coverages
• Birth, adoption, and parental leave benefits
• Fertility and family planning benefits
• Adoption assistance
• Employee Assistance Plan, including up to 10 free counseling sessions
• Wellness rewards program
• Virtual doctor visits
• Child and elder care services
• Second-opinion medical expert program
• Potential relocation eligibility
• Paid time off and holidays
• Flexible spending accounts
• Flexible work schedules
• Annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation may be available, depending on position level and other factors

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior