Continuous Improvement (Operational Excellence) Manager

About the Role

A leading chemical manufacturing organization is seeking a highly motivated Continuous Improvement (Operational Excellence) Manager to drive site-wide improvement initiatives across manufacturing, quality, safety, supply chain, and maintenance functions. This individual will serve as a change agent, partnering with cross-functional teams to identify improvement opportunities, eliminate waste, optimize processes, and cultivate a culture of operational excellence throughout the facility.

Responsibilities

• Lead the site's Operational Excellence strategy and continuous improvement roadmap.
• Facilitate Lean Six Sigma projects focused on improving safety, quality, productivity, cost, and customer service metrics.
• Drive process improvement initiatives utilizing Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping, Root Cause Analysis, and other CI methodologies.
• Partner with production, engineering, maintenance, quality, EHS, and supply chain teams to identify and prioritize improvement opportunities.
• Develop and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure operational performance and project success.
• Coach, train, and mentor employees and leaders on Lean Six Sigma principles and problem-solving methodologies.
• Lead Kaizen events and facilitate cross-functional improvement workshops.
• Establish sustainable systems and standard work practices to ensure long-term process stability and continuous improvement.
• Analyze manufacturing data and operational trends to identify opportunities for increased throughput, improved efficiency, and waste reduction.
• Support capital projects and process optimization initiatives that improve site performance and capacity utilization.
• Foster a culture of accountability, employee engagement, and continuous improvement throughout the organization.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Chemical, Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing, or related engineering discipline).
• Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification.
• Minimum 5+ years of Continuous Improvement, Operational Excellence, Manufacturing Excellence, or Lean leadership experience.
• Direct experience within the chemical manufacturing industry.
• Demonstrated success leading Lean Six Sigma projects that resulted in measurable operational improvements.
• Strong understanding of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Kaizen, Statistical Process Control (SPC), Root Cause Analysis, and Value Stream Mapping.
• Excellent analytical, project management, communication, and leadership skills.
• Ability to influence stakeholders and lead change across all levels of the organization.

Key Success Metrics

• Improvement in Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE)
• Manufacturing cost reduction
• Yield improvement
• Waste and scrap reduction
• Throughput increases
• Safety performance improvements
• Lean Six Sigma project completion and financial impact
• Employee engagement in continuous improvement activities