Black Belt Project Manager

About the role

This role sits in the Project Management office and owns one mandate: find the opportunity, drive the initiative, and build systems that prevent waste and continue to scale. You will lead continuous improvement initiatives across functions — from process design and waste reduction to cross-departmental workflow optimization — while ensuring those improvements are measured, sustained, and tied directly to strategic outcomes. You're not here to facilitate. You're here to transform.

Responsibilities

• Lead Six Sigma DMAIC and DMADV projects across operations, supply chain, finance, HR, and commercial functions
• Identify and prioritize improvement opportunities using data — process mapping, root cause analysis, Kaizen, and value stream mapping
• Drive waste elimination and cycle time reduction without sacrificing quality or cross-functional alignment
• Own the CI project portfolio: intake, scoping, resourcing, execution, and post-project sustainment
• Embed CI methodology into the PMO operating model — connecting improvement projects to the broader strategic portfolio
• Design and implement scalable process standards, SOPs, and governance frameworks across functions
• Build measurement systems that track process performance over time — not just at project close
• Partner with function leads to identify structural inefficiencies that roadblock strategic execution
• Work directly with the Master Project Manager, ELT, and functional leaders to scope, charter, and execute high-priority improvement initiatives
• Facilitate cross-functional working sessions — structured, productive, and decision-oriented
• Manage project timelines, resource dependencies, and risk with precision across multiple simultaneous workstreams
• Deliver executive-ready outputs: initiative summaries, impact quantification, and progress reporting
• Champion a continuous improvement mindset across the organization — from the floor to the C-suite
• Create training materials and playbooks that scale CI capability beyond any single project

Requirements

• Six Sigma Black Belt certification — required; Master Black Belt a significant plus
• 7+ years leading continuous improvement and process transformation initiatives in complex, multi-function environments
• Deep command of Lean, Six Sigma, and project management methodologies — and the judgment to know which to apply when
• Proven track record of quantifiable impact: cost reduction, cycle time improvement, defect elimination, or operational throughput
• Experience working inside a PMO or strategy function, with direct exposure to executive-level stakeholders
• Proficiency with Monday.com, Jira, or equivalent enterprise portfolio tools; data fluency in Excel or BI platforms
• Exceptional ability to translate analytical findings into clear, compelling narratives for leadership
• High ownership instinct — you identify problems before they're assigned to you and fix them before they escalate

Qualifications

• Lift up to 15 pounds unassisted
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working at a computer

Skills

• Continuous improvement
• Process design
• Waste reduction
• Cycle time reduction
• Lean
• Six Sigma
• Project management

Benefits

• Flexible work schedule
• Competitive salary range: $93,000 - $123,000 for Black Belt Project Manager in Richmond, VA
• Professional development opportunities
• Employee recognition programs
• Health and wellness benefits
• Flexible vacation policy

Pay

• Minimum annual salary: $93,000
• Maximum annual salary: $123,000

Schedule

• Hybrid work arrangement