Operational Excellence Project Manager II

The Fountain Groups; Alameda (CA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative process improvement company based in California is seeking a Sr. Business Process Specialist responsible for developing and maintaining Operational Excellence programs utilizing methodologies such as Lean Six Sigma. The role involves leading continuous improvement projects, coordinating with teams, and implementing project management tools. Strong analytical, leadership, and communication skills are essential, as well as a bachelor's degree in a relevant field and at least 2 years of experience in related areas. This position offers opportunities for impactful work and professional development.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required in relevant fields.
• Minimum 2 years in project management or continuous improvement roles.
• Experience with change management and metrics is essential.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain Operational Excellence programs.
• Lead continuous improvement projects across teams.
• Support project management tool rollouts and improvement processes.

Skills

Strong analytical skills

Leadership skills

Communication skills

Software application skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, Operations, or Communications

Tools

Smartsheet

Excel

PowerPoint

PowerBI

Job description

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, Operations, Communications, or related.

Minimum 2 years in project management, change management, coordination, or continuous improvement.

Strong analytical, communication, and leadership skills.

Industrial Engineering and regulatory experience are pluses.

Experience with change management, metrics, and employee engagement.

Smartsheet, AirTable/SmartTable, Excel, PowerPoint; PowerBI preferred.

Strong software application skills and analytical/problem‑solving mindset (engineering background helpful).

Role Summary

• Develops, implements, and maintains Operational Excellence (OpEx) programs using Lean Six Sigma, value stream mapping, visual management, and change management.
• Leads continuous improvement projects: identifying opportunities, developing project charters, coordinating cross‑functional teams, managing timelines, tracking results, and removing barriers.
• Ensures alignment across related projects and business processes.
• Supports OpEx strategy focused on cost reduction, cycle‑time reduction, and waste elimination.
• Drives visual management, data analysis, and continuous improvement culture; acts as a change agent.
• Documents OpEx practices and reports project metrics in a timely manner.
• Partners with division/site leadership; requires strong communication, facilitation, and credibility.

Day to Day

• Work varies: begin with lower‑visibility or in‑progress projects.
• Supports project management tool rollouts and broader process‑leader responsibilities.
• Identifies and documents opportunities to improve how work is performed.
• Focus on reducing manual effort and enabling better, data‑driven decision‑making.
• Heavy use of Smartsheet, Excel, and PowerPoint.

The Sr. Business Process Specialist is responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining components of an Operational Excellence (OpEx) program. The program utilizes methodologies and tools such as Lean Six Sigma, value stream mapping, visual management, and change management to drive continuous improvement and create a lean culture. The incumbent will be responsible to lead and execute continuous improvement projects within the business unit and effectively coordinate these projects with the functional champion and other project improvement teams. Project leadership includes identifying opportunities, coaching sponsors in the writing of effective project charters, using project management to manage team activities, leading teams to execute projects, tracking project status and results, escalating project barriers, and developing team members. It is also critical to identify integration issues with other projects/processes and coordinate the improvements with the appropriate project/process owners to accomplish the project goals.