Operational Excellence Leader

The Site Operational Excellence Leader is accountable for driving continuous improvement projects, with a special focus on standardization and culture change while capturing the results along the way. The day-to-day efforts will focus on oversight and implementation of the Lubrizol operating system to include One Lubrizol Standard Work, supporting kaizen events, and running internal assessments, and managing continuous improvement projects.

How You’ll Make an Impact 

• Plan, lead, and execute implementation of lean processes and operational excellence.
• Manages all aspects of continuous improvement tools utilized by Lubrizol, including but not limited to: leader standard work, rapid improvement exercise, value stream mapping / analysis, A3s, and root cause analysis with corrective actions. Includes facilitation of meetings, workshops, and exercises to drive strategic thinking and connectivity between teams to achieve results.
• Manages all aspects of standardizing manufacturing with focus on Operations, Maintenance, Reliability and Quality.
• Manage coordination & prioritization of work with stakeholders: Production, Maintenance, Manufacturing Technology, Quality, Learning & Development, Engineering, & HSES. Provide leadership, oversight and accountability of work progressing to plan and to the desired results.
• Interface and align work processes and initiatives with corporate Operational Excellence organization; this can include interfacing with 3rd party consultants.
• Reenforces Standard Work Vision, Performance, and Opportunities across the site (the Spirit & Voice of Standard Work)
• Provide leadership with engagements in the office and plant, monitoring performance as it relates to: continuous improvement tools, work efficiency, safety, compliance, and management of tasks to enhance performance and deliver desired results.
• Coordinates the ongoing support of Standard Work across the site including metrics and dashboard
• Ensures MOS is functioning in each area and monitors
• Own site responsibility for implementation of the Lubrizol operating system driven by the central team, beginning with core elements
• Key inflow / outflow exchange with the central continuous improvement team
• Responsible for maintaining productivity tracking / dashboard for the plant / monthly metrics
• Completing starred Value Stream Map (VSM)
• Develop and train additional resources within the plants to support continuous improvement projects
• Kaizen owner for the plant, with small/cell projects being completed within the plant, and managing support from central team for larger scale projects needing additional resources

Required Qualifications that Enable Your Success 

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, preferably ChE or ME
• Minimum 10 years of OPEX, Lean, or Continuous Improvement experience, including at least 5 years in a project or people leadership capacity
• Project Management, Change Management, and Value Stream Mapping experience
• Proven experience in culture transformations
• Experience within chemical, oil/gas, food/bev, or pharma is a plus
• Solid communication, strong analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Strong presentation skills
• Working knowledge of documented management systems, preferably ISO 9001 or RC14001
• Lean Six Sigma Green or Black Belt is a plus
• Plant Training, Safety, or Supply Chain experience is a plus
• Experience with Automation preferred

Lubrizol: Imagined for Life. Enabled by Science. ™ Delivered by You. For nearly 100 years, The Lubrizol Corporation, a Berkshire Hathaway company, has been at the forefront of innovation to enhance everyday life, advance mobility, and make the modern world work better. Our specialty chemistry solutions—from engine oils, performance coatings, and skincare to medical devices and plumbing systems —are powered by the expertise, passion, and commitment of people like you. We tackle the world’s toughest challenges with science-based solutions, deeply understanding our customers to deliver innovative chemistry and differentiated value. Our inclusive culture, dedication to safety, and incredible global talent drive our success. Our solutions meet the evolving needs of the modern world—brought to life by science and, most importantly, delivered by you. Whether you're in the lab, on the production floor, or in the office, you'll be part of a team around the world that empowers you to think boldly, drive results, and contribute to solutions that shape a better, more sustainable future.  We win because of you. Let’s build the future together.