Continuous Improvement Strategic Project Leader

Job Title:

Continuous Improvement Strategic Project Leader

Summary:

Are you a dynamic and adaptable project leader with a passion for driving operational excellence? We are seeking a Continuous Improvement leader to spearhead strategic initiatives across our global sites, functions, and business units. This high-impact role partners closely with Business, Operations, and Functional leadership to execute projects that significantly improve productivity, increase capacity, reduce waste and variation, enhance yield, and stabilize operations.

Operates as a key member of the CI organization under the Digital Business Solutions and Operational Excellence, Sr. Director providing deep subject matter expertise in Lean Six Sigma methodologies, Value Stream Optimization, and change leadership. Leads critical transformation projects using structured problem-solving tools including DMAIC, Kaizen, Gemba, Value Stream Mapping, OEE optimization, Changeover Reduction, SPC, and Visual Workplace principles.

Champions a rigorous, data-driven approach to improvement, balancing rapid implementation with long-term sustainability. Embeds CI capabilities across the organization by coaching teams, building frameworks for replication, and driving adoption of best practices across regions, functions, and manufacturing sites.

Ensures measurable outcomes are achieved, documented, and leveraged to scale successful initiatives globally.

Key areas of focus include:
• Strategic Project Leadership: Drive high-value initiatives that align with enterprise goals; lead project teams from problem definition through implementation and control.
• Lean Six Sigma Application: Use DMAIC and advanced CI tools to identify root causes, eliminate inefficiencies, and optimize end-to-end value streams.
• Global Standardization & Replication: Ensure repeatability and scalability of solutions by developing standard work and best practices applicable across diverse operations.
• Operational Excellence & Culture Building: Support the development of a CI mindset across all levels of the organization through training, coaching, and engagement.
• Collaboration & Influence: Effectively engage with executive sponsors, site leaders, and functional stakeholders to gain alignment, overcome resistance, and sustain change.

This role is ideal for a self-starter change agent with a strong track record of delivering complex, cross-functional improvements in dynamic, matrixed environments.

Responsibilities Include:

• Consistent with Strategic Objectives, execute large-scale Projects, Kaizens, and other CI events to drive breakthrough levels of improvement in process capabilities, productivity, quality, cost, and other key drivers of successful business performance for Momentive.

• Build and leverage strong Finance Partnerships to ensure clear line of site to how project success supports key Business Metrics of EBITA Growth & Potential, Capacity Creation, Cost & Cash Flow Improvements including CapEx Efficiency & Avoidance, and Safety.

• Become an expert in the Value Stream Optimization process. Partner with Business and Operations teams as the lead facilitator and successfully execute Strategic Value Stream Optimizations.

• Leverage CI Performance Model Metrics to help ensure project success & sustainability; and to create forward-looking views of future constraints and opportunities.

• Identify opportunities and help the organization execute “Kaizen ahead of Capital”.

• Provide “on the ground” technical support as needed to strengthen the capability and skill set of site CI Experts and Practitioners.

• Completes other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

The following are required for the role

• Undergraduate degree in Engineering, Science, Operations Management, or a related field of study.

• Track record of leading Continuous Improvement efforts with demonstrated sustained outcomes.

• Strong analytical expertise coupled with excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills to all levels.

• 5+ years experience in Continuous Improvement, Quality, and/or Operations or Engineering with a strong focus and demonstrated results leveraging Lean & SixSigma tools and methodologies.

• Demonstrated Leadership of cross-functional teams.

• Demonstrated Project Management Skills (including DMAIC) and proven success leading large scale improvement projects.

• Willing to learn and become an expert in the Value Stream Optimization process.

• 3+ years Project Management experience

• 25% travel domestically and internationally as appropriate based on scope of Strategic Projects and potentially take on short-term international assignments. Travel will fluctuate based on business needs and project specifics.

• Good written and oral English communication skills.

The following are preferred for this position

• Undergraduate degree in Chemical Engineering is preferred

• BlackBelt and/or Lean Certification strongly preferred

• Prior experience in a full-time Continuous Improvement/BlackBelt role (preferred Chemical Manufacturing or similar Continuous processes).

• Demonstrated Engineering & Problem-Solving Aptitude.

• Prior experience leading cross-functional teams with demonstrated Change Management skills.

• Energetic self-starter with strong leadership skills.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS / WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. The primary physical demands of this position involve sedentary work. Employees are regularly required to sit, talk, and listen. Frequent use of hands and arms is necessary for tasks such as typing, handling objects, and reaching. Occasional light lifting and carrying may be required. Additionally, the role demands good hand-eye coordination, visual acuity, and fine motor skills for tasks like using a computer, operating equipment, and reading technical information.

This position is primarily performed in an office setting. The work environment involves typical office conditions, including exposure to noise from office equipment and electronic devices. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

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What We Offer:

Base Pay Range: $103,500 - $151,800

About Us: