Project Manager of Lean Excellence

Role Description

The Project Manager of Lean Excellence will propagate scalable operational improvement across the Containerboard business through lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, and disciplined execution. The Lean Leader will serve as a hands-on change agent, partnering with mill teams to deploy lean tools and methodologies, lead Kaizen events, and embed standard work and problem-solving capabilities into daily operations.

The ideal candidate will have significant and relevant direct manufacturing experience using and leading continuous improvement tools, systems, and methodologies. The candidate must be a proven shop floor leader who is comfortable influencing others, coaching teams, and delivering measurable gains in safety, quality, delivery and cost.

Key Responsibilities

• Implement lean tools such as 5S, Kaizen, Standard Work, Visual Management, SMED and Value Stream Mapping
• Drive waste elimination, process flow optimization, and variation reduction
• Facilitate structured problem solving using A3, DMAIC, 5-Why, RCFA, and similar methodologies
• Deliver measurable improvements in safety, quality, delivery, and cost
• Use data to identify gaps in performance versus best practices and work with the mill team to execute an improvement plan
• Document best practices and share improvements to leverage results
• Understand and apply financial drivers and key performance indicators
• Assist with implementing and managing systems that will sustain improvement efforts
• Lead and coach CI events / kaizen through hands-on participation
• Assist with developing and effectively delivering training materials in multiple formats to ensure team members throughout the organization are trained in CI concepts and philosophy
• Evaluate and drive opportunities for appropriate CI and lean tool applications
• Provide support, assistance, and communication to the mill leadership teams regarding CI initiatives

This position will require 75-90% travel.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred in business, engineering, operations management, or related field
• Minimum 5 years of manufacturing experience with proven change leadership skills
• Demonstrated success utilizing and deploying lean tools
• Strong analytical, facilitation, coaching and change leadership skills
• Ability to influence without formal authority across multiple functions
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office

Benefits

• Health, welfare and retirement plans including Medical, Dental, Life insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Short-term and Long-term Disability
• 401(k) with Company-funded retirement contributions
• Paid Time Off
• Education & Development (including Tuition Reimbursement)
• Student Loan Repayment Assistance
• Voluntary Benefits including insurance for home, auto, vision and pets

Company Description

International Paper (NYSE: IP; LSE: IPC) creates sustainable packaging solutions that enable our customers, teammates and shareowners to thrive in an ever-changing world. We are a leader in corrugated packaging, partnering with customers across industries to protect what matters most, strengthen supply chains and create lasting value. Learn more at internationalpaper.com.

International Paper is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law. International Paper complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities.