Operational Excellence Manager (Hybrid)
About The Position
Collins Aerospace is seeking a results-driven Operational Excellence Manager to support performance improvement initiatives across its Power & Controls Aftermarket business. This individual contributor role partners 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 execute initiatives and deliver measurable business results. This is a hybrid role based in either Rockford, Illinois, or Windsor Locks, Connecticut. Weekly onsite presence is required, with anticipated travel of 25%, including international travel. U.S. citizenship is required because only U.S. citizens are authorized to access information under the program/contract. No security clearance is required.
Requirements
- A university degree or equivalent experience and a minimum of 8 years of prior relevant experience, or an advanced degree in a related field and a minimum of 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.
- Weekly onsite presence is required; anticipated travel is 25%, including international travel.
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 to address operational challenges and deliver measurable results.
- Develop and execute operational improvement plans, including key 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 to improve consistency and performance.
- Monitor improvement initiative progress, validate results, and establish sustainment plans to ensure long-term effectiveness.
- Provide guidance and coaching to 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 program
- 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 support
- Adoption assistance
- Autism benefit
- 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
- Flexible spending accounts
- Flexible work schedules
- Paid time off and holidays
- Potential annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
