Continuous Improvement & Process Optimization Leader

TEC Group, Inc.; Maine; On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Tec Group Inc is seeking a hands-on Lean Six Sigma Black Belt/Associate Black Belt to drive continuous improvement at a major pulp and paper facility in Maine. You will lead cross-functional teams, collaborate with mill leadership, and deliver measurable savings by turning data into actionable initiatives.

The role emphasizes real-world impact beyond analysis, with direct influence on operations, processes, and long-term sustainability across the manufacturing site.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering required.
• Minimum 4 years of experience in pulp and paper manufacturing.
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt with Black Belt highly valued; Black Belt preferred.
• Track record of delivering measurable cost savings and productivity gains.
• Ability to work with mill leadership and frontline employees.
• Experience applying Lean principles, root-cause analysis, process mapping, and statistical tools.

Responsibilities

• Lead high-impact Lean Six Sigma projects that reduce costs and improve productivity.
• Partner with mill leadership to identify opportunities and translate strategies into action.
• Own projects from problem identification through implementation and sustainability.

Skills

Lean Six Sigma

Change leadership

Project management

Root-cause analysis

Data-driven decisions

People skills

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Job description

Some professionals see processes. Others see possibilities.

We're searching for a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt/Associate Black Belt who knows how to turn operational challenges into measurable results, bring people together around meaningful change, and make a lasting impact on manufacturing performance.

On behalf of our client, an established leader in the pulp and paper industry, we're seeking a hands-on continuous improvement professional to help drive operational excellence at a major manufacturing facility.

This is not a role focused solely on analyzing data, building presentations, or recommending improvements from behind a desk. It's an opportunity to influence how a mill operates, partner directly with leadership, and see your work translate into real savings, stronger processes, and sustainable results.

What You'll Be Driving

As a key member of the mill's operational leadership network, you'll lead high-impact improvement initiatives while helping build a culture where continuous improvement becomes part of everyday operations.

Your contributions will include:

• Lead Meaningful Change: Identify and execute complex Lean Six Sigma projects that reduce manufacturing costs, eliminate inefficiencies, improve productivity, and deliver measurable financial results.


• Partner with Mill Leadership: Work closely with operations, engineering, maintenance, and senior leadership to uncover opportunities, prioritize initiatives, and turn improvement strategies into action.


• Own Projects from Start to Finish: Lead initiatives from problem identification and root-cause analysis through implementation, financial validation, and long-term sustainability.


• Develop the Next Generation of Problem Solvers: Coach, train, and mentor Green Belts and cross-functional teams, strengthening continuous improvement capabilities throughout the organization.


• Influence Across the Organization: Build relationships with employees at every level, gaining buy-in and helping teams embrace meaningful operational change.


• Turn Data into Decisions: Apply Lean Six Sigma methodologies, statistical analysis, and problem-solving tools to address real manufacturing challenges.


• Deliver Results That Leadership Can Measure: Manage improvement pipelines, monitor project savings, and communicate progress and results to mill leadership.

Who Will Thrive in This Role?

We're particularly interested in professionals who have built their careers close to manufacturing operations and understand that sustainable improvement requires more than technical expertise.

The strongest candidates will bring a combination of analytical ability, operational credibility, and the people skills needed to turn ideas into action.

Ideally, you bring:

• A bachelor's degree in Engineering.


• At least 4 years of experience in pulp and paper manufacturing, with a strong understanding of industrial processes, operational performance, and manufacturing cost drivers.


• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification or higher, with demonstrated success leading improvement initiatives. Black Belt certification is highly valued.


• A track record of delivering measurable cost savings, process improvements, productivity gains, or operational efficiencies.


• Confidence working with mill leadership while remaining equally comfortable collaborating with frontline employees.


• Experience applying Lean principles, root-cause analysis, process mapping, statistical tools, and structured problem-solving methodologies.


• The ability to coach teams, challenge established practices constructively, and influence decisions without relying on formal authority.

More Than a Certification. We're Looking for a Change Leader.

You may already be a Black Belt leading major improvement initiatives, or you may be an accomplished Green Belt ready to take the next step.

Perhaps you're a Process Engineer, Continuous Improvement Engineer, Operational Excellence Specialist, or Manufacturing Improvement Leader who has consistently delivered results and is ready for broader ownership and visibility.

Your title matters less than your ability to identify opportunities, engage people, and deliver improvements that stick.

Why Explore This Opportunity?

This position offers the chance to make a tangible impact within an established manufacturing operation, working directly with decision-makers and influencing initiatives that matter to the business.

You'll have the opportunity to take ownership of complex challenges, develop others, and contribute to the long-term operational success of a critical manufacturing facility.

Let's explore how your experience could translate into meaningful impact!

All inquiries and conversations will be handled confidentially.