Plant Process Manager of Lean Excellence

International Paper Company

Memphis (TN)

On-site

USD 107,680 - 134,600

Full time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k)

Paid Time Off

Job summary

International Paper Company in Memphis, TN is looking for a Plant Process Manager of Lean Excellence. In this role, you will be responsible for leading the Lean Transformation Initiative, driving improvements in safety, quality, and efficiency. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s Degree, 2-5 years of manufacturing experience, and proficiency in continuous improvement methodologies. A strong focus on employee engagement and data analysis is essential for success in this position.

Qualifications

Minimum 2-5 years of manufacturing experience with progressive responsibility.
Ability to analyze data, draw conclusions, and make recommendations.
Positive and self-motivated attitude with a passion for managing projects.

Responsibilities

Lead plant level execution of Lean Transformation Initiative.
Drive measurable improvements in safety, employee engagement, quality, cost, and delivery metrics.
Utilize continuous improvement tools to enhance efficiency and reduce waste.

Skills

Continuous improvement tools

Kaizen events

Visual Management

Problem solving

Value stream mapping

Interpersonal skills

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Business, Engineering, or Operations Management

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Plant Process Manager of Lean Excellence

Waterloo, IA, United States

Job Description

Plant Process Manager of Lean Excellence

Pay Range: $107,680 - $134,600 (PL 14)

Multiple factors, including individual experience, skills and abilities will determine where an employee is ultimately placed in the pay range.

Physical Location: Waterloo, IA

Position Overview

The Plant Process Manager of Lean Excellence will be responsible for plant level execution of the Lean Transformation Initiative across PSNA. In this role they will partner with Plant leadership and operations to establish Lean capabilities, driving measurable improvements in safety, employee engagement, quality, cost and delivery metrics.

The ideal candidate will have significant and relevant direct manufacturing experience using and leading continuous improvement tools, systems, and methodologies. The preferred candidate exhibits strong leadership capabilities, has knowledge of / experience with 5S, Kaizen events, Standard Work, Visual Management, SMED, problem solving, value stream mapping, and related process improvement methodologies.

Key Responsibilities

Lead with a safety mindset, drive employee engagement through trust vs. fear. Invest in time to shape a culture that controls exposure and supports our employees.
Ability to influence without direct responsibility.
Use data to identify gaps in performance versus best practices, working with the Plant leadership and operations will execute the agreed upon improvement plan.
Utilize continuous improvement tools, processes and systems to better safety, quality, efficiency, cost, and reduce waste overall.
Assist with implementing and managing systems that will sustain improvement efforts.
Lead and coach CI events/Kaizen through hands‑on participation.
Partner with site leadership and operations for the improvement of asset utilization and equipment management.
Assist with the development of training materials and effectively deliver in multiple formats to ensure team members throughout the Plant understand CI concepts and philosophy.
Understanding of financial drivers and key performance indicators.
Assist plant teams to drive changeover improvements.
Partner with Plant leadership and Project Manager Lead Excellence to evaluate and drive opportunities for appropriate CI and Lean tool application.
Document best practices and share improvements to leverage results.
Key liaison between Plant leadership and Lean Excellence leadership, creating alignment with the strategic stakeholders.

Education and Experience

Bachelor’s Degree preferred, Business, Engineering, Operations Management, or related field.

Minimum 2-5 years of manufacturing experience with progressively greater responsibility (leadership / operations).

Positive and self‑motivated attitude with proven determination and passion to manage projects, maintain KPI’s, and see problems through to resolution.

Strong interpersonal skills with ability to relate to people at all levels of the organization, including diverse cultures.

Ability to analyze data, draw conclusions, make recommendations, and present findings.

Demonstrated ability to model the corporate values and principles, including instilling a high performance, people‑driven culture.

A high level of accuracy with strong attention to detail and quality of work is required.

Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, etc.).

Corrugated box manufacturing experience preferred.

Desired Competencies

Courage
Builds Effective Teams
Manages Complexity
Situational AdaptabilityBalances Stakeholders

About Us

The Benefits You Will Enjoy:

International Paper offers a benefits package that includes health, welfare and retirement plans including Medical, Dental, Life insurance, Flexible Spending Accounts, Short-term and Long-term Disability, 401(k), Company‑funded retirement contributions, Paid Time Off, Education & Development (including Tuition Reimbursement), Student Loan Repayment Assistance, and Voluntary Benefits including insurance for home, auto, vision and pets.

The Career You Will Build:

Leadership training, promotional opportunities.

The Impact You Will Make:

We continue to build a better future for people, the planet, and our company! IP has been a good steward of sustainable practices across communities around the world for more than 125 years. Join our team and you’ll see why our team members say they’re Proud to be IP.

The Culture You Will Experience:

International Paper promotes employee well‑being by providing safe, caring and inclusive workplaces. We have team members all around the world with diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. These are our strengths. We are committed to creating a culture where all individuals are respected, valued, engaged and have an opportunity to do their best work every day. We invite you to bring your uniqueness, creativity, talents, experiences, and safety mindset to be a part of our increasingly inclusive and diverse culture.

The Company You Will Join:

International Paper (NYSE: IP) is the global leader in sustainable packaging solutions. With company headquarters in Memphis, Tennessee, USA, and EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) headquarters in London, UK, we employ more than 65,000 team members and serve customers around the world with operations in more than 30 countries. Together with our customers, we make the world safer and more productive, one sustainable packaging solution at a time. Net sales for 2024 were $18.6 billion. In 2025, International Paper acquired DS Smith creating an industry leader focused on the attractive and growing North American and EMEA regions.

International Paper is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law. International Paper complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact reasonable.accommodations@ipaper.com or (877) 973‑3919.

Job Info