Regional Continuous Improvement Leader - Hybrid (Chicago)

Novolex; Lake Forest (IL); Hybrid; USD 130,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) plan with company match

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Paid vacation and holidays

Wellness program

Job summary

Novolex is seeking a Sr. Manager, Regional Continuous Improvement (RCIM) to drive transformational culture change across multiple plants by deploying Operational Excellence tools, improving processes, and leading effective change management.

This role reports to the Director, Continuous Improvement and partners with cross-functional leaders to improve performance, sustain measurable results, and build CI capability.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Business, Supply Chain or related field.
• 5+ years’ Continuous Improvement experience in a manufacturing facility.
• Experience leading training and kaizen events (VSM, 5S, Standard Work, SMED, TPM, A3, PDCA).
• Excellent analytical ability including data compilation and insights.
• Experience leading changes across multiple sites or functions.
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt preferred.
• Interpersonal, verbal, and written communication; ability to coach and influence.
• Financial and business acumen; ability to review financial statements and performance data.
• Ability to travel up to 80% to support facilities.

Responsibilities

• Deploy OPX360 system aligned with strategy to deliver measurable results.
• Implement OPX360 principles, processes, standards across facilities.
• Lead Kaizen events to improve performance.
• Conduct daily Gemba walks to meet customer commitments.
• Develop value stream maps and establish future state targets.
• Deliver CI training and project execution with all functions.
• Manage productivity and cost-saving projects and report weekly.
• Support lean workspace design optimization and training.
• Coach and develop junior CI, process engineering, and other associates.

Skills

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt

Lean Six Sigma Black Belt

Continuous improvement

Kaizen events

Training & coaching

Analytical skills

Cross-functional leadership

Travel up to 80%

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Business, Supply Chain or related field

Tools

OPX360 system

Value stream mapping (VSM)

5S

SMED

Kaizen events

A3, PDCA

Job description

Novolex is seeking a Sr. Manager, Regional Continuous Improvement (RCIM) to drive transformational culture change across multiple plants by deploying Operational Excellence tools, improving processes, and leading effective change management.

This role reports to the Director, Continuous Improvement and partners with cross-functional leaders to improve performance, sustain measurable results, and build CI capability.