Continuous Improvement Manager

Portfolio Business : Huber Engineered Materials


J.M. Huber Corporation is one of the largest privately held, family-owned companies in the United States. Established in 1883, we are a diversified, global supplier of specialty and commodity chemicals, hydrocolloid solutions, engineered wood products and natural resources to customers spanning a wide variety of industries. With approximately $3 billion in sales and 4,000 employees worldwide, we have a material presence in more than 20 countries.

Position Summary

Lead the deployment, implementation and management of multi-site Operational Excellence improvement plans. This includes defining the appropriate metrics, expectations, programs, procedures and management systems to drive improved productivity in operations.

Principal Responsibilities

• Work across multiple sites including, Operations Departments, Department Managers, Operators, Maintenance Managers, and other leaders to deploy OPEX Strategy. This includes prioritization, mentorship, execution and project management.
• The Continuous Improvement Manager is fully accountable for delivering improvements in productivity, quality, cost performance, delivery and capacity.
• Strong use of Lean and Six Sigma tools and methodologies. Aligns productivity efforts with and support company wide and OPEX Strategy
• Support Huber efforts to meet or exceed our EHS&S, Quality, Delivery and Cost performance expectations.
• Accountable and responsible in meeting the site's short and long term objectives and annual targets while ensuring consistent alignment with Business/Operational needs.
• The Site Continuous Improvement Manager will report to the Global Senior Manager, Continuous Improvement.

Primary Duties

• Work with multi-site production departments to develop, implement and lead the site productivity improvement plans and OPEX Strategy. This includes coaching, hands-on deployment and training to build bench strength and promote engagement.
• Ensure that the appropriate key metrics are in place at all sites.
• Mentor and enable multi-site resources at a tactical and strategic level in adherence to OPEX Strategy to drive productivity and culture change
• Serve as an enabler in using Lean Six Sigma tools and Problem Solving methodologies are used as part of daily operations.
• Integrate new technology into the multi-site productivity improvement plans (including process control and automation). Work with engineering and capital coordinators to develop capital investments that provide improvements to site productivity.
• Standardize multi-site operational processes and performance to eliminate / reduce waste, variability and errors.
• Work closely with multi-site manager and local dealership on strategy deployment, change management and capacity management.
• Support and participate in various productivity and improvement efforts with the network of Huber plants.

Education and Experience

• B.S. Degree in Engineering, Science or other technical discipline. Chemical or Mechanical Engineering preferred
• 10-15 years of industry experience preferably in Operations, Manufacturing or Process Improvements.
• Past experience as Process or Production Engineer is a plus
• Six Sigma Black Belt certification is a plus.

Knowledge and Skills

• Strong leadership, communication, facilitation and project management skills.
• Fluent in English, German is a plus
• Must be a very capable leader and an effective change agent in all levels and functions of the local organization.
• Self-motivated, data driven, scientific problem solver and the ability to make independent and informed decisions
• Working knowledge of continuous improvement and Lean Six Sigma tools and methodologies (PDCA, DMAIC, Lean Manufacturing). Black Belt training and certification is a plus.
• Extensive knowledge of various productivity metrics/processes
• Plant capacity and throughput
• Product yield and quality
• Improvement of cost structure
• Energy systems
• Workforce optimization
• Manufacturing process technologies applied on site

Our employees are our strongest asset, and their safety, health, and well-being is our highest priority. We respect the individual by providing opportunities for professional and personal development. Our Principles drive us to create an inclusive workplace where employees share core values, show dignity and respect toward others, and work hard to achieve their best performance.


J.M. Huber Corporation is an EEO employer. Pre-employment drug screening is required