Continuous Improvement Manager
About the Company
J.M. Huber Corporation, established in 1883, is one of the largest privately held, family-owned companies in the United States. A diversified, global supplier of specialty and commodity chemicals, hydrocolloid solutions, engineered wood products, and natural resources, Huber serves a wide variety of industries. With approximately $3 billion in sales and 4,000 employees worldwide, the company has a material presence in more than 20 countries.
About the Role
Lead the deployment, implementation, and management of multi-site Operational Excellence (OPEX) improvement plans. This includes defining appropriate metrics, expectations, programs, procedures, and management systems to drive improved productivity in operations.
Responsibilities
- Work across multiple sites, including Operations Departments, Department Managers, Operators, Maintenance Managers, and other leaders to deploy OPEX Strategy. This includes prioritization, mentorship, execution, and project management.
- Fully accountable for delivering improvements in productivity, quality, cost performance, delivery, and capacity.
- Utilize Lean and Six Sigma tools and methodologies to drive continuous improvement.
- Align productivity efforts with and support company-wide and OPEX Strategy.
- Support Huber efforts to meet or exceed Environmental, Health, Safety & Sustainability (EHS&S), Quality, Delivery, and Cost performance expectations.
- Ensure the site meets short- and long-term objectives and annual targets while aligning with Business/Operational needs.
- Develop, implement, and lead site productivity improvement plans and OPEX Strategy, including coaching, hands-on deployment, and training to build bench strength and promote engagement.
- Ensure appropriate key metrics are in place at all sites.
- Mentor and enable multi-site resources at tactical and strategic levels to drive productivity and culture change.
- Serve as an enabler for using Lean Six Sigma tools and Problem-Solving methodologies in daily operations.
- Integrate new technology into multi-site productivity improvement plans, including process control and automation.
- Work with engineering and capital coordinators to develop capital investments that improve site productivity.
- Standardize multi-site operational processes to eliminate or reduce waste, variability, and errors.
- Collaborate with multi-site managers and local teams on strategy deployment, change management, and capacity management.
- Support and participate in various productivity and improvement efforts across the network of Huber plants.
Requirements
- B.S. Degree in Engineering, Science, or other technical discipline (Chemical or Mechanical Engineering preferred).
- 10-15 years of industry experience, preferably in Operations, Manufacturing, or Process Improvements.
- Past experience as a Process or Production Engineer is a plus.
- Six Sigma Black Belt certification is a plus.
Skills
- Strong leadership, communication, facilitation, and project management skills.
- Fluent in English; German is a plus.
- Capable leader and effective change agent at all levels and functions of the organization.
- Self-motivated, data-driven, and scientific problem solver with the ability to make independent and informed decisions.
- Working knowledge of continuous improvement and Lean Six Sigma tools and methodologies (PDCA, DMAIC, Lean Manufacturing). Black Belt training and certification is a plus.
- Extensive knowledge of productivity metrics and processes, including:
- Plant capacity and throughput
- Product yield and quality
- Improvement of cost structure
- Energy systems
- Workforce optimization
- Manufacturing process technologies applied on site
Company Values
Our employees are our strongest asset, and their safety, health, and well-being is our highest priority. We respect the individual by providing opportunities for professional and personal development. Our Principles drive us to create an inclusive workplace where employees share core values, show dignity and respect toward others, and work hard to achieve their best performance.