Remote Lean Excellence Project Lead

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

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.