Operations Excellence Manager Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Operations Excellence Manager roles qualify for H-1B visa sponsorship as a specialty occupation requiring a bachelor's degree in industrial engineering, operations management, or a related field. Employers in manufacturing, logistics, and consulting file LCAs with the DOL before sponsoring, and the H-1B is subject to an annual cap and selection process. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
Find Operations Excellence Manager JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 9+ Operations Excellence Manager jobs
See all Operations Excellence Manager Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Operations Excellence Manager roles.
Get Access To All JobsJoin the Associated Materials Innovations team at Associated Materials, LLC, and be AMazing with us!
Who We Are
At Associated Materials Innovations, we combine our rich history in innovation with an unwavering commitment to continuous improvement of the customer experience. For decades, we have provided vinyl windows, siding, and metal building products that have helped build homes and communities across North America.
As a leading manufacturer of exterior building products and preferred product manufacturer for Alside, you'll have the opportunity to contribute ideas in a welcoming and supportive work environment driven by safety and our core values. Join the AMI team where you can be AMazing as we shape our future together.
Position Summary
The Operations Excellence Manager will lead, implement, and sustain a culture of continuous improvement across our manufacturing operations with a focus on our Vinyl, Composite and Metal plants.
This role is responsible for driving significant and measurable improvements in key performance indicators related to safety, quality, delivery, and cost through the application of Lean methodologies. The ideal candidate is a skilled change agent and mentor who can effectively engage and influence teams at every level to achieve and sustain operational excellence.
Reporting directly to the VP of Operations, Vinyl, Composite & Metal, the role will be immersed in a dynamic, multi-plant environment, building an end-to-end understanding of our business. Your initial focus will be on our Ennis, TX vinyl plant, where you will lead strategic initiatives to drive operational excellence, improve efficiency, and teach people.
Key Responsibilities
- Operational Leadership: Immerse yourself in all facets of plant operations, gaining expertise in production, maintenance, supply chain, quality, and engineering through a structured rotation. Take increasing ownership of daily plant performance, driving results across key metrics (Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, and People).
- Strategic Project Management: Partner with the Plant Managers and VP of Operations to lead and execute strategic projects aligned with corporate goals. Support the deployment of Hoshin Kanri (strategy deployment), translating high-level objectives into actionable, plant-level plans.
- Continuous Improvement (CI): Champion a culture of Continuous Improvement by leading and supporting Lean and CI initiatives. Facilitate Kaizen events, implement standard work, establish daily management systems, and drive waste reduction activities to optimize processes.
- Performance and Analysis: Conduct root cause analysis to identify systemic issues and implement effective corrective actions. Track and report project progress, quantifying improvements in cost savings, productivity, and throughput to demonstrate tangible business impact.
- Talent Development: Supervise, mentor, and coach supervisors, team leaders, and staff, building their leadership capabilities and fostering a culture of accountability and engagement.
- Financial Acumen: Participate actively in budgeting, financial analysis, and cost control initiatives, gaining the necessary experience for future P&L ownership.
- Compliance and Quality: Ensure all operations meet quality standards, customer requirements, and regulatory guidelines.
- Performance Management: Establish, track, and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the effectiveness of improvement projects and ensure the sustainability of results.
- Change Management: Actively drive and facilitate a culture of continuous improvement and accountability. Work with cross-functional teams to manage the change process effectively and overcome resistance.
- Problem Solving: Utilize advanced problem-solving techniques, such as Root Cause Analysis (RCA), to address complex manufacturing challenges and implement corrective actions.
Qualifications
- Education: A bachelor's degree in engineering, operations, business or a related technical field is required. A master's degree is preferred.
- Experience:
- 7+ years of progressive leadership experience in a manufacturing environment with multi-functional exposure.
- A proven track record of success in operations management or similar roles.
- Demonstrated experience leading Lean/Continuous Improvement projects with measurable outcomes.
- Experience in metal, vinyl, or window manufacturing is a plus but not required.
- Skills & Attributes:
- Strategic & Analytical: Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills with a data-driven approach.
- Technical Proficiency: Advanced knowledge of process improvement tools (Kaizen, 5S, VSM, etc.) and proficiency with data analysis tools.
- Leadership: A highly motivated and effective leader with the ability to build rapport and drive team excellence. A hands-on, resilient, and collaborative approach is essential.
- Communication: Excellent communication and facilitation abilities, capable of engaging with all levels of the organization, from the plant floor to the executive suite.
- Accountability: A results-oriented mindset with a focus on delivering high-quality outcomes.
What We Offer
- Accelerated Growth: A structured and intentional development path designed to prepare you for future Plant Manager responsibilities.
- Executive Mentorship: Direct and dedicated mentorship from the VP of Operations and other experienced Plant Managers.
- Diverse Experience: Exposure to a variety of products, processes, and best practices across our network of 10 plants.
- Company Culture: A challenging and supportive environment focused on safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.
About us
When you join AMI, you are part of a leading North American manufacturing business of vinyl windows, cladding, metal siding, trim and other essential exterior building products for residential, light commercial and multifamily projects. In 2022, we introduced our composite cladding system, a first-of-its-kind solution featuring exclusive (GP)2 technology. Headquartered in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, AMI is part of Associated Materials, LLC, which owns and operates 10 manufacturing facilities in North America including a distribution center.
Associated Materials Innovations ... Building Products Better
Associated Materials, LLC, provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, medical condition, genetic information, military and veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, gender, gender expression, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by local law, regulation, or ordinance. We also make reasonable accommodations for disabled employees and applicants, as required by law.
Additional Information
The actual wage offered to the successful candidate will be based on multiple factors, including, but not limited to, job-related knowledge/skills, experience, business needs, geographical location, and internal pay parity. Compensation decisions are dependent upon the facts and circumstances of each position and candidate. Click to learn more about benefits.
Join the Associated Materials Innovations team at Associated Materials, LLC, and be AMazing with us!
Who We Are
At Associated Materials Innovations, we combine our rich history in innovation with an unwavering commitment to continuous improvement of the customer experience. For decades, we have provided vinyl windows, siding, and metal building products that have helped build homes and communities across North America.
As a leading manufacturer of exterior building products and preferred product manufacturer for Alside, you'll have the opportunity to contribute ideas in a welcoming and supportive work environment driven by safety and our core values. Join the AMI team where you can be AMazing as we shape our future together.
Position Summary
The Operations Excellence Manager will lead, implement, and sustain a culture of continuous improvement across our manufacturing operations with a focus on our Vinyl, Composite and Metal plants.
This role is responsible for driving significant and measurable improvements in key performance indicators related to safety, quality, delivery, and cost through the application of Lean methodologies. The ideal candidate is a skilled change agent and mentor who can effectively engage and influence teams at every level to achieve and sustain operational excellence.
Reporting directly to the VP of Operations, Vinyl, Composite & Metal, the role will be immersed in a dynamic, multi-plant environment, building an end-to-end understanding of our business. Your initial focus will be on our Ennis, TX vinyl plant, where you will lead strategic initiatives to drive operational excellence, improve efficiency, and teach people.
Key Responsibilities
- Operational Leadership: Immerse yourself in all facets of plant operations, gaining expertise in production, maintenance, supply chain, quality, and engineering through a structured rotation. Take increasing ownership of daily plant performance, driving results across key metrics (Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, and People).
- Strategic Project Management: Partner with the Plant Managers and VP of Operations to lead and execute strategic projects aligned with corporate goals. Support the deployment of Hoshin Kanri (strategy deployment), translating high-level objectives into actionable, plant-level plans.
- Continuous Improvement (CI): Champion a culture of Continuous Improvement by leading and supporting Lean and CI initiatives. Facilitate Kaizen events, implement standard work, establish daily management systems, and drive waste reduction activities to optimize processes.
- Performance and Analysis: Conduct root cause analysis to identify systemic issues and implement effective corrective actions. Track and report project progress, quantifying improvements in cost savings, productivity, and throughput to demonstrate tangible business impact.
- Talent Development: Supervise, mentor, and coach supervisors, team leaders, and staff, building their leadership capabilities and fostering a culture of accountability and engagement.
- Financial Acumen: Participate actively in budgeting, financial analysis, and cost control initiatives, gaining the necessary experience for future P&L ownership.
- Compliance and Quality: Ensure all operations meet quality standards, customer requirements, and regulatory guidelines.
- Performance Management: Establish, track, and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the effectiveness of improvement projects and ensure the sustainability of results.
- Change Management: Actively drive and facilitate a culture of continuous improvement and accountability. Work with cross-functional teams to manage the change process effectively and overcome resistance.
- Problem Solving: Utilize advanced problem-solving techniques, such as Root Cause Analysis (RCA), to address complex manufacturing challenges and implement corrective actions.
Qualifications
- Education: A bachelor's degree in engineering, operations, business or a related technical field is required. A master's degree is preferred.
- Experience:
- 7+ years of progressive leadership experience in a manufacturing environment with multi-functional exposure.
- A proven track record of success in operations management or similar roles.
- Demonstrated experience leading Lean/Continuous Improvement projects with measurable outcomes.
- Experience in metal, vinyl, or window manufacturing is a plus but not required.
- Skills & Attributes:
- Strategic & Analytical: Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills with a data-driven approach.
- Technical Proficiency: Advanced knowledge of process improvement tools (Kaizen, 5S, VSM, etc.) and proficiency with data analysis tools.
- Leadership: A highly motivated and effective leader with the ability to build rapport and drive team excellence. A hands-on, resilient, and collaborative approach is essential.
- Communication: Excellent communication and facilitation abilities, capable of engaging with all levels of the organization, from the plant floor to the executive suite.
- Accountability: A results-oriented mindset with a focus on delivering high-quality outcomes.
What We Offer
- Accelerated Growth: A structured and intentional development path designed to prepare you for future Plant Manager responsibilities.
- Executive Mentorship: Direct and dedicated mentorship from the VP of Operations and other experienced Plant Managers.
- Diverse Experience: Exposure to a variety of products, processes, and best practices across our network of 10 plants.
- Company Culture: A challenging and supportive environment focused on safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.
About us
When you join AMI, you are part of a leading North American manufacturing business of vinyl windows, cladding, metal siding, trim and other essential exterior building products for residential, light commercial and multifamily projects. In 2022, we introduced our composite cladding system, a first-of-its-kind solution featuring exclusive (GP)2 technology. Headquartered in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, AMI is part of Associated Materials, LLC, which owns and operates 10 manufacturing facilities in North America including a distribution center.
Associated Materials Innovations ... Building Products Better
Associated Materials, LLC, provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, medical condition, genetic information, military and veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, gender, gender expression, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by local law, regulation, or ordinance. We also make reasonable accommodations for disabled employees and applicants, as required by law.
Additional Information
The actual wage offered to the successful candidate will be based on multiple factors, including, but not limited to, job-related knowledge/skills, experience, business needs, geographical location, and internal pay parity. Compensation decisions are dependent upon the facts and circumstances of each position and candidate. Click to learn more about benefits.
See all Operations Excellence Manager Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Operations Excellence Manager roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Visa Sponsorship as an Operations Excellence Manager
Frame your credentials around process improvement metrics
Lean Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or higher) and a degree in industrial engineering or operations management strengthen your specialty occupation case. Document quantifiable outcomes from past roles because USCIS scrutinizes whether the position genuinely requires a degree-level education.
Target manufacturers and logistics firms with LCA history
Companies in automotive, aerospace, healthcare supply chain, and third-party logistics regularly sponsor Operations Excellence Managers. Search DOL's public LCA disclosure data via the OFLC Wage Search to identify employers who have certified positions with your target job title before applying.
Use Migrate Mate to find verified sponsoring employers
Browse Operations Excellence Manager roles on Migrate Mate, which lists employers with verified LCA sponsorship history so you spend time on applications that can actually lead to a visa, not on roles where sponsorship is an afterthought.
Align your offered salary to the correct DOL wage level
Operations Excellence Managers typically fall at DOL wage Level II or III depending on scope. Ask your prospective employer to confirm the wage level on the LCA before you sign an offer, since a mismatch can trigger a USCIS Request for Evidence after filing.
Clarify the employer's PERM timeline if you want a green card
Many large manufacturers sponsor EB-2 or EB-3 green cards for operations roles, but PERM labor certification adds 12 to 18 months before an I-140 petition. Ask directly during the offer stage whether the company has an established PERM process for this role category.
Get your international credentials formally evaluated before interviewing
If your engineering or management degree is from outside the U.S., obtain a credential evaluation from a NACES-member service. Employers and USCIS both need confirmation your foreign degree is equivalent to a U.S. bachelor's in a relevant field before the LCA or I-129 petition can proceed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does an Operations Excellence Manager role qualify as a specialty occupation for H-1B purposes?
Yes, provided the employer can show the position normally requires at least a bachelor's degree in a directly related field such as industrial engineering, operations management, or supply chain. Generic management roles that accept any degree can struggle at USCIS adjudication, so the job description needs to tie the degree requirement specifically to the technical duties involved.
Which visa types realistically cover an Operations Excellence Manager?
H-1B is the primary path for most nationalities and covers up to six years with extensions tied to green card filing. Australian citizens can use the E-3 visa, which has a separate 10,500-annual cap that has never been exhausted, no lottery, and renewals every two years. Canadian and Mexican nationals may qualify under TN visa if the role maps to an eligible USMCA profession such as industrial engineer. A green card via EB-2 or EB-3 is also viable for experienced candidates.
How do I find Operations Excellence Manager jobs that include visa sponsorship?
Search Migrate Mate, which surfaces roles specifically from employers with verified sponsorship history for this type of position. That saves you from applying to postings where sponsorship is listed as possible but the company has no actual LCA filing track record for operations roles.
What degree does USCIS expect for an Operations Excellence Manager H-1B petition?
USCIS looks for a degree that is directly relevant to the role's technical duties. Industrial engineering, mechanical engineering, operations research, supply chain management, and business with a concentration in operations all generally support the specialty occupation argument. A general business administration degree is a weaker foundation unless the job description emphasizes quantitative process improvement methods that require that specific academic background.
Does a Lean Six Sigma certification help or replace a degree for visa sponsorship?
Certifications like Lean Six Sigma Black Belt strengthen the specialty occupation argument and demonstrate role-specific expertise, but they do not replace the bachelor's degree requirement for H-1B, E-3, or H-1B1 visa. USCIS requires both: a qualifying degree in a related field and evidence the position requires degree-level knowledge. Use O*NET to confirm how the occupation is classified if you want to anticipate how USCIS will evaluate the petition.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Operations 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.