Lean Six Sigma Black Belt/Assoc. Black Belt

Sappi; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 1,387,000 - 1,909,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global provider of renewable materials is seeking an operational Lean Six Sigma Black Belt at their Somerset Mill. This role involves leading complex projects focused on cost reduction, training Green Belts, and driving continuous improvement. Candidates should have a degree in Engineering and at least 4 years of experience in the pulp and paper industry. The position demands strong leadership and effective communication skills.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 4 years of business experience in pulp and paper industry.
• Proven success as Green Belt or Black Belt.

Responsibilities

• Complete LSS projects on time with Green Belt support.
• Train, mentor, and coach Green Belts.
• Build partnerships to support manufacturing.
• Lead organizational LSS initiatives.
• Provide specific training in Process Improvement.

Skills

Self-starter

Effective communicator

Leadership

Influencing strategy

Lean Six Sigma tools proficiency

Coaching and mentoring

Education

4 year degree in Engineering

Job description

Country: United States

City: Skowhegan

State: Maine

Location: Mill Somerset

Department: Technical Services

Sappi North America
Sappi Somerset, is one of the largest, most advanced and high performing mills in North America with one of the lowest mill emissions. Our packaging papers are suited across a range of market segments including health and beauty, confectionery, premium beverages and food packaging. We manufacture labels for cans and jars and our graphic papers are used in direct mail, magazines and catalogs. Nearly $1 billion in the last decade has been invested to expand into sustainable and renewable SBS board grades for folding carton and foodservice, including the rebuilds of PM1 in 2018 and PM2, to be completed in 2025. The Somerset mill focuses on safety, sustainability, quality, and innovation.

Overview

The operational Lean Six Sigma Black Belt (BB) / Associate Black Belt position is a leadership position based in the Somerset Mill. The LSS BB has had proven success as a Green Belt or Black Belt who has consistently achieved business results, and worked with mill management teams, project sponsors, and key stakeholders.

The LSS Black Belt is relied on heavily to lead complex, high-value projects focused on reducing variable and fixed costs with project work interfacing with internal and external customers and suppliers. The incumbent will provide training to all levels of the business to facilitate major change. They will also coach, mentor, and train Green Belts, process improvement teams, and demonstrate mastery of a wide range of Process Improvement/Lean Six Sigma tools.

Responsibilities

• Timely completion of LSS projects; recording project details in tracking systems and adhering to project timelines to achieve savings with Green Belt support. Continually influencing without authority, to implement improvements and drive continuous improvement.
• Train, mentor, and coach Green Belts and teams, from project prioritization and selection to project completion and sustainability. Assist with change management during execution phase.
• Build partnerships within Somerset and support manufacturing in daily operational needs.
• Organizational LSS leadership including, but not limited to, opportunity identification sessions, productivity reviews, and project pipeline management. Monthly productivity reviews at Mill Lead Team level with project presentations and regular updates.
• Provide specific training or tool execution for functional areas at request of leadership in all areas of Process Improvement.

Special Skills

• Self-starter, able to work on own initiative with minimal supervision
• Effective communicator at all levels of the organization, especially senior leadership
• Ability to lead senior teams to identify major change opportunities
• Effective at influencing and leading teams at multiple levels within the organization
• Ability to influence strategy and major change, utilizing change management leadership tools and skills
• Able to use the full range of LSS tools as situations require
• Ability to lead, teach, coach, and mentor employees in Lean and Six Sigma concepts, project identification, implementation, and follow up

Entry Requirements

• 4 year degree in Engineering
• Minimum of 4years of business experience in a pulp and paper industry

Salary is determined by a number of factors including the value of the job to the organization, market forces, internal equity and skills brought to the job. Please be aware that your supervisor may be contacted for a reference. Job grade: S7/HRL 16 to S7/HRL 18.

Salary is determined by a number of factors including the value of the job to the organization, market forces, internal equity and skills brought to the job.

Sappi provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Sappi complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

ABOUT SAPPI

Sappi isa leading global provider of everyday materials made from woodfibre-based renewable resources. As a diversified, innovative and trusted leader focused on sustainable processes and products, we are building a more circular economy by making what we should, not just what we can.