Sr. Specialist, Black Belt, CI

Primient is a century-old company with an entrepreneurial spirit, leading the production of food and industrial ingredients from plant-based, renewable sources. With a foundation in corn wet milling, we deliver value through technical, commercial, and operational excellence. Our priorities include producing safe, high-quality products while upholding commitments to excellence, people, and the planet. As a privately held company with locations across the U.S., Mexico, Poland, and Brazil, we invest in our plants and people to unlock potential in the industrial and food sectors. Guided by our values of Safety, Excellence, Integrity, and Growth, we focus on expanding our business, reputation, and the careers of our teammates.

About The Role

The Sr. Specialist, Black Belt, CI sits within the Manufacturing Continuous Improvement team, contributing to operational excellence by fostering a culture of continuous improvement and executing foundational CI initiatives. This role focuses on enabling data systems and advanced analytics to drive business insights. Responsibilities include leading and mentoring teams in Lean Six Sigma methodologies, driving targeted process improvement initiatives, and embedding sustainable daily operational and business efficiencies. The role also champions Primient’s core values of integrity, growth, and excellence while maintaining high standards of operational performance.

Responsibilities

• Analyze operational data to identify root causes of inefficiencies and implement strategic projects focused on operational optimization.
• Manage Lean Six Sigma (LSS) process improvement projects with plant and transactional leadership to enhance plant efficiency, improve product quality, and reduce operating costs.
• Facilitate configuration and use of data systems to drive insights.
• Monitor and report key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure project success, providing regular reports and insights to project sponsors and leadership.
• Facilitate cross-functional team leadership through improvement initiatives, including workshops and execution of process improvement activities as directed by the Primient Operating System (POM).
• Mentor and coach Lean Six Sigma Green Belts and project team members to build capabilities and drive continuous improvement.
• Support the implementation of the Primient Operating Model (POM) at the plant level, ensuring alignment with operations goals and providing strategic consultations to plant teams.
• Champion a "Safety First" culture by advocating for and modeling safety standards and leading projects that enhance safety outcomes.

Requirements

• Certified as a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, Lean Leader, or greater (required).
• Bachelor’s degree in STEM (science, technology, engineering, math), supply chain, business administration, or finance (preferred).
• Certification in Lean Six Sigma Black Belt or willingness to become certified (preferred).
• 3+ years of experience contributing as part of data-driven teams such as Manufacturing, Procurement, Supply Chain (planning, transportation, warehousing), etc. (required).
• 3+ years in a manufacturing organization in a decision-making capacity (preferred).
• 3+ years of experience leading complex continuous improvement projects (preferred).
• Lean Six Sigma experience (preferred).

Skills

• Lean, Six Sigma, and Continuous Improvement Methodologies.
• Statistical, simulation, data, and analytical tools (e.g., Aveva PI, Data historian, Informance, OEE/Loss tracking, PowerBI, Seeq, ERP, SAP, MiniTab).
• Continuous manufacturing processes (operations, maintenance, EHS, quality).
• Microsoft Applications.
• Excellent verbal and written communication.
• Project management.
• Critical thinking.
• Data analysis and interpretation.
• Influential leadership.
• Time management and prioritization.
• Risk monitoring and mitigation.
• Facilitation and change management.

Mindsets

• Continuous improvement approach.
• Challenges the status quo.
• Action-oriented.
• Composed under pressure.
• Safety-first.
• Results-driven.
• Data-driven.
• Flexible and adaptable.

Pay

The annual pay range for this position is $93,357.60 - $116,697.00 and is bonus eligible. Individual compensation will be determined based on experience, skills, and alignment with the role’s responsibilities.

Benefits

• Comprehensive healthcare plan choices.
• Dental and vision insurance.
• 401(k) plan with company and matching contributions.
• Short- and long-term disability insurance.
• Life, AD&D, and voluntary insurance plans.
• Paid holidays and vacation.
• Floating days off.
• Parental leave for new parents.
• Employee resource groups.
• Learning and development programs.

Career Path & Culture

Primient is committed to a workplace that fosters equity, diversity, and belonging, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to develop and shape a meaningful career. We challenge conventional thinking and encourage employee voices to drive ongoing learning. Our culture values inclusion, respecting individual strengths, views, and experiences, and believes diversity enhances decision-making and business results. Employees experience autonomy and accountability, with opportunities for career growth and pathways outside traditional norms.