Process Optimization Lead

ARAUCO - North America; Malvern (AR); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision

401k with company match

PTO & holidays

Wellness program

Gym reimbursement

Job summary

ARAUCO, a global leader in sustainable wood products, seeks a Process Optimization Lead for its Malvern, AR site. You will partner with production and maintenance to identify inefficiencies, implement practical solutions on the manufacturing floor, and drive safety, quality, and cost improvements in a 24/7 operation.

This hands-on role reports to the Production Manager and requires strong leadership, data analysis, and the ability to mentor teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering or related field required.
• Experience in optimizing manufacturing processes and leading improvement projects.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with data-driven approach.

Responsibilities

• Drive consistency across shifts and teams through clear process definitions and visual standards.
• Analyze manufacturing processes to identify inefficiencies, waste, and variation.
• Improve process flow, equipment utilization, and standard work practices.
• Support process changes, trials, and equipment improvements.
• Drive incident follow‑up, root cause analysis, and corrective actions to reduce downtime and quality defects.
• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures and process documentation, and ensure processes are followed consistently across shifts and teams.
• Monitor key production metrics to track performance and improvement results.
• Work closely with Production Manager, Continuous Improvement Manager, production supervisors, maintenance, and quality to drive improvements.
• Support safety, housekeeping, and compliance expectations.

Skills

Process optimization

Manufacturing systems

Data analysis

Leadership

Problem solving

Communication

OSHA knowledge

SAP

Plant operations

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering

Tools

MS Office

SAP

Job description

Join Our Team as a Process Optimization Lead at Malvern!

Do you have experience in industrial settings and looking for a rewarding career in a dynamic 24/7 manufacturing environment? Malvern is seeking a passionate and experienced Process Optimization Lead who will be responsible for improving manufacturing processes to increase efficiency, safety, quality, and cost effectiveness. This role will work directly with production and maintenance teams to identify problems, improve workflows, and implement practical solutions on the manufacturing floor. This is a hands‑on, plant‑focused role that will report directly to the Production Manager and is based at our site in Malvern, AR.

What We’re Looking For

• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and production systems
• Ability to analyze processes and identify improvement opportunities
• Practical problem-solving and troubleshooting skills
• Comfortable working in a manufacturing environment
• Ability to communicate clearly with operators and leaders
• Strong leadership skills and the ability to mentor, coach, and manage a team
• High comfort with data analysis and reporting
• Ability to drive change in a production environment
• Excellent attention to detail, and strong follow‑up abilities
• Familiarity with OSHA requirements, dust control, and chemical handling in a wood products facility preferred
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and effectively works with various computer programs
• Experience with SAP preferred
• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Technology, Industrial Technology, Operations Management, or a related field

What We Offer

• Medical, Dental, Vision, HSA/FSA options
• 401k with company match
• Paid Maternity & Paternity Leave, PTO, and holidays
• Wellness Program, Gym Reimbursement, Pet Insurance

What You’ll Do

• Drive consistency across shifts and teams through clear process definitions and visual standards
• Analyze manufacturing processes to identify inefficiencies, waste, and variation
• Improve process flow, equipment utilization, and standard work practices
• Support process changes, trials, and equipment improvements
• Drive incident follow‑up, root cause analysis, and corrective actions to reduce downtime and quality defects
• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures and process documentation, and esure processes are followed consistently across shifts and teams
• Monitor key production metrics to track performance and improvement results
• Work closely with Production Manager, Continuous Improvement Manager, production supervisors, maintenance, and quality to drive improvements
• Support safety, housekeeping, and compliance expectations

Physical Requirements

• Ability to move freely throughout the facility, including climbing stairs and ladders, and navigating around heavy equipment and machinery
• Ability to bend, stoop, and crouch as necessary to inspect and maintain equipment
• Capability to lift and carry materials and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds
• Ability to perform physical tasks that involve lifting, pushing, pulling, and carrying heavy objects
• Endurance to stand and walk for extended periods, often in environments with dust, chemicals, high noise levels, and varying temperatures

About Us

At ARAUCO, we’re more than a global leader in sustainable wood products—we’re a team driven by innovation, environmental stewardship, and strong core values. Committed to responsible forestry and quality craftsmanship, we create products that shape industries and protect the planet. Sustainability is central to everything we do—from responsible forestry to reducing environmental impact, we are dedicated to preserving natural resources for future generations.

Grow your career with purpose and help us shape a better future—one product, one idea, and one team at a time.

Arauco is committed to creating an inclusive culture across the organization. Arauco is an equal opportunity employer to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.

Additionally, we demonstrate that commitment by preventing and removing barriers for persons with disabilities. Where it is not possible to remove barriers, Arauco will make efforts to accommodate persons with disabilities in a timely, effective and suitable manner. If you require any accommodations during the recruitment process, please let us know.