Continuous Improvement Manager

Symrise AG; Hodges (SC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Symrise AG is seeking a seasoned Continuous Improvement Leader to drive Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen initiatives across manufacturing and support functions in a global fragrance and flavor business. You will analyze processes, coach leaders, and implement standardized best practices with a focus on safety, quality, and efficiency.

Ideal candidates have 5+ years in CI/operational excellence, strong data skills, and a PMP/PMI-Six Sigma background.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing, or related field.
• Six Sigma Certification - Master Black/Black Belt preferred or Green Belt required.
• PMP Certification a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, delivery, cost, and employee engagement.
• Facilitate Lean, Kaizen, Six Sigma, and process improvement events across departments, facilities, and groups.
• Analyze workflows, processes, and operational metrics to identify inefficiencies and improvement opportunities.
• Develop and implement standardized processes, procedures, and best practices.
• Partner with department leaders to establish performance metrics and continuous improvement goals.
• Drive root cause analysis and corrective action processes for operational issues.
• Utilize data analysis and reporting tools to monitor performance trends and measure improvement effectiveness.
• Support change management initiatives and help drive organizational adoption of new processes.
• Train and coach leaders and employees on continuous improvement principles and methodologies.
• Lead cross-functional teams on strategic improvement projects.
• Develop visual management systems, dashboards, and KPI tracking tools.
• Ensure sustainability of improvements through audits, follow-up reviews, and accountability systems.
• Assist with strategic planning and operational excellence initiatives aligned with company objectives.
• Promote a culture of accountability, teamwork, problem-solving, and continuous learning.
• This Role will require up to 40% Travel

Skills

Lean manufacturing

Six Sigma

Kaizen

5S

Root cause analysis

Data analysis

Project management

Excel

PowerPoint

ERP systems

Data visualization

Education

Bachelor's degree

Six Sigma Certification

PMP Certification

Tools

ERP systems

Data visualization tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Symrise is a global supplier of fragrances and flavors, cosmetic active ingredients as well as functional ingredients. Its customers include perfume, cosmetics, food and beverage manufacturers, the pharmaceutical industry and producers of dietary supplements and pet food.

With sales of around €4.9 billion in the 2025 financial year, the company is one of the world's leading providers. The Group, headquartered in Holzminden, Germany, has more than 100 locations in Europe, Africa and the Middle East, Asia, the USA and Latin America.

Together with its customers, Symrise develops new ideas and market-ready concepts for products that form an indispensable part of everyday life. Economic success and corporate responsibility are inextricably linked.

Symrise - always inspiring more...

Your role

• Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, delivery, cost, and employee engagement.
• Facilitate Lean, Kaizen, Six Sigma, and process improvement events across departments, facilities, and groups.
• Analyze workflows, processes, and operational metrics to identify inefficiencies and improvement opportunities.
• Develop and implement standardized processes, procedures, and best practices.
• Partner with department leaders to establish performance metrics and continuous improvement goals.
• Drive root cause analysis and corrective action processes for operational issues.
• Utilize data analysis and reporting tools to monitor performance trends and measure improvement effectiveness.
• Support change management initiatives and help drive organizational adoption of new processes.
• Train and coach leaders and employees on continuous improvement principles and methodologies.
• Lead cross-functional teams on strategic improvement projects.
• Develop visual management systems, dashboards, and KPI tracking tools.
• Ensure sustainability of improvements through audits, follow-up reviews, and accountability systems.
• Assist with strategic planning and operational excellence initiatives aligned with company objectives.
• Promote a culture of accountability, teamwork, problem-solving, and continuous learning.
• This Role will require up to 40% Travel

Education

• Bachelor's degree Engineering, Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing, or related field preferred.
• Six Sigma Certification - Master Black/Black Belt (preferred) or Green Belt (required)
• Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification a plus

Experience

• 5+ years of experience in continuous improvement, operational excellence, manufacturing, operations, supply chain, or related environment.
• Experience leading Lean/Six Sigma initiatives and cross-functional improvement projects.
• Experience facilitating Kaizen events, process mapping activities, structured RCA's, etc is preferred.
• Leadership or project management experience strongly preferred.

Skills

• Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Kaizen, 5S, root cause analysis, and process improvement methodologies.
• Ability to analyze data, identify trends, and develop actionable solutions.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Excellent facilitation, coaching, and presentation skills.
• Ability to influence and collaborate across all levels of the organization.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Experience with KPI development and performance metrics.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel and PowerPoint.
• Experience with ERP systems, reporting tools, or data visualization platforms preferred.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
• Experience with financial analysis, emphasis on P&L and individual business case generation and refinement.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Become part of our open and transparent culture. It will give you the opportunity to flourish and to develop inspiring experiences that contribute to the health and well-being of consumers in 160 countries around the world. Putting our employees in focus fuels our strong company growth above market rates and makes us an excellent place to develop your career.

Come join us and embark on a fascinating journey with Symrise.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.