Senior Project Manager, Manufacturing Operational Excellence

Job Description

Job Description

Company Overview:

MP Materials (NYSE: MP) is rebuilding American industrial capability for a new era of autonomy, robotics, and electrification. 

We are the only U.S. company with a fully integrated rare earth supply chain—from mining and refining to advanced metal and magnet manufacturing. Our products include both the critical materials used to make permanent magnets and the finished magnets themselves—enabling next-generation technologies in robotics, automation, aerospace, transportation, defense, and energy systems. These materials are the foundation of physical AI—the convergence of computation, movement, and control.

We hire ambitious, mission-driven people who want to tackle complex challenges and shape the future of strategic industries. Our culture is rooted in teamwork, resiliency, and integrity, with a deep commitment to operational excellence and national purpose. MP is rapidly evolving from a materials producer into a leading U.S. manufacturer—and our people are driving that transformation.

Position Overview:

MP Materials is looking for a Project Manager, Manufacturing Operational Excellence, who will be responsible for driving performance, efficiency, and continuous improvement across key projects within MP’s Magnetics division. This role partners closely with Operations, Quality, Engineering, EHS and Supply Chain to build and mature sustainable manufacturing systems, standardize operational processes, and create a culture of continuous improvement as our manufacturing operations continue to expand in complexity and volume.

This position will play a critical role in both establishing new best practices from the ground up and leading troubleshooting and continuous improvement initiatives through the application of Lean Six Sigma methodologies, statistical analysis, root cause problem solving, and cross-functional collaboration. They will oversee improvement projects focused on scrap reduction, throughput improvement, downtime reduction, and operational standardization while maintaining strong alignment with production priorities and business objectives, and ultimately, driving operational excellence.

Position Responsibilities:

This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the position; it is not intended to be an exhaustive list of skills, efforts, duties, responsibilities, or working conditions associated with the position. The Project Manager, Manufacturing Operational Excellence will be required to perform a full range of responsibilities, including without limitation:

Continuous Improvement & Operational Excellence:

• Lead Lean Six Sigma projects from conception through execution.
• Drive process improvement initiatives focused on reducing scrap, improving throughput, increasing uptime, and enhancing product quality .
• Utilize PDCA, DMAIC, Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping, 5S, and root cause analysis methodologies to improve operational performance.
• Identify opportunities to further improve operational efficiency, quality performance, and manufacturing reliability.
• Identify and resolve operational gaps, constraints, and process inefficiencies.
• Develop and implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) to improve process capability and operational reliability.
• Support standardization of manufacturing processes, procedures, and operational best practices.
• Facilitate Kaizen workshops and cross-functional continuous improvement activities.

Data Analytics & Performance Monitoring:

• Analyze manufacturing, quality, maintenance, and operational data to identify trends and improvement opportunities.
• Develop KPI dashboards, reports, and visual management tools to support operational decision-making.
• Perform statistical analysis related to process capability, variation reduction, scrap trends, downtime, and production performance.
• Utilize data analytics tools to support data-driven recommendations and operational improvements.
• Track and report measurable improvement results including cost savings, efficiency gains, and quality improvements.

Team Support & Leadership:

• Support employees on Lean Six Sigma tools, problem-solving methods, and continuous improvement practices.
• Coordinate and/or provide guidance to cross-functional “tiger teams” participating in operational excellence initiatives.
• Promote a culture of accountability, operational discipline, and continuous improvement throughout the organization.
• Support development of standardized problem-solving and data-driven decision making practices.

Reporting and Document Control:

• Maintain documentation related to improvement projects, action items, risk assessments, and operational metrics.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, and leadership updates related to continuous improvement activities.
• Support change management activities associated with process improvements and operational changes.
• Verify sustainability of implemented improvements through audits, KPI monitoring, and follow-up reviews.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant engineering discipline (e.g. Industrial, Manufacturing, Mechanical), Data Analytics, Supply Chain, Business, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in manufacturing, operational excellence, quality, process engineering, or continuous improvement roles.
• Demonstrated experience leading Lean Six Sigma or operational improvement projects within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, plant operations, quality systems, and process optimization methodologies, informed by a basic understanding of the physics and chemistry underlying diverse manufacturing processes.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Strong analytical, statistical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, with the ability to interpret complex operational data and drive actionable improvements.
• Self-motivated, proactive, and adaptable, with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Desired Qualities:

• Six Sigma Black Belt certification strongly preferred.
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen facilitation, PFMEA, SPC, and root cause analysis methodologies.
• Experience with Power BI, SQL, Python, SAP, or similar data analysis and reporting tools.
• Experience in metals, automotive, advanced manufacturing, semiconductor, or specialty chemical industries preferred.
• Strong leadership presence with the ability to influence cross-functional teams without direct authority.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and proactive problem-solver.
• Experience working in greenfield manufacturing environments or startup operations.
• Continuous improvement mindset with strong focus on operational excellence and measurable business results.

MP Materials is Proud to be an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer .

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Underrepresented groups/Women/Disabled/Veterans are encouraged to apply. Candidates whose disabilities make them unable to meet the position’s requirements will still be considered qualified if they can perform the essential functions of the job with reasonable accommodation.

Your Right to Work – In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment verification document form upon hire.

For Assistance with Application - Alternative methods of applying for employment are available to individuals unable to submit an application through this site because of a disability. Contact Human Resources Department at View phone number on ziprecruiter.com; dial 7 when prompted for HR; 1700 South Pavilion Center Dr. 8th Floor, Las Vegas, NV 89135 to discuss reasonable accommodation.