Operational Excellence Manager (Hybrid)

Date Posted:

2026-10-22

 Country:

United States of America

 Location:

US-IL-ROCKFORD-P6 ~ 4747 Harrison Ave ~ 4747 HARRISON AVE-P6

 Position Role Type:

Hybrid

 U.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements:

U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are authorized to access information under this program/contract.

 Security Clearance Type:

None/Not Required

 Security Clearance Status:

Not Required

Collins Aerospace is a leader in technologically advanced, intelligent solutions that help redefine the aerospace and defense industry. With a comprehensive portfolio and deep technical expertise, we help customers meet the demands of the global market. Join us and help shape the future of aerospace and defense.

We are seeking a results-driven Operational Excellence Manager to support performance improvement initiatives across its Power & Controls Aftermarket business. In this individual contributor role, you will collaborate 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. You will leverage the CORE (Customer Oriented Results and Excellence) Operating System, Lean methodologies, and data-driven problem-solving to execute improvement initiatives and deliver measurable business results.

This is a hybrid opportunity (combination of onsite and remote work) and can be based in either Rockford, Illinois or Windsor Locks, Connecticut. Weekly onsite presence is required and anticipated travel is at 25% - including international travel.

What You Will Do

• •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 the 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 the 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.

What You Will Learn

• •Gain insight into aerospace aftermarket operations, including maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) processes and operational challenges.
• •Expand your understanding of operational excellence strategies and how they support business performance across multiple sites.
• •Strengthen your ability to analyze operational performance, identify improvement opportunities, and implement sustainable solutions.
• •Gain experience applying the CORE Operating System, Lean methodologies, and structured problem-solving tools to real-world business challenges.
• •Broaden your knowledge of operational performance management, process standardization, automation, and digital improvement opportunities.
• •Enhance your ability to influence cross-functional teams, collaborate with business leaders, and deliver measurable operational results.

Qualifications You Must Have

• •Typically requires: A University Degree or equivalent experience and minimum 8 years prior relevant experience, or An Advanced Degree in a related field and minimum 5 years experience
• •Experience in operations, operational excellence, continuous improvement, manufacturing, aftermarket operations, or business process improvement.
• •Ability to travel domestically and internationally as required.

Qualifications We Prefer

• •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 (e.g., 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.

What We Offer

Some of our competitive benefits package includes:

• •Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• •Three weeks of vacation for newly hired employees
• •Generous 401(k) plan that includes employer matching funds and separate employer retirement contribution, including a Lifetime Income Strategy option
• •Tuition reimbursement program
• •Student Loan Repayment Program
• •Life insurance and disability coverage
• •Optional coverages you can buy pet insurance, home and auto insurance, additional life and accident insurance, critical illness insurance, group legal, ID theft protection
• •Birth, adoption, parental leave benefits
• •Ovia Health, fertility, and family planning
• •Adoption Assistance
• •Autism Benefit
• •Employee Assistance Plan, including up to 10 free counseling sessions
• •Healthy You Incentives, wellness rewards program
• •Doctor on Demand, virtual doctor visits
• •Bright Horizons, child and elder care services
• •Teladoc Medical Experts, second opinion program
• •And more!

May be eligible for relocation.

We make modern flight possible for millions of travelers and our military every second. Our major product lines are on-board virtually every aircraft flying. Be it keeping passengers safe with our emergency power generation systems or creating a positive in flight experience through reliable cabin pressure controls and quieter engines, Power & Controls focuses on delivering a best-in-class experience to our customers. We hire the top people in the industry. Their ideas drive our performance, and their integrity keeps our customers happy. Join us as we take flight!

Role type definition:

Hybrid: Employees who are working in Hybrid roles will work regularly both onsite and offsite. Ratio of time working onsite will be determined in partnership with your leader.

Candidates will learn more about role type and current site status throughout the recruiting process. For onsite and hybrid roles, commuting to and from the assigned site is the employee’s personal responsibility.

At Collins, the paths we pave together lead to limitless possibility. And the bonds we form – with our customers and with each other -- propel us all higher, again and again.

Apply now and be part of the team that’s redefining aerospace, every day.

As part of our commitment to maintaining a secure hiring process, candidates may be asked to a