Manufacturing Operational Excellence Project Lead

MP Materials; Fort Worth (TX); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

MP Materials seeks a Project Manager, Manufacturing Operational Excellence to drive performance, efficiency, and continuous improvement across key magnetics projects. You will partner with Operations, Quality, Engineering, EHS and Supply Chain to establish new best practices and standardize processes as manufacturing expands.

The role emphasizes Lean Six Sigma methodologies, data analytics, Kaizen facilitation, and cross-functional collaboration to reduce scrap, boost throughput, minimize

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant engineering discipline (e.g. Industrial, Manufacturing, Mechanical) or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in manufacturing, operational excellence, quality, process engineering, or continuous improvement roles.
• Demonstrated experience leading Lean Six Sigma or operational improvement projects within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, plant operations, quality systems, and process optimization methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Lead Lean Six Sigma projects from conception through execution.
• Drive process improvement initiatives focused on reducing scrap, improving throughput, increasing uptime, and enhancing product quality.
• Utilize PDCA, DMAIC, Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping, 5S, and root cause analysis methodologies to improve operational performance.
• Identify opportunities to further improve operational efficiency, quality performance, and manufacturing reliability.
• Identify and resolve operational gaps, constraints, and process inefficiencies.
• Develop and implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) to improve process capability and operational reliability.
• Support standardization of manufacturing processes, procedures, and operational best practices.
• Facilitate Kaizen workshops and cross-functional continuous improvement activities.
• Analyze manufacturing, quality, maintenance, and operational data to identify trends and improvement opportunities.
• Develop KPI dashboards, reports, and visual management tools to support operational decision‑making.
• Perform statistical analysis related to process capability, variation reduction, scrap trends, downtime, and production performance.
• Utilize data analytics tools to support data-driven recommendations and operational improvements.
• Track and report measurable improvement results including cost savings, efficiency gains, and quality improvements.
• Support employees on Lean Six Sigma tools, problem-solving methods, and continuous improvement practices.
• Coordinate and/or provide guidance to cross-functional "tiger teams" participating in operational excellence initiatives.
• Promote a culture of accountability, operational discipline, and continuous improvement throughout the organization.
• Support development of standardized problem-solving and data-driven decision making practices.
• Maintain documentation related to improvement projects, action items, risk assessments, and operational metrics.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, and leadership updates related to continuous improvement activities.
• Support change management activities associated with process improvements and operational changes.
• Verify sustainability of implemented improvements through audits, KPI monitoring, and follow‑up reviews.

Skills

Lean Six Sigma

Project management

Data analytics

Statistical analysis

Communication

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering

Tools

Power BI

SQL

Python

SAP

Job description

MP Materials seeks a Project Manager, Manufacturing Operational Excellence to drive performance, efficiency, and continuous improvement across key magnetics projects. You will partner with Operations, Quality, Engineering, EHS and Supply Chain to establish new best practices and standardize processes as manufacturing expands.

The role emphasizes Lean Six Sigma methodologies, data analytics, Kaizen facilitation, and cross-functional collaboration to reduce scrap, boost throughput, minimize