Operational Excellence Leader

The Lubrizol Corporation; Avon Lake (OH); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

401(k) match

Comprehensive medical coverage

Paid holidays

Flexible work environment

Learning and development opportunities

Job summary

The Lubrizol Corporation in Avon Lake, Ohio is seeking a Site Operational Excellence Leader. This role involves overseeing continuous improvement projects, focusing on standardization and culture change, while implementing Lubrizol's operating system. Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree in Engineering and at least 10 years of experience in OPEX, Lean, or Continuous Improvement, with proven leadership skills. Competitive salary and benefits offered, fostering an inclusive culture.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of OPEX, Lean, or Continuous Improvement experience.
• At least 5 years in a project or people leadership capacity.
• Proven experience in culture transformations.

Responsibilities

• Drive continuous improvement projects with focus on standardization.
• Implement lean processes and operational excellence.
• Coordinate and prioritize work with stakeholders.

Skills

Continuous Improvement

Lean Processes

Project Management

Change Management

Analytical Skills

Communication Skills

Problem-Solving Skills

Presentation Skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

Tools

Lean Six Sigma

ISO 9001

RC14001

Job description

Shape the Future with Us

At Lubrizol, we’re bringing to life the chemistry behind clean water, efficient transportation, reliable infrastructure, critical medicines, and the products people rely on every day through science, sustainability, and a culture of inclusion.

Site Operational Excellence Leader

The Site Operational Excellence Leader is accountable for driving continuous improvement projects, with a special focus on standardization and culture change while capturing the results along the way. The day‑to‑day efforts focus on oversight and implementation of the Lubrizol operating system to include One Lubrizol Standard Work, support kaizen events, run internal assessments, and manage continuous improvement projects.

How You’ll Make An Impact

• Plan, lead, and execute implementation of lean processes and operational excellence.
• Manage all aspects of continuous improvement tools utilized by Lubrizol, including leader standard work, rapid improvement exercise, value stream mapping/analysis, A3s, root‑cause analysis with corrective actions; facilitate meetings, workshops, and exercises to drive strategic thinking and connectivity between teams to achieve results.
• Manage all aspects of standardizing manufacturing with focus on Operations, Maintenance, Reliability and Quality.
• Coordinate and prioritize work with stakeholders: Production, Maintenance, Manufacturing Technology, Quality, Learning & Development, Engineering, and HSES; provide leadership, oversight and accountability of work progressing to plan and desired results.
• Interface and align work processes and initiatives with corporate Operational Excellence organization; may include interfacing with third‑party consultants.
• Reinforce Standard Work Vision, performance, and opportunities across the site (the Spirit & Voice of Standard Work).
• Provide leadership with engagements in the office and plant, monitoring performance related to continuous improvement tools, work efficiency, safety, compliance and task management to enhance performance and deliver desired results.
• Coordinate ongoing support of Standard Work across the site including metrics and dashboards.
• Ensure MOS is functioning in each area and monitor.
• Own site responsibility for implementation of the Lubrizol operating system driven by the central team, beginning with core elements.
• Key inflow/outflow exchange with the central continuous improvement team.
• Maintain productivity tracking and dashboard for the plant and monthly metrics.
• Complete starred Value Stream Map (VSM).
• Develop and train additional resources within the plants to support continuous improvement projects.
• Serve as Kaizen owner for the plant; manage small/cell projects and coordinate with central team for larger projects.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, preferably Chemical or Mechanical Engineering.
• Minimum 10 years of OPEX, Lean, or Continuous Improvement experience, including at least 5 years in a project or people leadership capacity.
• Project Management, Change Management, and Value Stream Mapping experience.
• Proven experience in culture transformations.
• Experience within chemical, oil/gas, food/bev, or pharma is a plus.
• Solid communication, strong analytical, and problem‑solving skills.
• Strong presentation skills.
• Working knowledge of documented management systems, preferably ISO 9001 or RC14001.
• Lean Six Sigma Green or Black Belt is a plus.
• Plant Training, Safety, or Supply Chain experience is a plus.
• Experience with Automation preferred.

Work Environment

• Standing, walking, or operating equipment for extended periods.
• Working in a lab or manufacturing setting with appropriate PPE provided.
• Use of computers and digital tools in an office or hybrid environment.
• Occasional lifting or movement of materials.
• Adherence to rigorous safety protocols and ergonomic standards.

We continuously invest in our facilities and technologies to ensure they support your well‑being, productivity, and growth. If you require reasonable accommodation, we are committed to working with you to ensure an inclusive and accessible experience.

Benefits

• Competitive salary with performance‑based bonus plans.
• 401(k) match and age‑weighted defined contribution.
• Comprehensive medical, dental and vision coverage.
• Health Savings Account (HSA).
• Paid holidays, vacation and parental leave.
• Flexible work environment.
• Learning and development opportunities.
• Career and professional growth.
• Inclusive culture and vibrant community engagement.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other protected characteristic.