Operations Excellence Manager

Lubrizol Corporation•Deer Park, TX

7d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Operations Excellence Manager leads strategic operational excellence initiatives across Lubrizol’s regional manufacturing network. The role aims to improve safety, quality, reliability, productivity, sustainability, and cost competitiveness, helping sites achieve world-class manufacturing performance. The manager works with Operations, Engineering, Technology, Supply Chain, and Site Leadership teams to identify opportunities for transformation, lead continuous improvement programs, and build capabilities for lasting results. The position develops and executes a regional Operations Excellence roadmap; partners with site and operations leaders on high-impact initiatives; and manages a multi-year portfolio spanning safety, quality, reliability, capacity, sustainability, and cost optimization. It leads Lean Six Sigma Black Belt projects, supports and coaches Green Belt teams, implements Manufacturing Operating Systems and operational excellence methods across sites, and facilitates diagnostic and improvement activities. The manager also establishes metrics and governance routines, shares best practices across sites, coaches teams in problem-solving and change management, and identifies opportunities to improve performance through digital technologies, automation, analytics, and process optimization. The role is based in Wickliffe, Ohio, or Deer Park, Texas, with regular travel to manufacturing sites. The stated work arrangement is on-site, with four days in the office and one day from home. The work environment may include office or hybrid work, labs, and manufacturing settings, with potential standing, walking, equipment operation, occasional material handling, computer use, and adherence to safety protocols.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, or a related technical discipline.
At least 10 years of progressive experience in manufacturing, operations, engineering, or continuous improvement within a chemical or process manufacturing environment.
At least 5 years of experience leading cross-functional improvement initiatives, operational excellence programs, or manufacturing transformation efforts.
Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification, with demonstrated success leading Black Belt projects and mentoring Green Belt practitioners.
Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, Total Productive Maintenance (TPM), Reliability Excellence, and Operational Excellence methodologies.
Experience managing project portfolios and delivering measurable operational and financial results across multiple sites.
Ability to influence stakeholders at all organizational levels and drive sustainable change.
Excellent communication, facilitation, coaching, and presentation skills.
Ability to travel regularly within the manufacturing network.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree in Engineering, Business, Operations, or a related field.
Master Black Belt certification.
Experience implementing continuous improvement management systems across multiple manufacturing sites.
Knowledge of digital manufacturing, automation, advanced analytics, and Industry 4.0 technologies.
Experience partnering across global or regional manufacturing networks within the chemical industry.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute the regional Operations Excellence roadmap, aligning improvement priorities with business and manufacturing objectives.
Partner with operations and site leaders to identify, prioritize, and deliver high-impact productivity and continuous improvement initiatives.
Manage a multi-year portfolio of projects focused on safety, quality, reliability, capacity, sustainability, and cost optimization.
Lead critical Lean Six Sigma Black Belt projects and provide governance, coaching, and support for Green Belt project teams.
Implement and sustain Manufacturing Operating Systems and operational excellence methodologies across multiple sites.
Facilitate value stream mapping, root cause analysis, performance diagnostics, and improvement workshops.
Establish performance metrics, reporting processes, and governance routines to track project execution and business impact.
Drive cross-site knowledge sharing and replication of best practices across the manufacturing network.
Coach leaders and teams in continuous improvement tools, change management, and problem-solving capabilities.
Identify opportunities to use digital technologies, automation, analytics, and process optimization tools to improve operational performance.