Black Belt - Continuous Improvement Manager
About The Position
As a Manager, Continuous Improvement, you will play a critical role in driving operational excellence across our global manufacturing and business operations. You will be responsible for identifying high-impact opportunities, leading and implementing cross-functional projects, coaching local teams, establishing measurement systems, and building capabilities through mentorship and training. You’ll collaborate with global business leaders to improve safety, quality, service, and cost using structured CI/Lean Six Sigma methodologies—all while fostering a culture of continuous improvement across Neogen’s worldwide footprint. This role reports into our growing Continuous Improvement function and is well supported by an engaged and passionate leadership team.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in a technical field like Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related technical field.
- Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification from a recognized institution (e.g., ASQ, Moresteam, Villanova, or comparable internal company sponsored program).
- 7–10 years of progressive experience leading and implementing Lean Six Sigma initiatives in a manufacturing environment, ideally with biotechnology manufacturing experiences.
- Demonstrated track record of diagnosing operational issues and delivering sustained performance improvements.
- Strong change management skills with the ability to influence across functions and cultures.
- Excellent communication, facilitation, and stakeholder engagement abilities.
- Willingness and ability to travel globally up to 30%-50%.
Nice To Haves
- Experience in food safety, animal safety, biotechnology, or regulated life sciences manufacturing.
- Familiarity with GMPs, FDA/EU regulatory environments, and lab-based production settings.
- MBA or formal business/operations management training.
- Experience managing, leading and coaching and developing formal training programs.
- Spanish or other second language skills (a plus).
Responsibilities
- Lead enterprise-wide Lean Six Sigma projects with a focus on sustainability, standardization, and measurable results.
- Partner with senior leaders in manufacturing, supply chain, quality, and engineering to identify high-impact opportunities for improvement.
- Apply structured problem-solving and root cause analysis to drive operational efficiency, throughput, and cost savings.
- Serve as a change leader, coaching and influencing stakeholders at all levels—from shop floor teams to executive leadership.
- Mentor and train junior staff, including lean six sigma green belts, summer interns and/or co-op students.
- Support the development and management of Neogen’s internship and co-op program for future CI talent.
- Act as a global CI resource—comfortable traveling to sites across the U.S., Latin America, Europe, and Asia Pacific.
- Deliver project outcomes aligned with strategic goals around people, safety, quality, delivery, and cost (PSQDC).
- Support knowledge sharing, capability building, and standard work documentation across global sites.
Benefits
- professional and personal growth
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Manager
