Project Manager of Lean Excellence

International Paper; Memphis (TN); Hybrid; USD 137,000 - 185,000; Full time

Job summary

International Paper is seeking a Project Manager of Lean Excellence for Memphis, TN. The role requires 90% travel and focuses on propagating scalable operational improvements across the Containerboard business using lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, and disciplined execution.

As a hands-on change agent, you will lead Kaizen events, embed standard work, and coach teams to deliver measurable gains in safety, quality, delivery and cost.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business, engineering, operations management, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of continuous manufacturing experience with proven change leadership.
• Proven success deploying lean tools (5S, Kaizen, Standard Work).
• Strong analytical, facilitation, coaching and change leadership skills.
• Ability to influence without formal authority across multiple functions.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office.

Responsibilities

• Implement lean tools such as 5S, Kaizen, Standard Work, Visual Management, SMED and Value Stream Mapping.
• Drive waste elimination, process flow optimization, and variation reduction.
• Facilitate structured problem solving using A3, DMAIC, 5-Why, RCFA, and similar methods.
• Deliver measurable improvements in safety, quality, delivery, and cost.
• Document best practices and share improvements to leverage results.

Skills

Lean leadership

Change leadership

Analytical skills

Facilitation

Coaching

Influence

Education

Bachelor's degree preferred in business, engineering, operations management, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Position Title:

Project Manager of Lean Excellence

Pay Rate

$137,400 - $185,000

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

Category/Shift

Salaried Full-Time

Physical Location

Remote

or

6400 Poplar Avenue

Memphis, TN

The Job You Will Perform

This position requires 90% travel

The Project Manager of Lean Excellence will propagate scalable operational improvement across the Containerboard business through lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, and disciplined execution. The Lean Leader will serve as a hands-on change agent, partnering with mill teams to deploy lean tools and methodologies, lead Kaizen events, and embed standard work and problem-solving capabilities into daily operations.

The ideal candidate will have significant and relevant direct manufacturing experience using and leading continuous improvement tools, systems, and methodologies. The candidate must be a proven shop floor leader who is comfortable influencing others, coaching teams, and delivering measurable gains in safety, quality, delivery and cost.

Key Responsibilities

• Implement lean tools such as 5S, Kaizen, Standard Work, Visual Management, SMED and Value Stream Mapping
• Drive waste elimination, process flow optimization, and variation reduction
• Facilitate structured problem solving using A3, DMAIC, 5-Why, RCFA, and similar methodologies
• Deliver measurable improvements in safety, quality, delivery, and cost

Process Optimization & Execution

• Use data to identify gaps in performance versus best practices and work with the mill team to execute an improvement plan
• Document best practices and share improvements to leverage results
• Understand and apply financial drivers and key performance indicators

Culture & Capability Building

• Assist with implementing and managing systems that will sustain improvement efforts
• Lead and coach CI events / kaizen through hands-on participation
• Assist with developing and effectively delivering training materials in multiple formats to ensure team members throughout the organization are trained in CI concepts and philosophy
• Evaluate and drive opportunities for appropriate CI and lean tool applications
• Provide support, assistance, and communication to the mill leadership teams regarding CI initiatives

The Qualifications, Skills and Knowledge You Will Bring

• Bachelor's degree preferred in business, engineering, operations management, or related field
• Minimum 5 years of continuous manufacturing experience with proven change leadership skills
• Demonstrated success utilizing and deploying lean tools
• Strong analytical, facilitation, coaching and change leadership skills
• Ability to influence without formal authority across multiple functions
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office