ABOUT THE ROLEJoin SC Johnson Lifestyle Brands at our Southside Soapbox manufacturing facility in Chicago and help shape how continuous improvement comes to life across the site. As our Manufacturing Excellence Lead, you'll lead the strategy to identify and eliminate our biggest operational losses while strengthening the systems, capabilities and culture that drive sustainable performance. Working across Operations, Engineering, Quality, Safety, Finance and Supply Chain, you'll leverage Lean and Total Productive Maintenance (TPM), data and structured problem solving to turn opportunities into measurable improvements in safety, quality, service, cost and productivity. This is an opportunity to make a visible impact on the plant floor while building the problem-solving capability that helps our teams continuously improve how we operate.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES- Own the Southside Soapbox continuous improvement strategy and roadmap, prioritizing the site's largest loss-elimination opportunities and driving measurable, sustained results.
- Lead plant diagnostics and loss analysis using KPIs and operational data to identify root causes and improve downtime, OEE, schedule adherence, scrap, productivity and cost.
- Own and strengthen the site's Lean and Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) management system, including Daily Management, 5S, visual management, standard work, center lining and structured problem solving.
- Lead and coach structured problem solving, kaizen and loss-elimination efforts, building the capability of leaders and teams to identify root causes, implement solutions and sustain improvements.
- Partner with Operations and cross-functional leaders to align priorities, remove barriers and translate improvement opportunities into executable plans and business results.
- Leverage Redzone, analytics and approved AI tools to identify trends, accelerate analysis and turn operational data into actionable, decision-ready insights.
- Partner with Finance to validate the impact of continuous improvement initiatives, including cost savings, productivity and capacity gains, waste reduction and service improvements, and clearly communicate priorities, risks and results to site leadership.
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE YOU'LL BRING- Bachelors degree in engineering, operations, supply chain, business or a related discipline
- 5+ years of manufacturing, operations or continuous improvement experience, including leading Lean, Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) or World Class Manufacturing (WCM) initiatives that delivered measurable, sustained results.
- Must be authorized to work in the United States now and in the future without sponsorship
PREFERRED EXPERIENCES AND SKILLS- Strong knowledge of Lean and Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) principles, including Daily Management, 5S, OEE, standard work, center lining and structured problem solving.
- Demonstrated ability to identify and prioritize operational losses, lead root-cause problem solving and translate improvements into measurable business and financial results.
- Proven ability to influence and lead change across functions, coaching leaders and frontline teams to build accountability and sustain new ways of working.
- Strong analytical and digital capabilities, leveraging Excel, Power BI, Redzone, SAP and approved AI tools to identify trends and translate data into actionable insights.
- Lean Six Sigma, TPM or comparable continuous improvement certification and/or significant hands-on deployment experience.
- Strong business acumen, communication and facilitation skills, with a collaborative, hands-on approach and demonstrated ability to drive sustainable results.
JOB REQUIREMENTS- Full-time, on-site Monday through Friday schedule, with availability during non-routine hours as business needs require.
- Requires regular presence on the manufacturing floor and use of required safety equipment, including safety glasses, hearing protection and steel-toed footwear.
- Minimal travel anticipated (10%); ability to travel if requested.
- This position is not eligible for remote work
- This position is not offering domestic relocation assistance
Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice as assigned by the Manager. The job description does not constitute a contract of employment, and the position remains at-will.
BENEFITS AND PERKSAt Lifestyle Brands, we handle our team members with care and provide a variety of benefit offerings to build a supportive environment at work and beyond.
- Subsidized health insurance benefits package
- Competitive vacation + holiday bundle
- Generous retirement match + pre-tax savings options
- Dedicated volunteer time, to be a force for good
- Pioneering events + experiences that build team connection (...ask us about the Packaging Olympics, Bubble Bash, Ping Pong Tournament + more!)
- Access to discounted/free company products
The Company's Total Rewards package is at or above industry levels. The expected base salary range for this position is between 95,753.00 USD - 125,675.55 USD. Job related skills, experience, education, and location will be considered in setting actual starting base salary. In addition to your base salary and depending on job level, eligibility, and performance, a total package may include profit sharing, a short-term incentive and/or long-term incentives. As a family company, benefits are a key piece of our Total Rewards package as well and we're proud to provide a comprehensive, competitive, and differentiated benefits program that our people and their families value.
