Continuous Improvement Manager

Key Accountabilities

• Lead, develop, and manage continuous improvement (CI) projects and the project pipeline to achieve or exceed annual savings targets for the Stevens Point Plant.
• Track and report savings for all approved and implemented CI projects in A-Track.
• Monitor savings for completed CAPEX projects to ensure financial goals and project objectives are achieved.
• Lead and support CI initiatives across the mill through data analysis, events, and project execution.
• Mentor and coach Process Engineers through the DMAIC methodology and targeted improvement initiatives.
• Conduct A-Gap/R-Gap analyses twice per year (June YTD and December final), including data analysis and development of waterfall presentations.
• Serve as the Centerlining (KVA) Champion:
• Mentor, train, and coach KVA resources.
• Evaluate product improvement and cost optimization opportunities by designing and executing trials, including trial plans and reports.
• Develop project scopes, savings estimates, and project charters for improvement initiatives.
• Provide technical and analytical support to key departments.
• Lead problem-solving efforts and drive data-based decision making.
• Support the annual budgeting process through detailed A-Gap/R-Gap analysis and data insights for key spend areas (PM Operations, PS&D Packaging Materials, Maintenance/Repair Materials, and contractor spend).
• Partner with departments to identify and scope CI opportunities.
• Maintain accurate documentation for CI projects, including scope, justification, and savings methodology.
• Partner with Finance to support initiatives requiring CI expertise (e.g., HFM reporting, ad hoc analysis).

Requirements

• Education & Experience
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Pulp & Paper Science, or a related field, plus 10+ years of technical or production supervisory experience in a mill environment; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Leverage Lean Six Sigma (LSS) Green Belt and Black Belt certification preferred; relevant project experience required.
• Core Competencies
• Demonstrated ability to lead projects and influence organizational change.
• Strong mentoring and coaching capabilities with a focus on developing others.
• Proven problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Effective communication skills (verbal, written, and presentation).
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills.
• Able to work effectively in team environments and build strong peer relationships.
• Results-driven with strong decision-making capability and sound judgment.
• Skilled in process management and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Able to navigate ambiguity and adapt to changing priorities.
• Action-oriented with the ability to make timely decisions.
• Strong technical and functional expertise.
• Ability to understand and apply various improvement methodologies appropriately.
• Proven ability to implement new concepts and drive adoption.
• Able to balance customer, business, employee, and supplier needs.
• Strong data analysis skills, including process, financial, and supply chain data.
• Excellent organizational and planning capabilities.