Operational Excellence and PMO leader

Solenis LLC; Suffolk (VA); Hybrid; USD 108,000 - 158,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401K

Professional growth opportunities

Competitive compensation

Job summary

Solenis is a leading global provider of water and hygiene solutions, seeking an Operational Excellence & PMO Leader at our Suffolk, Virginia site. You will drive Lean Six Sigma initiatives, coach frontline leaders, and advance Manufacturing 4.0 programs to improve safety, quality, delivery and cost performance.

In this hands-on role you’ll deploy CI roadmaps, manage cross-functional project portfolios, and partner with engineering, maintenance and supply chain to deliver measurable improvements

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred (Engineering, Operations, Industrial Technology, Business).
• 3–5+ years in manufacturing, operations, CI or project management.
• Lean Six Sigma Black Belt preferred; Green Belt acceptable with progress toward Black Belt.
• Experience leading Kaizens and structured problem-solving.
• Strong communication, facilitation, and data-driven decision-making skills.
• Preferred experience with: Danaher, ITW, Parker Hannifin, Honeywell, or other OpEx-driven organizations.

Responsibilities

• Lead Lean Six Sigma roadmap deployment and visual management.
• Serve as CI strategist for throughput, waste elimination and quality.
• Coach Operations Managers to develop CI capability and problem-solving discipline.
• Provide PMO leadership across CAPEX and OPEX projects with governance.
• Partner with engineering, maintenance, quality and supply chain on cross-functional portfolios.

Skills

Lean Six Sigma

Project management

Structured problem-solving

Communication

Facilitation

Data-driven decision making

Influencing without authority

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, Industrial Technology or Business

Job description

Solenis is a leading global provider of water and hygiene solutions. The company’s product portfolio includes a broad array of water treatment chemistries, process aids, functional additives, cleaners, disinfectants, and state-of-the-art monitoring, control and delivery systems. These technologies are used by customers to improve operational efficiencies, enhance product quality, protect plant assets, minimize environmental impact, and create cleaner and safer environments. Headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware, the company has 78 manufacturing facilities strategically located around the globe and employs a team of over ~23000 professionals in >160 countries across six continents. Solenis is a 2025 Best Managed Company Gold Standard honoree. For additional information about Solenis, please visit www.solenis.com or follow us on social media.

Position Summary

The Operational Excellence & PMO Leader will report to the Suffolk Plant Manager, driving Lean Six Sigma initiatives while providing structured project management leadership. This role accelerates the site’s progression from Manufacturing 1.0 to Manufacturing 4.0 by improving SQDIP (safety, quality, delivery, inventory and people) performance, strengthening processes, and coaching front-line and mid-level leaders in operational discipline.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead Lean Six Sigma roadmap deployment, including VSM, Kaizen, RCA, standard work, 5S, SMED, TPM, and visual management.
• Serve as the site’s continuous improvement strategist for throughput, waste elimination, quality improvement, and cost savings.
• Coach Operations Managers and production teams to develop CI capability and problem-solving discipline.
• Provide PMO leadership across CAPEX and OPEX projects using project charters, governance cadences, KPIs, and RACI structures.
• Partner with engineering, maintenance, quality, and supply chain to manage cross-functional project portfolios.
• Contribute to digital transformation efforts aligned with Manufacturing 4.0.
• Facilitate daily, weekly, and monthly performance review structures.
• Support culture-building efforts around safety, accountability, and operational rigor.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred (Engineering, Operations, Industrial Technology, Business).
• 3–5+ years in manufacturing, operations, CI or project management.
• Lean Six Sigma Black Belt preferred; Green Belt acceptable with progress toward Black Belt.
• Experience leading Kaizens and structured problem-solving.
• Strong communication, facilitation, and data-driven decision-making skills.
• Preferred experience with: Danaher, ITW, Parker Hannifin, Honeywell, or other OpEx-driven organizations.

Success Profile

The ideal candidate is hands-on, structured, and able to influence without authority. This person is a disciplined project executor, strong communicator, credible shop-floor leader, and consistent coach who drives sustainable improvements.

Location and Hours

Primary Location: US-Suffolk, Virginia. Some travel for meetings or cross manufacturing site training/assistance.

Scheduled Weekly Hours: 40.

Setting/Work Environment: large chemical manufacturing location. The work environment is office environment or plant ambient conditions including traversing multiple levels which could include stairway or ladder access, may wear additional PPE dependent on the task conditions.

#LI-Onsite

Compensation and Benefits

The expected compensation range for this position is between $107,500.00 and $157,663.00 plus discretionary bonuses. The exact compensation may vary based on your skills, experience and other factors permitted by law.

Competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits which include medical, dental, vision and 401K, and numerous opportunities for professional growth and development.

Equal Opportunity

Solenis is proud to be an Equal Opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.