Manufacturing Excellence Manager

International Paper Company•Mansfield, LA

40d•Onsite

About The Position

The Manufacturing Excellence Manager (MME) reports directly to the Mill Optimization Leader and is responsible for delivering results through the Manufacturing Excellence (ME) methodology by leading deliberate and continuous improvement initiatives. This role leads the ME team and integrates ME priorities across the facility using structured improvement tools. The MME works closely with all levels of the organization-including Business Unit Managers, Area Managers, and "Improve" resources (such as Reliability Engineers, Capital Engineers, and others)-to ensure the mill's improvement plan is cohesive and aligned. These resources and their supervisors must be comfortable with the MME playing a role in setting and managing their priorities. The MME coordinates most of the mill's improvement activities, with a primary focus on cost reduction and process optimization.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science in Chemical, Mechanical, Electrical, or Paper Science Engineering (or a related field) required
8+ years of manufacturing experience required
Experience with continuous improvement concepts and tools preferred
Green Belt certification required; Black Belt certification must be completed if not already held
Strong ability to influence without direct oversight
Highly effective written and verbal communication skills
Proficient in computer applications, including spreadsheets, Minitab, and Pi

Nice To Haves

Experience with continuous improvement concepts and tools preferred

Responsibilities

Demonstrate leadership in safety and support broad-based participation in the mill's safety processes
Identify, prioritize, plan, facilitate, track, and sustain deliberate improvement initiatives
Ensure alignment with corporate guidelines, the strategic plan, and mill manufacturing goals
Lead strategy development for year-over-year improvements and the 5-year facility plan
Support area leaders in executing improvement plans
Collaborate with Lead Team members to integrate and prioritize ME initiatives across the facility
Plan and schedule energy, chemical, and area performance audits to identify future opportunities
Oversee monthly tracking of improvement projects to monitor progress and adjust future activities
Champion the mill's overall improvement process and ensure best practices are replicated appropriately
Oversee the Early Career Manufacturing and Co-Op/Intern programs and support ME Area Leaders in developing engineers