POSITION SUMMARYThe Operational Excellence & PMO Leader will report to the Suffolk Plant Manager, driving Lean Six Sigma initiatives while providing structured project management leadership. This role accelerates the site's progression from Manufacturing 1.0 to Manufacturing 4.0 by improving SQDIP (safety, quality, delivery, inventory and people) performance, strengthening processes, and coaching front-line and mid-level leaders in operational discipline.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES• Lead Lean Six Sigma roadmap deployment, including VSM, Kaizen, RCA, standard work, 5S, SMED, TPM, and visual management.
• Serve as the site's continuous improvement strategist for throughput, waste elimination, quality improvement, and cost savings.
• Coach Operations Managers and production teams to develop CI capability and problem-solving discipline.
• Provide PMO leadership across CAPEX and OPEX projects using project charters, governance cadences, KPIs, and RACI structures.
• Partner with engineering, maintenance, quality, and supply chain to manage cross-functional project portfolios.
• Contribute to digital transformation efforts aligned with Manufacturing 4.0.
• Facilitate daily, weekly, and monthly performance review structures.
• Support culture-building efforts around safety, accountability, and operational rigor.
QUALIFICATIONS• Bachelor's degree preferred (Engineering, Operations, Industrial Technology, Business).
• 3-5+ years in manufacturing, operations, CI or project management.
• Lean Six Sigma Black Belt preferred; Green Belt acceptable with progress toward Black Belt.
• Experience leading Kaizens and structured problem-solving.
• Strong communication, facilitation, and data-driven decision-making skills.
• Preferred experience with: Danaher, ITW, Parker Hannifin, Honeywell, or other OpEx-driven organizations.
SUCCESS PROFILEThe ideal candidate is hands-on, structured, and able to influence without authority. This person is a disciplined project executor, strong communicator, credible shop-floor leader, and consistent coach who drives sustainable improvements.
- Primary Location- US-Suffolk, Virginia
- Some travel for meetings or cross manufacturing site training/ assistance
- Scheduled Weekly Hours- 40
- Setting/ work environment - large chemical manufacturing location
- Work environment- office environment or if in the plant, ambient environment conditions including traversing multiple levels which could include stairway or ladder access, May wear additional PPE dependent on the task conditions.
#LI-Onsite
We understand that candidates will not meet every single desired qualification. If your experience looks a little different from what we've identified and you think you can bring value to the role, we'd love to learn more about you.
At Solenis, we understand that our greatest asset is our people. That is why we offer competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits which include medical, dental, vision & 401K, and numerous opportunities for professional growth and development. So, if you are interested in working for a world-class company and enjoy solving complex challenges, whether in the lab or the field, consider joining our team.
The expected compensation range for this position is between $107,500.00 and $157,663.00 plus discretionary bonuses. The exact compensation may vary based on your skills, experience and other factors permitted by law.
