Manager, Operational Excellence

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.

• 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 leadership
• Work Hours:
  
  Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM CST
• Location:
  
  Onsite
• Travel Requirements:
  Up to 10%
• Relocation Assistance:
  None
• Sponsorship Available: NO

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 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.

The…