Continuous Improvement Site Lead

Chase Corporation; Lenoir (NC); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A global specialty chemicals company is seeking a Continuous Improvement Site Lead in North Carolina to drive operational excellence across multiple manufacturing sites. This role focuses on executing Lean initiatives and leading kaizen events to enhance performance and sustainability. Ideal candidates will have a Bachelor's in a relevant field, 5+ years of experience, and a proven track record in driving measurable improvements. Join a dynamic team dedicated to enhancing safety, quality, and productivity.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in Lean, continuous improvement, or operational transformation.
• Demonstrated success leading kaizen events and driving measurable KPI improvements.
• Strong skills in facilitation, process analysis, and project management.

Responsibilities

• Lead Lean transformation initiatives across regional sites.
• Plan and execute high-impact kaizen events.
• Coach personnel on daily management and kaizen approach.
• Monitor site KPIs and partner with leadership.
• Ensure sustainment of improvements and report on outcomes.

Skills

Lean transformation

Kaizen methodology

Structured problem solving

Project management

Facilitation and training

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, Business, or related field

Master’s degree (preferred)

Job description

Founded in 1946 we have grown to become a global specialty chemicals company that is a leading manufacturer of protective materials for high-reliability applications across diverse market sectors.

Today we employ nearly 800 people and continue to grow and strengthen our business by employing a related diversification strategy that combines organic growth initiatives with strategic acquisitions.

Based in Westwood, Massachusetts, USA we operate manufacturing facilities in the United States, Europe, and Asia and continue to invest in our capabilities in order to deliver value to our global customer base demands.

Role Overview

Chase Corporation is seeking a Continuous Improvement Site Lead to drive, sustain, and scale operational excellence across manufacturing sites. This role is responsible for executing Lean initiatives, leading kaizen events, and embedding structured problem-solving to improve performance across geographically dispersed operations.

Reporting to the VP, Continuous Improvement, this individual will partner closely with site leadership to deliver measurable improvements in safety, quality, delivery, inventory, and productivity.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead Lean transformation initiatives across regional sites using core tools (kaizen, standard work, visual management, root cause analysis) to drive sustainable performance improvement
• Plan and execute high-impact kaizen events to identify root causes, eliminate waste, and accelerate operational results
• Coach personnel from site leadership to operators on daily management, the kaizen approach, problem-solving, accountability, and sustainment of improvements
• Develop internal capability by training others to lead kaizen events and embed a continuous improvement mindset
• Monitor site KPIs and partner with leadership to close performance gaps through structured action plans and countermeasures
• Work with CI leadership across Chase to share and leverage best practices
• Support strategic initiatives including facility relocations and acquisition integrations
• Ensure sustainment of improvements and report on measurable outcomes (cost savings, productivity gains, quality improvements)

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, Business, or related field (Master’s preferred)
• 5+ years of experience in Lean, continuous improvement, or operational transformation
• Demonstrated success leading kaizen events and driving measurable KPI improvements in manufacturing and/or transactional environments
• Demonstrated business acumen and ability to convert manufacturing improvements to financial results
• Proven impact across key metrics: safety, quality, delivery, inventory, and productivity
• Experience influencing cross-functional teams in geographically dispersed environments
• Strong skills in facilitation and training, structured problem solving, process analysis, and project management