Laurel Plant - Continuous Improvement Manager

Milliken and Company • Gainesville, FL

64d

About The Position

Milliken & Company’s Laurel Plant is seeking a results-driven Continuous Improvement (CI) Manager to champion Lean Six Sigma excellence, lead cross-functional projects, and foster a culture of operational excellence within our Fine Chemicals business. This high-impact, high-visibility role combines strategic leadership with hands-on execution. The CI Manager will oversee the site’s improvement portfolio, deliver Lean Six Sigma training, and play a pivotal role in developing continuous improvement talent across the organization. This is a key developmental role with potential succession pathways into future operations leadership positions.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, or a related technical field (Chemical or Industrial Engineering preferred).
• 5+ years of experience in a chemical process or industrial manufacturing environment with a proven track record of leading CI initiatives.
• Black Belt certification (Master Black Belt or equivalent experience preferred).
• Deep knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma, and other CI methodologies.
• Strong analytical and statistical skills, with proficiency in data analysis tools.
• Excellent influencing, coaching, and facilitation skills across all levels of the organization.
• Ability to communicate complex concepts clearly to diverse audiences.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects and deliver measurable results in a fast-paced environment.

Nice To Haves

• Master Black Belt or advanced continuous improvement certification.
• Recognized as a high-potential employee with leadership aspirations.
• Experience in regulated industries (chemical, pharmaceutical, or food manufacturing).
• Advanced root cause analysis and structured problem-solving capabilities.
• Collaborative mindset with a passion for developing others and building team capability.

Responsibilities

• Lead and sustain Lean Six Sigma initiatives at the site, ensuring alignment with corporate goals and best practices.
• Partner with corporate and site leaders to deliver foundational Lean Six Sigma training (e.g., Yellow Belt, Green Belt) to site personnel.
• Identify, prioritize, and manage a balanced portfolio of CI projects with measurable impact on safety, environmental performance, quality, cost, and productivity.
• Directly lead and execute key strategic improvement projects to support plant objectives.
• Coach and mentor teams and individuals in Lean Six Sigma tools, problem-solving, and change management techniques.
• Collaborate with operations, engineering, and plant leadership to build CI capabilities and develop future CI talent.
• Engage and influence stakeholders to drive buy-in, overcome resistance, and embed a culture of continuous improvement.
• Track and report key CI metrics, project ROI, and overall performance improvements to site and business leadership.

What This Job Offers

• Education Level: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees