Operational Excellence Manager Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Operational Excellence Managers qualify for H-1B visa and L-1 visa sponsorship when the role requires a bachelor's degree in industrial engineering, business, or a related field. Employers in manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, and consulting sponsor this title regularly, and cap-exempt organizations can file year-round. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
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Get Access To All JobsHEAD OF CLEANING Strategy & Operational Excellence – NORTH AMERICA
Lead the Future of Cleaning Excellence at ISS
ISS is seeking a transformational Head of Cleaning Strategy & Operational Excellence – North America to define the strategy, elevate operational excellence, and shape the future of cleaning and janitorial services across our diverse North American portfolio.
This is more than an operational leadership role. It is an opportunity to influence how cleaning services are designed, delivered, measured, and continuously improved across some of the most complex workplace environments in North America.
From corporate workplaces and manufacturing facilities to airports, healthcare environments, distribution centers, educational facilities, and other critical client locations, you will establish the standards, innovation roadmap, workforce strategies, and operational framework that drive exceptional performance.
At ISS, People Make Places — and this role will help ensure those places are safer, cleaner, smarter, more sustainable, and better for everyone who experiences them.
THE OPPORTUNITY
As Head of Cleaning Strategy & Operational Excellence – North America, you will serve as the senior subject matter leader and champion for cleaning excellence across the organization.
You will lead the strategic direction, operational performance, quality, innovation, productivity, and continuous improvement of our cleaning services portfolio while partnering closely with Operations, Commercial, Sales, Solutions, Procurement, HSEQ, Technology, and client leadership.
You will also play a critical role in business growth—developing innovative cleaning solutions for new opportunities, supporting major bids and expansions, designing workforce strategies, and bringing compelling operational solutions to our clients.
Your mission: build a scalable, innovative, data-driven cleaning platform that delivers outstanding experiences for our clients, customers, and frontline teams.
WHAT YOU’LL LEAD
Cleaning Strategy & Operational Excellence
- Develop and execute the North America cleaning strategy aligned with ISS business and growth objectives.
- Establish standardized operating procedures, quality frameworks, productivity benchmarks, performance metrics, and best practices across the cleaning portfolio.
- Drive consistency and operational discipline while maintaining the flexibility required to meet unique client and industry needs.
- Lead operational transformation and continuous improvement initiatives designed to enhance quality, productivity, safety, sustainability, and customer experience.
- Provide strategic oversight and expertise for complex mobilizations, transitions, new account launches, and high-profile operational challenges.
Financial & Commercial Performance
- Take ownership of cleaning service financial performance, productivity initiatives, and margin improvement strategies.
- Develop sophisticated labor models and workforce strategies that balance service excellence, employee experience, productivity, and profitability.
- Analyze labor utilization, consumables, equipment investments, operating costs, and performance trends to identify opportunities for improvement.
- Partner with Commercial, Sales, and Solutions teams on pricing strategies, financial modeling, staffing solutions, and new business opportunities.
Innovation, Technology & the Future of Cleaning
Help redefine what cleaning services can be.
Identify, evaluate, and scale emerging technologies including:
- Smart cleaning platforms
- Robotics and automation
- IoT and connected equipment
- Sensor-based and demand-driven cleaning
- Workforce management technology
- Data analytics and performance dashboards
- Sustainable products, equipment, and methodologies
Develop compelling business cases for modernization investments and use data to drive smarter operational decisions.
Client Leadership
- Serve as an executive sponsor and trusted advisor for key cleaning and integrated facilities management clients.
- Participate in executive business reviews, governance meetings, solution workshops, and strategic client discussions.
- Bring industry expertise, innovation, and thought leadership to client partnerships while ensuring service expectations and customer satisfaction targets are consistently achieved.
Quality, Safety & Compliance
- Establish and maintain world-class cleaning quality standards across the North American portfolio.
- Lead quality assurance programs, operational audits, inspections, corrective action initiatives, and continuous improvement programs.
- Ensure compliance with applicable OSHA, EPA, CDC, client, regulatory, and ISS requirements.
- Provide governance and leadership around chemical programs, infection prevention, environmental standards, sustainability initiatives, and industry best practices.
People & Capability Development
- Build, inspire, and develop a high-performing network of Cleaning Excellence Managers, Program Managers, Regional Leaders, and operational professionals.
- Create talent pipelines and succession strategies that strengthen cleaning expertise throughout the organization.
- Develop training, certification, coaching, and capability-building programs for operational leaders and frontline teams.
- Champion a culture centered on safety, accountability, inclusion, engagement, collaboration, and continuous learning.
Growth & Strategic Solutioning
- Partner with Sales, Solutions, Operations, and Commercial teams on strategic pursuits and major growth opportunities.
- Support RFP development, staffing models, operational solutioning, bid presentations, client workshops, and site visits.
- Design innovative cleaning solutions that differentiate ISS in the marketplace while delivering measurable value for clients.
WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE
Success in this role means creating a cleaning organization that is:
Safer. Smarter. More consistent. More innovative. More sustainable. More productive.
You will help create an environment where operational excellence becomes repeatable, innovation becomes scalable, frontline teams have the tools and training to succeed, and clients recognize ISS as a trusted leader in cleaning solutions.
WHAT YOU BRING
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Facilities Management, Engineering, Operations Management, or a related discipline
- 10+ years of progressive leadership experience within cleaning services, facilities management, environmental services, workplace operations, or a related field
- 5+ years leading multi-site, regional, or national operations
- Demonstrated experience leading large frontline workforces
- Strong financial, operational, strategic, and commercial acumen
- Experience managing major client relationships and contract governance
- Proven ability to lead transformation, standardization, and continuous improvement across complex operations
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s degree or MBA
- IFMA, ISSA, CFM, FMP, LEED, or related professional certifications
- Experience within integrated facilities management
- Experience supporting complex environments such as airports, healthcare, manufacturing, education, corporate workplaces, distribution centers, or large-scale commercial portfolios
- Experience implementing cleaning technology, automation, robotics, workforce management, or data-driven service models
THE LEADER WE’RE LOOKING FOR
- You are a strategic thinker who can move seamlessly between the boardroom and the operation.
- You understand the realities of frontline service delivery while also seeing the larger opportunity to transform how cleaning services are designed and delivered.
You bring:
Strategic Mindset • Customer Focus • Business Acumen • Change Leadership • Innovation • Operational Excellence • Executive Presence • Financial Stewardship • Collaboration • Influencing Skills • Accountability • Continuous Improvement
Most importantly, you know how to turn strategy into execution—and bring people with you along the journey.
WHY ISS?
At ISS, we believe that People Make Places.
Every day, our people create workplaces and environments that make life easier, more productive, safer, and more enjoyable for millions of people.
As Head of Cleaning – North America, you will have the opportunity to influence one of our most important service lines at scale—building capabilities, developing people, introducing new technologies, strengthening client partnerships, and creating the next generation of cleaning excellence.
Ready to Lead What’s Next?
If you are passionate about operational excellence, people leadership, innovation, technology, and transforming cleaning services at scale, we want to hear from you.
Join ISS and help shape the future of cleaning across North America.
ISS — People Make Places
HSEQ Compliance: All employees must adhere to Health, Safety, Environment, and Quality (HSEQ) policies and procedures to ensure a safe and compliant work environment. This includes following safety protocols, maintaining environmental responsibility, and upholding quality standards in all tasks. Employees are expected to actively participate in HSEQ training and report any potential hazards or compliance concerns.
ISS offers full time employees a variety of benefits including medical, dental, life and disability insurance, as well as a comprehensive leave program based on employment status. The annual salary range for this position is $240000.00 per year - $250000.00 per year. Final compensation will be determined based on experience and skills and may vary from the range listed above.
To Executive Search Firms and Staffing Agencies: ISS Facility Services / Guckenheimer does not accept unsolicited resumes from agencies. All unsolicited resumes will be considered ISS Facility Services / Guckenheimer property, and ISS Facility Services / Guckenheimer will not be obligated to pay a referral fee. This includes resumes submitted directly to Hiring Managers without contacting the ISS Facility Services / Guckenheimer Human Resources Talent Acquisition Department.
As a global organization, ISS Group is committed to making the international community more resilient and just for all people. We encourage diversity and inclusion in their broadest terms, including ethnicity, race, age, gender, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, religious beliefs, language, culture, and educational background. We look to lead our industry by example and to positively influence the market wherever we operate.
Employment with ISS/Guckenheimer may be contingent upon successful completion of a background check and, where applicable, a drug and/or alcohol screening, in accordance with applicable laws and Company requirements.
HEAD OF CLEANING Strategy & Operational Excellence – NORTH AMERICA
Lead the Future of Cleaning Excellence at ISS
ISS is seeking a transformational Head of Cleaning Strategy & Operational Excellence – North America to define the strategy, elevate operational excellence, and shape the future of cleaning and janitorial services across our diverse North American portfolio.
This is more than an operational leadership role. It is an opportunity to influence how cleaning services are designed, delivered, measured, and continuously improved across some of the most complex workplace environments in North America.
From corporate workplaces and manufacturing facilities to airports, healthcare environments, distribution centers, educational facilities, and other critical client locations, you will establish the standards, innovation roadmap, workforce strategies, and operational framework that drive exceptional performance.
At ISS, People Make Places — and this role will help ensure those places are safer, cleaner, smarter, more sustainable, and better for everyone who experiences them.
THE OPPORTUNITY
As Head of Cleaning Strategy & Operational Excellence – North America, you will serve as the senior subject matter leader and champion for cleaning excellence across the organization.
You will lead the strategic direction, operational performance, quality, innovation, productivity, and continuous improvement of our cleaning services portfolio while partnering closely with Operations, Commercial, Sales, Solutions, Procurement, HSEQ, Technology, and client leadership.
You will also play a critical role in business growth—developing innovative cleaning solutions for new opportunities, supporting major bids and expansions, designing workforce strategies, and bringing compelling operational solutions to our clients.
Your mission: build a scalable, innovative, data-driven cleaning platform that delivers outstanding experiences for our clients, customers, and frontline teams.
WHAT YOU’LL LEAD
Cleaning Strategy & Operational Excellence
- Develop and execute the North America cleaning strategy aligned with ISS business and growth objectives.
- Establish standardized operating procedures, quality frameworks, productivity benchmarks, performance metrics, and best practices across the cleaning portfolio.
- Drive consistency and operational discipline while maintaining the flexibility required to meet unique client and industry needs.
- Lead operational transformation and continuous improvement initiatives designed to enhance quality, productivity, safety, sustainability, and customer experience.
- Provide strategic oversight and expertise for complex mobilizations, transitions, new account launches, and high-profile operational challenges.
Financial & Commercial Performance
- Take ownership of cleaning service financial performance, productivity initiatives, and margin improvement strategies.
- Develop sophisticated labor models and workforce strategies that balance service excellence, employee experience, productivity, and profitability.
- Analyze labor utilization, consumables, equipment investments, operating costs, and performance trends to identify opportunities for improvement.
- Partner with Commercial, Sales, and Solutions teams on pricing strategies, financial modeling, staffing solutions, and new business opportunities.
Innovation, Technology & the Future of Cleaning
Help redefine what cleaning services can be.
Identify, evaluate, and scale emerging technologies including:
- Smart cleaning platforms
- Robotics and automation
- IoT and connected equipment
- Sensor-based and demand-driven cleaning
- Workforce management technology
- Data analytics and performance dashboards
- Sustainable products, equipment, and methodologies
Develop compelling business cases for modernization investments and use data to drive smarter operational decisions.
Client Leadership
- Serve as an executive sponsor and trusted advisor for key cleaning and integrated facilities management clients.
- Participate in executive business reviews, governance meetings, solution workshops, and strategic client discussions.
- Bring industry expertise, innovation, and thought leadership to client partnerships while ensuring service expectations and customer satisfaction targets are consistently achieved.
Quality, Safety & Compliance
- Establish and maintain world-class cleaning quality standards across the North American portfolio.
- Lead quality assurance programs, operational audits, inspections, corrective action initiatives, and continuous improvement programs.
- Ensure compliance with applicable OSHA, EPA, CDC, client, regulatory, and ISS requirements.
- Provide governance and leadership around chemical programs, infection prevention, environmental standards, sustainability initiatives, and industry best practices.
People & Capability Development
- Build, inspire, and develop a high-performing network of Cleaning Excellence Managers, Program Managers, Regional Leaders, and operational professionals.
- Create talent pipelines and succession strategies that strengthen cleaning expertise throughout the organization.
- Develop training, certification, coaching, and capability-building programs for operational leaders and frontline teams.
- Champion a culture centered on safety, accountability, inclusion, engagement, collaboration, and continuous learning.
Growth & Strategic Solutioning
- Partner with Sales, Solutions, Operations, and Commercial teams on strategic pursuits and major growth opportunities.
- Support RFP development, staffing models, operational solutioning, bid presentations, client workshops, and site visits.
- Design innovative cleaning solutions that differentiate ISS in the marketplace while delivering measurable value for clients.
WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE
Success in this role means creating a cleaning organization that is:
Safer. Smarter. More consistent. More innovative. More sustainable. More productive.
You will help create an environment where operational excellence becomes repeatable, innovation becomes scalable, frontline teams have the tools and training to succeed, and clients recognize ISS as a trusted leader in cleaning solutions.
WHAT YOU BRING
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Facilities Management, Engineering, Operations Management, or a related discipline
- 10+ years of progressive leadership experience within cleaning services, facilities management, environmental services, workplace operations, or a related field
- 5+ years leading multi-site, regional, or national operations
- Demonstrated experience leading large frontline workforces
- Strong financial, operational, strategic, and commercial acumen
- Experience managing major client relationships and contract governance
- Proven ability to lead transformation, standardization, and continuous improvement across complex operations
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s degree or MBA
- IFMA, ISSA, CFM, FMP, LEED, or related professional certifications
- Experience within integrated facilities management
- Experience supporting complex environments such as airports, healthcare, manufacturing, education, corporate workplaces, distribution centers, or large-scale commercial portfolios
- Experience implementing cleaning technology, automation, robotics, workforce management, or data-driven service models
THE LEADER WE’RE LOOKING FOR
- You are a strategic thinker who can move seamlessly between the boardroom and the operation.
- You understand the realities of frontline service delivery while also seeing the larger opportunity to transform how cleaning services are designed and delivered.
You bring:
Strategic Mindset • Customer Focus • Business Acumen • Change Leadership • Innovation • Operational Excellence • Executive Presence • Financial Stewardship • Collaboration • Influencing Skills • Accountability • Continuous Improvement
Most importantly, you know how to turn strategy into execution—and bring people with you along the journey.
WHY ISS?
At ISS, we believe that People Make Places.
Every day, our people create workplaces and environments that make life easier, more productive, safer, and more enjoyable for millions of people.
As Head of Cleaning – North America, you will have the opportunity to influence one of our most important service lines at scale—building capabilities, developing people, introducing new technologies, strengthening client partnerships, and creating the next generation of cleaning excellence.
Ready to Lead What’s Next?
If you are passionate about operational excellence, people leadership, innovation, technology, and transforming cleaning services at scale, we want to hear from you.
Join ISS and help shape the future of cleaning across North America.
ISS — People Make Places
HSEQ Compliance: All employees must adhere to Health, Safety, Environment, and Quality (HSEQ) policies and procedures to ensure a safe and compliant work environment. This includes following safety protocols, maintaining environmental responsibility, and upholding quality standards in all tasks. Employees are expected to actively participate in HSEQ training and report any potential hazards or compliance concerns.
ISS offers full time employees a variety of benefits including medical, dental, life and disability insurance, as well as a comprehensive leave program based on employment status. The annual salary range for this position is $240000.00 per year - $250000.00 per year. Final compensation will be determined based on experience and skills and may vary from the range listed above.
To Executive Search Firms and Staffing Agencies: ISS Facility Services / Guckenheimer does not accept unsolicited resumes from agencies. All unsolicited resumes will be considered ISS Facility Services / Guckenheimer property, and ISS Facility Services / Guckenheimer will not be obligated to pay a referral fee. This includes resumes submitted directly to Hiring Managers without contacting the ISS Facility Services / Guckenheimer Human Resources Talent Acquisition Department.
As a global organization, ISS Group is committed to making the international community more resilient and just for all people. We encourage diversity and inclusion in their broadest terms, including ethnicity, race, age, gender, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, religious beliefs, language, culture, and educational background. We look to lead our industry by example and to positively influence the market wherever we operate.
Employment with ISS/Guckenheimer may be contingent upon successful completion of a background check and, where applicable, a drug and/or alcohol screening, in accordance with applicable laws and Company requirements.
See all 1,223+ Operational Excellence Manager Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Visa Sponsorship as an Operational Excellence Manager
Frame your degree as essential to the role
H-1B approval hinges on proving the job requires a specific bachelor's degree. Emphasize how your industrial engineering, operations management, or business degree directly underpins the analytical and process design work the role demands.
Target industries with consistent sponsorship track records
Manufacturing, healthcare systems, management consulting, and logistics firms sponsor Operational Excellence Managers most frequently. These sectors rely heavily on Lean and Six Sigma expertise, making a strong business case for sponsorship easier to establish.
Highlight Lean Six Sigma certification prominently
Green Belt or Black Belt certification significantly strengthens your profile. Employers and immigration attorneys use these credentials to demonstrate the specialized nature of the role, supporting the specialty occupation argument required for H-1B approval.
Pursue L-1A if you're transferring within a multinational
If you've managed teams or directed operational functions at an overseas affiliate for at least one year, the L-1A intracompany transferee visa is a strong alternative to H-1B and bypasses the lottery entirely.
Ask employers about cap-exempt sponsorship early
Universities, nonprofit research institutions, and certain government-affiliated organizations are H-1B cap-exempt. If a cap-exempt employer has an Operational Excellence role, your petition can be filed at any time without waiting for the April lottery window.
Document quantifiable impact from previous roles
Sponsoring attorneys build the specialty occupation case around your specific contributions. Concrete metrics, such as cost reductions achieved, cycle times improved, or defect rates reduced, demonstrate the complexity and specialized nature of your work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does an Operational Excellence Manager role qualify as a specialty occupation for H-1B purposes?
It can, but it's not automatic. USCIS requires the position to normally require a bachelor's degree in a specific field like industrial engineering, operations management, or business. Roles framed around general management without a required degree field face higher scrutiny. Employers with a history of requiring a specific degree and candidates whose degree directly matches the job duties have stronger cases.
Which visa types do employers typically use to sponsor Operational Excellence Managers?
H-1B visa is the most common path for new hires without an existing U.S. employer relationship. L-1A is available for managers transferring from an overseas entity within the same corporate group. TN visas cover this role for Canadian and Mexican nationals when the job maps to a qualifying USMCA professional category such as industrial engineer or management consultant, depending on how the position is defined.
How competitive is H-1B sponsorship for this role, and what affects approval odds?
USCIS approvals for operations and process improvement roles have held reasonably steady, though outcomes depend heavily on how the petition is drafted. Key factors include whether the job description specifies a required degree field, whether the applicant holds a matching degree, and whether the employer can document that the role is genuinely specialized. Six Sigma credentials and quantified project outcomes strengthen the petition materially.
Where can I find Operational Excellence Manager jobs that offer visa sponsorship?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for international candidates and filters for roles where employers are open to sponsorship. Searching there lets you focus on companies already familiar with the H-1B or L-1 visa process for operations roles, which saves time compared to applying broadly and discovering sponsorship isn't available after the first interview.
Can a three-year bachelor's degree from outside the U.S. qualify me for H-1B sponsorship in this role?
Yes, in most cases. USCIS accepts three-year degrees from countries like Australia, India, and the UK as equivalent to a U.S. four-year degree, provided a credential evaluation confirms equivalency. Some petitions combine a three-year degree with a postgraduate qualification or relevant work experience to meet the equivalency threshold. Having a credential evaluation completed before your employer files saves time and avoids requests for additional evidence.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Operational Excellence Manager jobs?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.