Continuous Improvement Manager – Projects

Heraeus

. Lead and facilitate Operational Excellence and Lean Manufacturing initiatives, including Kaizen, 5S, Value Stream Mapping, Standard Work, and Root Cause Analysis .

Posted 10/7/2026full-timeSanta Fe Springs • California • United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $114,818 - $149,845 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, and Project Management within a manufacturing environment, with a strong focus on driving operational excellence and efficiency. Proficient in developing KPIs, facilitating problem-solving sessions, and managing cross-functional projects to achieve strategic initiatives.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Lean ManufacturingProject ManagementContinuous ImprovementKaizenSix Sigma

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Value Stream MappingRoot Cause AnalysisProcess OptimizationPerformance MetricsRisk AssessmentStandard WorkData AnalysisOperational ExcellenceManagement of ChangeProcess Safety Management

Soft Skills

Analytical SkillsOrganizational SkillsFacilitation SkillsCommunication SkillsStakeholder Management

Tools & Technologies

Microsoft OfficeExcelPowerPointProject Management ToolsERP Systems

Certifications & Qualifications

Lean Six Sigma CertificationPMP Certification

Industry Keywords

Chemical ManufacturingCAPEX ProjectsCommissioningProcess TransfersISO Systems

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

ERPPMP

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead and facilitate Operational Excellence and Lean Manufacturing initiatives, including Kaizen, 5S, Value Stream Mapping, Standard Work, and Root Cause Analysis
Identify performance gaps, waste, inefficiencies, and improvement opportunities
Manage site-level projects from initiation through implementation and closeout, including process improvements, equipment upgrades, capital projects, process transfers, and strategic initiatives
Develop project plans, schedules, milestones, resource requirements, risk assessments, and documentation
Establish priorities, coordinate cross-functional activities, remove barriers, and maintain accountability
Develop and monitor KPIs, performance measures, and dashboards
Facilitate problem-solving sessions and coach employees and stakeholders on Lean tools, project management, and continuous improvement
Drive productivity, scrap, downtime, process optimization, waste elimination, cost improvement, and operational discipline initiatives
Coordinate equipment installation, commissioning, process implementation, and project execution with cross-functional teams and vendors
Lead or support Management of Change activities and compliance with safety, environmental, quality, regulatory, and company requirements
Monitor project performance, communicate status and risks, escalate issues, and recommend actions
Verify results, standardize improvements, document lessons learned, and transition initiatives for sustainment
Work primarily at the Santa Fe Springs manufacturing facility, including production, laboratory, maintenance, and operational areas
Travel occasionally within the United States for corporate initiatives, vendor meetings, training, or other Heraeus locations

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, Chemical Engineering, or a related technical or business discipline
At least five years of progressive experience in continuous improvement, project management, operations, manufacturing engineering, Operational Excellence, or a related field within a manufacturing environment
Experience leading cross-functional projects from planning through implementation and sustainment
Strong working knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Operational Excellence, and structured problem-solving methodologies
Experience applying Kaizen, 5S, Value Stream Mapping, Standard Work, Root Cause Analysis, and process optimization
Experience developing and using operational KPIs, performance metrics, and data analysis
Working knowledge of risk assessment, root cause investigation, Management of Change, and EH&S requirements
Strong analytical, organizational, facilitation, communication, and stakeholder-management skills
Ability to influence and drive change across multiple functions without direct reporting authority
Ability to manage multiple projects, priorities, deadlines, and changing requirements
Strong judgment and problem-solving skills
Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Excel and PowerPoint
Ability to work safely in an industrial and chemical manufacturing environment and use required PPE
Occasional ability to support off-shift work, shutdowns, project implementation, or emergency-response activities
Preferred: experience in chemical/process manufacturing, CAPEX projects, commissioning, process transfers, Process Safety Management, ISO systems, Lean Six Sigma certification, PMP certification, ERP or project-management tools

Benefits

Comp & perks

Equal access to employment opportunities
Fair and equal consideration for qualified applicants
Required training and PPE provided/required for controlled operational areas