Laurel Plant - Continuous Improvement Manager

Milliken & Company is a global manufacturing leader whose focus on materials science delivers tomorrow’s breakthroughs today. From industry-leading molecules to sustainable innovations, Milliken creates products that enhance people’s lives and deliver solutions for its customers and communities. Drawing on thousands of patents and a portfolio with applications across the textile, flooring, chemical and healthcare businesses, the company harnesses a shared sense of integrity and excellence to positively impact the world for generations. Discover more about Milliken’s curious minds and inspired solutions at Milliken.com and on Facebook Instagram and LinkedIn .

POSITION TITLE

Laurel Plant - Continuous Improvement Manager

POSITION OVERVIEW

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.

JOB 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.

QUALIFICATIONS – REQUIRED

• 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.

QUALIFICATIONS – PREFERRED

• 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.

#LI-AP1

Milliken is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical condition, including but not limited to lactation), sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression (including transgender status), ancestry, national origin, citizenship, age physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran or military status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

To request a reasonable accommodation to complete a job application, pre-employment testing, a job interview, or to otherwise participate in the hiring process, please contact [email protected].