Gilliland Process Improvement Professional

Milliken & Company; Laurens (SC); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Milliken & Company seeks a process improvement leader to drive manufacturing enhancements at our South Carolina site. You will guide continuous improvement initiatives, support safety processes, and collaborate with product development to create improved samples and processes.

The role focuses on reducing costs, improving quality, and increasing consistency through structured problem solving and project management in a dynamic production environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical, Mechanical, Industrial, or similar engineering field.
• Experience with process improvement tools and methodologies is a plus.
• Strong communication and leadership abilities in a manufacturing setting.

Responsibilities

• Lead continuous improvement initiatives at the site to drive performance, cost reduction, and quality gains.
• Apply project management to manage multiple improvement projects concurrently.
• Analyze problems and implement data-driven solutions using focused improvement methods.

Skills

Analytical skills

Project management

Communication

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

PowerPoint

Job description

Milliken & Company is a global manufacturing leader whose focus on materials science delivers tomorrow's breakthroughs today. From industry-leading molecules to sustainable innovations, Milliken creates products that enhance people's lives and deliver solutions for its customers and communities. Drawing on thousands of patents and a portfolio with applications across the textile, flooring, chemical and healthcare businesses, the company harnesses a shared sense of integrity and excellence to positively impact the world for generations. Discover more about Milliken's curious minds and inspired solutions at Milliken.com and on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Job Summary

This position reports to the Process Improvement Manager. The position is responsible for leading continuous improvement efforts at the site and playing a leadership role in supporting the safety process. It plays a key role in the development and implementation of manufacturing process improvements that drive new performance levels, reduce costs, and improve quality and process consistency.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop a thorough understanding of all factors and conditions that impact the processes and products, including environmental impacts
• Use sound project management skills to manage multiple improvement projects
• Analyze problems and implement solutions using critical thinking skills and focused improvement methods
• Incorporate creative thinking into the problem‑solving approach to identify unique and different ways to make things better/more consistent/faster/cheaper/efficient
• Prepare diagrams, charts, tables to reflect findings and support recommendations
• Work closely with the Product Development area to create new samples and products
• Communicate and work effectively with a diverse group of associates to accomplish project and location goals
• Participate fully in the Safety Process

Qualifications - Required

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical, Mechanical, Industrial, etc. engineering
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint

Qualifications - Preferred

• Previous manufacturing experience (intern, co‑op, or fulltime)

The successful candidate will demonstrate strengths in the following

• Communication skills - verbal, written, and group presentations
• Ability to manage multiple projects and work in a fast‑paced environment
• Analytical/problem‑solving skills
• Leadership skills
• All managers have the authority and responsibility to shut down a piece of equipment that is deemed unsafe or is producing off quality. Follow the Shutdown Authorization Procedure (SPI15).

Milliken is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical condition, including but not limited to lactation), sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression (including transgender status), ancestry, national origin, citizenship, age physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran or military status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

To request a reasonable accommodation to complete a job application, pre‑employment testing, a job interview, or to otherwise participate in the hiring process, please contact [e-mail].