Process Improve Manager

Lubrizol•Gastonia, NC

12d•Onsite

About The Position

Lubrizol Advanced Materials is seeking a Process Improvement Manager to lead operational excellence, process optimization, and technology advancement at its Gastonia manufacturing site. The role leads the site’s process engineering and continuous improvement work, identifies and implements improvements that enhance safety, quality, reliability, productivity, and cost performance, and supports process safety and operational excellence systems. It also provides technical leadership, manages capital and expense projects, and develops engineering talent. The manager drives the site’s process improvement roadmap and technology plans in partnership with plant leadership; manages projects from concept through implementation; provides process engineering expertise and troubleshooting support; and advances Lean practices and structured problem-solving. The role supports Process Safety Management and process control system strategy, improves asset performance and cost competitiveness, and coaches Process Engineers and technical staff while leading cross-functional teams. The position is full-time and on-site in Gastonia, North Carolina. The work environment may include a laboratory, production floor, or office setting. The job description notes physical and sensory capabilities related to vision, hearing, manual dexterity, concentration, safety compliance, and unassisted travel by automobile or air.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering from an accredited university.
At least 5 years of engineering experience in a manufacturing environment.
At least 5 years of leadership experience leading people, projects, or cross-functional teams.
Experience driving process improvements, operational excellence, and technology implementation initiatives.
Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, process safety, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement methodologies.
Experience leading capital and expense projects.
Strong analytical, project management, and problem-solving capabilities.
Excellent communication, facilitation, and leadership skills.
Proficiency with manufacturing and business systems such as SAP, PI, Planview, or similar tools.

Nice To Haves

Degree in Chemical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering.
Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.
Experience with process control systems and automation technologies.
Experience leading reliability improvement programs.
Experience in chemical manufacturing or other highly regulated manufacturing environments.
Advanced degree in Engineering, Operations, or Business.

Responsibilities

Drive the site’s Process Improvement work stream and continuous improvement roadmap.
Develop and execute technology plans aligned with business and operational objectives.
Identify manufacturing process optimization and technology deployment opportunities; partner with plant leadership to prioritize and implement improvements.
Lead capital and expense projects from concept through implementation, managing scope, budgets, schedules, resources, and risk mitigation.
Validate project business results and coordinate internal and external resources to deliver project objectives.
Serve as the technical process expert for site manufacturing operations and lead resolution of production, quality, and process issues.
Support process optimization and advance process technology improvements and manufacturing best practices.
Deploy and sustain Lean principles, 5S, Leader Standard Work, and structured problem-solving methodologies.
Identify operational inefficiencies and implement sustainable solutions; coach leaders, engineers, and operators in continuous improvement practices.
Foster accountability, continuous improvement, and employee engagement.
Support and lead Process Safety Management initiatives, including PHA, HAZOP, and LOPA activities.
Oversee process control system strategy, lifecycle planning, and compliance initiatives; support cybersecurity, backup and recovery, and system reliability programs.
Ensure processes operate within approved parameters and regulatory requirements.
Develop strategies to improve yield, efficiency, reliability, and throughput; identify and implement cost-reduction opportunities.
Support long-term site asset reliability and technology plans and use data analytics to improve process performance and business results.
Provide leadership, coaching, and development for Process Engineers and technical staff.
Lead cross-functional operational improvement teams and build partnerships across Operations, Maintenance, Quality, HSES, Supply Chain, Engineering, and Business functions.