Polymer Chemist

This organization is a fast-growing manufacturer serving a wide range of industrial and infrastructure markets. The company produces highly durable, high-performance products designed for demanding operating environments. With a multi-site footprint and customers across the globe, the business prioritizes operational excellence, safety, quality, and continuous improvement. THE OPPORTUNITY We are seeking a Continuous Improvement (CI) Manager to lead Lean initiatives and drive process excellence across a rapidly expanding manufacturing facility. This hands-on role is responsible for building the CI roadmap, driving improvement projects, and mentoring teams in Lean practices. The CI Manager will work closely with Operations, Quality, Engineering, and Maintenance to identify and execute improvement activities that strengthen efficiency, quality, safety, and cost performance. This position is ideal for a proactive leader who excels at influencing cross-functional teams and enjoys combining strategic thinking with hands-on problem-solving on the production floor. WHAT YOU WILL DO Develop and implement the plant’s Continuous Improvement strategy in alignment with organizational goals. Serve as the site’s Lean champion, advancing a culture of ongoing improvement. Lead Kaizen events, Value Stream Mapping, 5S+1, Gemba walks, and other Lean activities to reduce waste and improve process flow and quality. Partner with cross-functional teams to assess current processes and implement sustainable improvements using Lean and Six Sigma tools. Build and maintain KPI dashboards and visual management systems to support data-driven decision making. Conduct and track CI, operational, and quality-related audits, ensuring timely corrective actions. Work with supervisors and operators to standardize work processes and increase engagement in improvement efforts. Provide CI-related training, coaching, and support to frontline and leadership teams. Prepare clear reports and presentations on project progress and CI outcomes for plant leadership. WHAT YOU BRING Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, or related field (or equivalent experience). 5+ years of experience leading Lean, Continuous Improvement, or Operational Excellence programs in a manufacturing environment. Demonstrated success managing CI projects and producing measurable results. Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification strongly preferred. Proficient in Lean tools such as Value Stream Mapping, 5S, Standard Work, SMED, Root Cause Analysis, etc. Strong analytical, data-driven, and problem-solving skills. Excellent communication and collaboration skills with the ability to influence at all levels. Proficiency with Microsoft Office and experience creating KPI dashboards or visual management systems. WHAT WE OFFER Competitive compensation and performance-based incentives Retirement savings plan with company contributions Employer-paid life and short-term disability insurance Optional additional coverage available Generous paid time off and Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Opportunities for career development within a growing organization WHY JOIN US? This role offers the opportunity to lead impactful change in a dynamic manufacturing environment. You will have the autonomy to identify opportunities, implement solutions, and see meaningful results in performance, efficiency, quality, and culture. This is a collaborative, improvement-focused environment where new ideas are welcomed, and every process is continuously refined. #J-18808-Ljbffr