Continuous Improvement (Operational Excellence) Manager
Continuous Improvement (Operational Excellence) Manager
Location: Florida
Industry: Specialty Chemicals / Chemical Manufacturing
Reports To: Plant Manager / Director of Operations
Position Overview
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.
The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in chemical manufacturing operations, demonstrated Lean Six Sigma expertise, and a proven ability to lead transformational improvement initiatives that deliver measurable business results.
Key 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.
Qualifications
Required
- 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
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