Operational Excellence Manager - Multi-Site Manufacturing

Shape the Future with Us.

At Lubrizol, we're bringing to life the chemistry behind clean water, efficient transportation, reliable infrastructure, critical medicines, and the products people rely on every day through science, sustainability, and a culture of inclusion.

As part of our global team, you'll be empowered to make a real impact - on your career, your community, and the world around you.

Location: Wickliffe, OH or Deer Park, TX

Travel: 30-40% to sites you will support

Job Type: Full-time / On-site

How You'll Make an Impact

As an Operational Excellence Manager, you will lead the operational excellence and productivity strategy across a network of manufacturing sites, partnering closely with Regional Operations Directors and site leadership teams to drive measurable business results. In this highly visible role, you will oversee a portfolio of continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, reliability, productivity, sustainability, and cost competitiveness, while helping sites build and sustain world-class manufacturing capabilities. You will serve as a trusted partner to plant teams, providing technical guidance, project governance, and change leadership, leading critical Lean Six Sigma Black Belt projects, and developing continuous improvement capabilities throughout the organization. We are hiring for two Operational Excellence Manager openings, each aligned to a distinct business area.

One position is dedicated to Lubrizol Surface Sciences, leading a global network of 12 sites focused on beauty and personal care, home care solutions, pharmaceutical applications, nutraceutical products, and performance coatings. In this role, you will provide strategic direction and operational leadership across this portfolio, driving innovation, efficiency, and collaboration to support growth in consumer and specialty markets.

The other position is dedicated to Lubrizol Additives, leading 6 sites in North America with a primary focus on fluid engineering, engine additives and fuels, industrial specialties, and specialty additives. In this role, you will oversee a complex manufacturing and technology footprint, ensuring safety, reliability, quality, and technical excellence, while partnering with commercial and R&D teams to support our customers and markets.

In this role, you will:

• Develop and execute the regional Operations Excellence roadmap, aligning improvement priorities with business and manufacturing objectives.
• Partner with operations and site leaders to identify, prioritize, and deliver high-impact productivity and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Manage a multi-year portfolio of projects focused on safety, quality, reliability, capacity, sustainability, and cost optimization.
• Lead critical Lean Six Sigma Black Belt projects and provide governance, coaching, and support for Green Belt project teams.
• Implement and sustain Manufacturing Operating Systems and operational excellence methodologies across multiple sites.
• Facilitate value stream mapping, root cause analysis, performance diagnostics, and improvement workshops to accelerate results.
• Establish performance metrics, reporting processes, and governance routines to track project execution and business impact.
• Drive cross-site knowledge sharing and replication of best practices across the manufacturing network.
• Coach leaders and teams in continuous improvement tools, change management, and problem-solving capabilities.
• Identify opportunities to leverage digital technologies, automation, analytics, and process optimization tools to improve operational performance.

Required Qualifications that Enable Your Success

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, or a related technical discipline.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in manufacturing, operations, engineering, or continuous improvement within a chemical or process manufacturing environment.
• 5+ years of experience leading cross-functional improvement initiatives, operational excellence programs, or manufacturing transformation efforts.
• Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification required, with demonstrated success leading Black Belt projects and mentoring Green Belt practitioners.
• Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, Total Productive Maintenance (TPM), Reliability Excellence, and Operational Excellence methodologies.
• Experience managing project portfolios and delivering measurable operational and financial results across multiple sites.
• Ability to influence stakeholders at all organizational levels and drive sustainable change.
• Excellent communication, facilitation, coaching, and presentation skills.
• Ability to travel regularly within the manufacturing network.

Preferred Qualifications that Drive You Forward

• Advanced degree in Engineering, Business, Operations, or a related field.
• Master Black Belt certification.
• Experience implementing continuous improvement management systems across multiple manufacturing sites.
• Knowledge of digital manufacturing, automation, advanced analytics, and Industry 4.0 technologies.
• Experience partnering across global or regional manufacturing networks within the chemical industry.

Your Work Environment

At Lubrizol, we're committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and empowering environment where you can do your best work-whether in a lab, on the production floor, or in a hybrid office setting. Depending on your role, your work environment may include:

• Standing, walking, or operating equipment for extended periods
• Working in a lab or manufacturing setting with appropriate PPE provided
• Use of computers and digital tools in an office or hybrid environment
• Occasional lifting or movement of materials
• Adherence to rigorous safety protocols and ergonomic standards

We continuously invest in our facilities and technologies to ensure they support your well-being, productivity, and growth. If you require reasonable accommodation, we are committed to working with you to ensure an inclusive and accessible experience.

Benefits that Empower You

• Competitive salary with performance-based bonus plans
• 401(k) match + Age-Weighted Defined Contribution
• Comprehensive medical, dental & vision coverage
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Paid holidays, vacation, and parental leave
• Flexible work environment
• Learning and development opportunities
• Career and professional growth
• Inclusive culture and vibrant community engagement

Learn more at https://benefits.lubrizol.com!

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 youre in the lab, on the production floor, or in the office, youll 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.

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