Operational Excellence & PMO Leader

Solenis; Florence (KY); On-site; USD 108,000 - 158,000; Full time

Job summary

Solenis in Florence, KY is seeking an Operational Excellence & PMO Leader to drive Lean Six Sigma initiatives and structured project management, advancing the site from Manufacturing 1.0 to Manufacturing 4.0 by improving SQDIP performance and coaching front-line leaders in operational discipline.

You will lead CI roadmap deployment, partner with engineering and operations, and shape a culture of safety, accountability and continuous improvement, with opportunities for career growth into

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred in Engineering, Operations, Industrial Technology or 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.

Responsibilities

• Lead Lean Six Sigma roadmap deployment and related methodologies.
• Act as continuous improvement strategist for throughput, waste, quality and cost.
• Coach leaders to develop CI capability and problem-solving discipline.
• Provide PMO leadership across CAPEX and OPEX projects with governance.
• Collaborate with engineering, maintenance, quality, and supply chain on projects.
• Support digital transformation aligned with Manufacturing 4.0.
• Facilitate daily, weekly and monthly performance reviews.
• Support safety, accountability and operational rigor culture.

Skills

Lean Six Sigma

Project management

Kaizen

Data-driven decision-making

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree

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 serve as the right hand to the Florence 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 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.

CAREER PATH

Future growth may include CI Manager, PMO Manager, Engineering Manager, or Operations Manager roles depending on performance.

Onsite

We understand that candidates will not meet every single desired qualification. If your experience looks a little different from what we’ve identified and you think you can bring value to the role, we’d love to learn more about you.

Solenis is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer, including Minorities / Women/ Veterans / Disabled. 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.

Final note: 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.