Black Belt - Continuous Improvement Manager

Neogen; Lansing (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in food safety is seeking a Manager for Continuous Improvement. This role is critical to driving operational excellence globally, focusing on Lean Six Sigma methodologies to improve processes and sustainability. You will work with senior leaders, mentor staff, and manage projects to enhance efficiency across various operations.

Qualifications

• 7–10 years of experience leading Lean Six Sigma initiatives in manufacturing.
• Strong background in operational efficiency and problem-solving.
• Experience in food safety and biotechnology regulations is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead Lean Six Sigma projects focusing on sustainability and efficiency.
• Mentor staff and manage internship programs.
• Collaborate with leaders to identify improvement opportunities across functions.

Skills

Change management

Communication

Stakeholder engagement

Problem-solving

Lean Six Sigma methodologies

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a technical field

Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification

Job description

It's fun to work in a company where people truly believe in what they are doing!

This is more than just a job. It’s a global mission. As a Manager, Continuous Improvement, you will play a critical role in driving operational excellence across our global manufacturing and business operations.
You will be responsible for identifying high-impact opportunities, leading and implementing cross-functional projects, coaching local teams, establishing measurement systems, and building capabilities through mentorship and training.
You’ll collaborate with global business leaders to improve safety, quality, service, and cost using structured CI/Lean Six Sigma methodologies—all while fostering a culture of continuous improvement across Neogen’s worldwide footprint.
This role reports into our growing Continuous Improvement function and is well supported by an engaged and passionate leadership team.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead enterprise-wide Lean Six Sigma projects with a focus on sustainability, standardization, and measurable results.
• Partner with senior leaders in manufacturing, supply chain, quality, and engineering to identify high-impact opportunities for improvement.
• Apply structured problem-solving and root cause analysis to drive operational efficiency, throughput, and cost savings.
• Serve as a change leader, coaching and influencing stakeholders at all levels—from shop floor teams to executive leadership.
• Mentor and train junior staff, including lean six sigma green belts, summer interns and/or co-op students.
• Support the development and management of Neogen’s internship and co-op program for future CI talent.
• Act as a global CI resource—comfortable traveling to sites across the U.S., Latin America, Europe, and Asia Pacific.
• Deliver project outcomes aligned with strategic goals around people, safety, quality, delivery, and cost (PSQDC).
• Support knowledge sharing, capability building, and standard work documentation across global sites.

What You Bring

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in a technical field like Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification from a recognized institution (e.g., ASQ, Moresteam, Villanova, or comparable internal company sponsored program).
• 7–10 years of progressive experience leading and implementing Lean Six Sigma initiatives in a manufacturing environment, ideally with biotechnology manufacturing experiences.
• Demonstrated track record of diagnosing operational issues and delivering sustained performance improvements.
• Strong change management skills with the ability to influence across functions and cultures.
• Excellent communication, facilitation, and stakeholder engagement abilities.
• Willingness and ability to travel globally up to 30%-50%.
• Can reside in or near Lansing, MI or Lexington, KY.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in food safety, animal safety, biotechnology, or regulated life sciences manufacturing.
• Familiarity with GMPs, FDA/EU regulatory environments, and lab-based production settings.
• MBA or formal business/operations management training.
• Experience managing, leading and coaching and developing formal training programs.
• Spanish or other second language skills (a plus).

Come Be Part Of A Mission that Matters!

From inside the farm gate to our dinner plates, Neogen protects the world’s food supply. Through a variety of animal healthcare products, to food safety solutions for dangerous bacteria, allergens, toxins, drug residues and much more, Neogen is there — and you can be too.