Operational Excellence Manager

Company: Leonardo DRS
Location: Danbury
Posted on: January 12, 2026

Job Description:

The Leonardo DRS Naval Power Systems business is a trusted provider of innovative naval gas and hybrid power systems, control technology and support solutions for the U.S. Navy and navies around the world. Job Summary The Manager of Operational Excellence will be responsible for leading lean transformation and continuous improvement at our Danbury, CT facility using APEX (Always Performing for Excellence), the DRS Continuous Improvement system. This individual will report to the site leader and partner closely with the site leadership team to drive a culture of continuous improvement across all functions and organizational levels. What You Will Do Lead development and execution of the site APEX strategy as the local subject matter expert in continuous improvement tools and methods. Champion and own the site Strategy Deployment (Hoshin Kanri) process to translate strategy into aligned, measurable objectives and action plans. Manage the improvement opportunity pipeline in partnership with site leadership and functional owners. Coach, mentor, and influence cross-functional improvement teams from charter development through implementation, closeout, and sustainment. Provide subject-matter expertise in structured problem-solving and root cause analysis; lead complex investigations and teach/adopt standardized problem-solving methods. Ensure lean methodologies and daily continuous improvement practices are applied consistently across the site, championing visual management and data-driven decision making. Communicate project status, objectives, risks, and mitigation plans clearly to team members, senior leaders, and key stakeholders; maintain integrated project timelines. Identify, develop, and sponsor Continuous Improvement talent, supporting capability building and certification for future improvement facilitators and leaders. Drive operational improvements in manufacturing and business processes to improve throughput, quality, lead time, and cost. Collaborate with other APEX leaders to refine Continuous Improvement best practices and drive cross-site initiatives. Education & Experience Requirements Bachelors degree in Engineering or a related technical field a minimum of five years of experience focused in lean practice, problem solving, and/or operational excellence Excellent interpersonal, leadership, negotiation, communication, and writing skills Demonstrated ability to facilitate lean activities, events, and projects U.S. Citizenship required. This position requires an active DOD security clearance or the ability to obtain such clearance within a reasonable time after commencement of employment. Taking care of our people is a top priority at Leonardo DRS. We are proud to offer competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, a company contribution to a health savings account, telemedicine, life and disability insurance, legal insurance, and a 401(k) savings plan. We champion wellness programs that focus on physical, emotional, and financial well-being. We develop our talent by offering programs and activities to support career-growth, professional development, and skill enhancement. And we understand there is more to life than work, and the importance of offering flexible work schedules with our 9/80 program, competitive vacation, health/emergency leave, paid parental leave, and community service hours. *Some employees are eligible for limited benefits only Leonardo DRS, Inc. and its subsidiaries provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Keywords: Leonardo DRS, Westport , Operational Excellence Manager, Manufacturing , Danbury, Connecticut