This is more than just a job. It's a global mission. As
Black Belt - Continuous Improvement Manager, you will help shape how Neogen operates across its global manufacturing and business operations. You will identify high-impact opportunities, lead complex cross-functional initiatives, establish measurement systems, and deliver sustainable improvements in people, safety, quality, delivery, and cost (PSQDC).
You will join Neogen's growing Continuous Improvement function and partner with leaders across Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Quality, Engineering, and other business functions. This role is a strong fit for a hands-on change leader who enjoys solving complex operational problems, developing people, and scaling practical solutions across sites and cultures.
What You'll Do- Lead enterprise-wide Lean Six Sigma and Continuous Improvement initiatives focused on sustainability, standardization, and measurable business impact.
- Partner with senior leaders across Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Quality, Engineering, and other functions to identify and prioritize high-impact improvement opportunities.
- Apply structured problem-solving, data analysis, and root cause methodologies to improve operational efficiency, throughput, quality, service, and cost.
- Establish clear measurement systems and performance indicators to baseline performance, monitor progress, and sustain project results.
- Serve as a change leader and global CI resource, coaching and influencing stakeholders from shop-floor teams through executive leadership.
- Coach, mentor, and develop Lean Six Sigma Green Belts, junior staff, interns, and co-op students while supporting formal CI training and capability building.
- Support knowledge sharing, standard work, and scalable best practices across Neogen sites in the United States, Latin America, Europe, and Asia Pacific.
- Deliver project outcomes aligned with strategic goals across people, safety, quality, delivery, and cost (PSQDC), with global travel as business needs require.
What Success Looks Like- High-impact CI projects deliver measurable, sustained improvements aligned with Neogen's strategic and operational priorities.
- Leaders and site teams use clear measures, standard work, and structured problem-solving to sustain improvements after implementation.
- Productive partnerships are established across functions, sites, and regions, enabling solutions to be shared and scaled globally.
- Green Belts, junior team members, interns, and co-op students build stronger Continuous Improvement capability through effective coaching and mentorship.
What You Bring- Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related technical field.
- Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification from a recognized institution or a comparable company-sponsored certification program.
- 7-10 years of progressive experience leading and implementing Lean Six Sigma or Continuous Improvement initiatives in a manufacturing environment.
- Demonstrated success diagnosing operational issues and delivering measurable, sustainable performance improvements through structured problem-solving and root cause analysis.
- Strong change-management, communication, facilitation, and stakeholder-engagement skills, with the ability to influence across functions, organizational levels, and cultures.
- Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally approximately 30%-50%.
Work Environment & Physical RequirementsThis is an on-site role based in Lexington, Kentucky, with regular collaboration across manufacturing and business functions. The position requires global travel approximately 30%-50% to support Neogen sites across the U.S., Latin America, Europe, and Asia Pacific. Reasonable accommodations may be available for qualified individuals with disabilities.
Helpful, not required: experience in food safety, animal safety, biotechnology, regulated life sciences manufacturing, GMP/FDA/EU environments, or lab-based production settings; an MBA or formal business/operations management training; experience developing formal training programs; and Spanish or other second-language skills.
Benefits Include- Benefits Starting on Day One - Medical, dental, and vision coverage begin on your first day of employment.
- 401(k) with Company Match - Build toward your future with retirement savings and company contributions.
- Paid Time Off (PTO) - Take time to rest, recharge, and spend time with those who matter most.
- Career Growth & Development - Continue building your expertise through challenging projects, professional development, and opportunities to grow within the organization.
- Global Impact - Partner with colleagues across Neogen's worldwide operations and help shape improvements that extend beyond a single site or function.
- Meaningful Work - Contribute to an organization focused on protecting the world's food supply.
- Collaborative Culture - Work alongside teams that value innovation, respect, accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement
