Manager, Operational Excellence

alcon; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Alcon seeks an Operational Excellence Manager to drive cross-functional Lean process improvements at our Irvine, CA facility. You will lead a small team of data analysts, mentor Green/Black Belt candidates, and own the CIP with a focus on eliminating waste and raising customer satisfaction and market share.

The role emphasizes a data-driven approach, strong leadership, and ensuring GxP compliance through SOP adherence and thorough documentation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent experience.
• Fluent reading/writing/understanding in English.
• 5 years of relevant experience.
• 3 years of demonstrated leadership.

Responsibilities

• Drive cross-functional process improvement programs using Lean methodologies.
• Own and track the Continuous Improvement Program (CIP).
• Identify Lean improvement events and Green Belt/Black Belt candidates.
• Mentor Lean Six Sigma Green Belts through certification projects.
• Participate in major Lean improvement events to reduce costs and improve performance.
• Lead a small team of data analysts and translate insights into actionable recommendations.
• Ensure compliance with GxP by following SOPs and maintaining documentation.

Skills

Lean Six Sigma

Data analysis

Leadership

Process improvement

Change management

SOP compliance

Education

Bachelor's Degree or equivalent

Job description

At Alcon, we're passionate about enhancing sight and helping people see brilliantly. With more than 25,000 associates, we innovate fearlessly, champion progress, and act swiftly to impact global eye health. We foster an inclusive culture, recognizing your contributions and offering opportunities to grow your career like never before. Together, we make a difference in the lives of our patients and customers. Are you ready to join us?

This role is part of Alcon's Manufacturing function, a team that designs, produces and delivers innovative eyecare products to more than 140 countries through operational excellence and efficiency.

The Operational Excellence Manager , is primarily responsible for driving cross-functional process improvement programs to eliminate waste, enhance customer satisfaction, and boost market share using Lean methodologies. The manager should apply a strong data-driven approach, using analytics to identify opportunities, guide decision‑making, and deliver measurable improvements. In addition to leading the Continuous Improvement Program at the site you will Lead and develop a small team of data analysts by strengthening critical thinking, advanced analytical skills, and a strategic, forward‑looking mindset. Building team capability to anticipate business needs and deliver timely, data‑driven insights that enable proactive, high‑impact solutions and continuous improvement. Strong leadership and strategic planning are key to achieving operational excellence at our Manufacturing Facility in Irvine, CA . Specifics include:

• Drive the cross-functional process improvement program to eliminate waste, improve customer satisfaction, and increase market share through Lean methodologies.
• Apply a strong data-driven approach, using analytics to identify opportunities, guide decision‑making, and deliver measurable improvements.
• Own and track annual objectives for the Continuous Improvement Program (CIP).
• Identify opportunities for Lean improvement events and select candidates for Green Belt and Black Belt training.
• Mentor Lean Six Sigma Green Belts through certification projects.
• Participate in major Lean improvement events to achieve cost reductions.
• Work across all organizational levels to create value and buy-in as the lead change driver.
• Provide strategic expertise and direction for cross-functional process improvement program.
• Enhance business performance by eliminating waste, improving customer satisfaction, and increasing market share through Lean and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Lead a small team of data analysts, providing mentorship and guidance to build capability and drive high‑quality outputs.
• Apply strong critical thinking and data analysis to translate insights into actionable recommendations for the business.
• Foster a strategic, data‑driven mindset within the team to support decision‑making and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with GxP regulations by following Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), maintaining accurate and complete documentation, ensuring rigorous quality control, and completing all required training

WHAT YOU'LL BRING TO ALCON:

• Bachelor's Degree or Equivalent years of directly related experience (or high school +13 yrs; Assoc.+9 yrs; M.S.+2 yrs; PhD+1 yr)
• The ability to fluently read, write, understand and communicate in English
• 5 Years of relevant experience
• 3 Years of demonstrated leadershipWork Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM CST
• Location : Onsite
• Travel Requirements : Up to 10%
• Relocation Assistance : None
• Sponsorship Available : NO

HOW YOU CAN THRIVE AT ALCON:

• Collaborate with teammates to share standard processes and learnings as work evolves!
• Join Alcon's mission to provide top-tier, innovative products and solutions to enhance sight & enhance lives.
• Grow your career in a highly collaborative and diverse environment.

Alcon Careers

See your impact at alcon.com/careers

Compensation and Benefits

Alcon provides robust benefits package including health, life, retirement, flexible time off for salaried associates, paid time off for hourly associates and much more!

Alcon's Total Rewards programs are designed to align incentives with business objectives, support our values, and deliver long‑term value. Our compensation approach includes a combination of fixed and variable pay, with short-term and long‑term incentive opportunities for eligible roles. Our benefits offerings are designed to support associates and their families across key life events, including programs that promote health and well‑being, provide financial security, and support retirement planning.

The salary range posted represents the anticipated hiring range for this role. Actual com