Continuous Improvement Leader

IPG; Chatham (VA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

IPG is seeking a Continuous Improvement Leader in our Operations department. This exempt salaried role leads the IPS, coordinating with site and corporate teams to drive major process improvements across manufacturing sites.

The candidate brings a strong engineering background, 5+ years of CI experience, and proficiency in Lean/Six Sigma tools to optimize value streams and improve performance. A Master’s degree is preferred, with excellent leadership and communication skills.

Qualifications

• B.S. in Engineering is required; a Master’s in a related field is preferred.
• 5+ years of successful continuous improvement experience in manufacturing with strong project management and analytical skills.
• Lean manufacturing and Six Sigma training is preferred.
• Experience deploying 5S, Visual Management, Value-Stream Mapping, and problem-solving tools.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Intertape Performance System (IPS) to drive site-wide continuous improvement.
• Identify and prioritize high-impact initiatives with site leadership.
• Execute CI projects; support sponsors and process owners to completion.
• Provide leadership for all CI activities and align with value streams.
• Coordinate with Corporate IPS CI Pillar Team to ensure strategic alignment.
• Drive change management and effective communication within the site.
• Collaborate with site and corporate engineering to meet daily manufacturing needs and strategic goals.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Communication

Analytical thinking

Team coordination

Problem solving

Eng. background

MS Office proficiency

Lean Six Sigma

Time management

Education

B.S. in Engineering

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office suite

Job description

Join the IPG Team! Are you ready to elevate your career? At IPG, we are more than just a global leader in packaging and protective solutions—we are a community that values safety, people, passion, integrity, performance, and teamwork. From tapes and films to packaging and protective products, as well as engineered coated materials and advanced packaging machinery, we develop innovative solutions that protect the world. Now, we are expanding our global team and looking for talented individuals like you!

Join the IPG Team! Are you ready to elevate your career? At IPG, we are more than just a global leader in packaging and protective solutions—we are a community that values safety, people, passion, integrity, performance, and teamwork. From tapes and films to packaging and protective products, as well as engineered coated materials and advanced packaging machinery, we develop innovative solutions that protect the world. Now, we are expanding our global team and looking for talented individuals like you!

Position Description

Title: Continuous Improvement Leader
Department: Operations
Immediate Supervisor: VP Operational Excellence
Status: Exempt Salaried
Position Purpose: Leads the Intertape Performance System (IPS) driving excellence throughout the sites through employee engagement. The Continuous Improvement Leader drives the development and integration of all continuous improvement methodologies.

Principle Accountabilities

• Collaborate with the site leadership team to identify and prioritize high impact initiatives that will provide a step-change improvement within the site.
• Assure execution of continuous improvement projects, supporting project sponsors or process owners in their successful completion. Assist continuous improvements teams with method implementation and the alignment of projects with the operating goals of the site.
• Provide site leadership for all continuous improvement activities within all areas of the organization and drive clear linkage of activities to the value stream.
• Implement and maintain a mechanism to sustain the progress as the site gains experience with these methodologies. Incorporate learnings and new methods identified throughout the corporation into the site IPS.
• Drive alignment and effectiveness of continuous improvement activities with the corporate strategies, plans and objectives through close coordination of activity with the Corporate IPS CI Pillar Team.
• Lead high impact initiatives as assigned, incorporating the principles of continuous improvement, a value stream approach, and the voice of the customer as appropriate to the specific objectives of the initiative. Provide for effective communication and change management processes within the site as needed with respect to the initiative.
• Engage with the site and corporate engineering team to effectively drive process improvement aligned with daily manufacturing needs and align with strategic goals.
• Any other tasks as assigned

Standards of Performance

• Demonstrated passion for process improvement.
• Demonstrated engineering background solving complex problems and process issues.
• Excellent project management skills.
• Proven leadership and experience in effectively influencing and challenging an organization. Sets and achieves breakthrough goals for self and projects.
• Excellent teamwork, communication and presentation skills.
• Possesses understanding of financial and other business measurements. Applies them effectively.
• Adept at verbal and written communication to target audience.

Essential Skills And Experience

• B.S. in Engineering required. Master degree in related field preferred.
• 5+ years of successful continuous improvement experience in manufacturing and demonstrated project management and analytical skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office suite required.
• Continuous improvement experience is required; lean manufacturing Six Sigma training preferred.
• Experience in deploying 5S, Visual Communication, Value-Stream Mapping, Problem solving tools, etc
• Exceptional organizational and time management skills required.
• Excellent leadership and motivational skills.
• Must be able to interact with all levels of the organization.

Why Choose IPG?

At IPG, you will find more than just a job—you will find a place where your success is our success. We pride ourselves on a culture built around strong relationships, where every team member plays a crucial role in our growth. Whether it is through cross-department collaboration, continuous training, or sustainability-driven initiatives, we create an environment where you can thrive. Our commitment to sustainability influences everything we do, from designing eco-friendly products to minimizing waste in our production processes. We are dedicated to building a greener future while providing safe, supportive workplaces for our people. With over 40 years of industry expertise and a proven track record of growth and innovation, IPG offers a stable, secure environment where you can flourish! We offer competitive pay, extensive benefits that support you and your family, and exciting career development opportunities. Whether you are looking to enhance your skills or advance your career, we offer ongoing training and the support you need to succeed. Think big, dream bigger, and make an impact with IPG. You belong here. Join us today!