Process Improvement Leader

Job Purpose:

Our Process Improvement Leader is responsible for identifying, developing, and implementing continuous improvement initiatives throughout the corrugated manufacturing operation. This position works closely with Operations, Production, Maintenance, Quality, and other cross-functional teams to improve productivity, efficiency, quality, safety, and overall plant performance.
The role analyzes production processes and performance data to identify opportunities to reduce downtime, waste, scrap, rework, setup and changeover times, and manufacturing costs while increasing throughput, equipment utilization, and customer service. This is a hands-on leadership position that requires a strong presence on the plant floor and the ability to work directly with employees and leaders at all levels to identify root causes, develop practical solutions, implement sustainable improvements, and drive a culture of continuous improvement. The ideal candidate has a strong manufacturing background, excellent problem-solving skills, and experience with Lean Manufacturing, continuous improvement, or similar methodologies. Experience in corrugated packaging or converting is highly preferred.

Job Responsibilities:

● Lead and support continuous improvement initiatives focused on enhancing manufacturing efficiency, productivity, quality, safety, and operational performance.
● Analyze production data and key performance indicators, including downtime, waste, scrap, labor efficiency, throughput, and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE), to identify improvement opportunities.
● Collaborate with Operations, Production, Maintenance, and Quality teams to implement sustainable process improvements, reduce equipment downtime, and improve production flow.
● Apply Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Kaizen, 5S, and root-cause analysis methodologies to identify inefficiencies and develop corrective actions.
● Develop and implement standardized work processes, operating procedures, and measurable performance improvement goals.
● Facilitate continuous improvement activities, engage employees in problem-solving initiatives, and promote a culture of accountability and operational excellence.
● Maintain an active presence on the production floor to evaluate processes, support improvement initiatives, and collaborate with cross-functional teams.

Additional Responsibilities & Qualifications:

● Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, production systems, continuous improvement principles, and Lean Manufacturing methodologies, including Six Sigma, Kaizen, 5S, standard work, and root-cause analysis.

● Knowledge of manufacturing performance metrics, including OEE, downtime, scrap, waste, labor efficiency, throughput, and schedule attainment.

● Previous experience in a corrugated packaging, converting, printing, or related manufacturing environment strongly preferred.

● Experience working directly with production personnel and manufacturing equipment.

● Demonstrated experience leading and implementing continuous improvement projects.

● Experience with root-cause analysis and corrective action processes.

● Experience analyzing production data and developing performance metrics.

● Experience with OEE, downtime tracking, scrap reduction, changeover reduction, and productivity improvement preferred.

● Experience working with corrugators and converting equipment preferred.

● Ability to identify problems, determine root causes, develop effective solutions, and implement sustainable corrective actions.

● Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and maintain a strong presence on the plant floor.

● Ability to engage employees, lead change, build accountability, and promote a culture of safety, quality, efficiency, and continuous improvement.

● Demonstrated ability to establish priorities, meet deadlines, and deliver measurable results.

Work Experience:

● 3-5 years of related job experience.
● Ability to manage multiple projects, work under pressure, and adapt to sudden changes in the work environment.
● Excellent verbal, written, people, and diplomacy skills are required.
● Experienced in providing leadership to others regarding work related systems, processes, and challenges.
● Strong problem-solving and attention to detail skills are required.
● The ability to communicate with all levels of the organization.

Education:

● Associate/Bachelor's Degree Preferred
● Lean Six Sigma Green Belt - 6sigma/IASSC

Working Conditions:
The work environment for this position requires:
● Regularly working in a non-climate-controlled warehouse where exposure to cold, heat, damp or humid conditions may occur.
● Exposure to loud noise.
● Exposure to dust, mechanical hazards, moving objects, and moving vehicles.

Physical Requirements:
The physical requirements listed below are representative of those needed to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.
● Ability to lift, twist and carry up 50 - 75 pounds, manipulate (push and pull) up to 160 pounds of product with material handling equipment and skids weighing up to 2,000 pounds utilizing pallet jack.
● Walking/Standing - walk throughout the warehouse to complete customer orders. Stand when operating order picker or reach truck equipment and when operating cutter.
● Sitting - sit only when driving sit-down material handling equipment.
● Lifting - lift items weighing a few ounces up to 150 pounds with assistance.
● Stooping - performed when filling orders or putting away products assigned to floor level locations. May bend at the waist.
● Kneeling - kneel when filling orders or putting away products assigned to floor level locations.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of employees assigned to this job, and duties may change from time to time depending on our business needs.

What We Offer

• Engaging and inclusive culture with employee-led Employee Resource Groups, Veritiv Cultural Alliance, recognition platform, etc.
• Extensive training opportunities, professional development programs, career pathing, and mentorship opportunities.
• Collaborative atmosphere with our customers and suppliers to create healthier, safer and more sustainable communities through our responsible operations and innovative solutions.
• Healthcare benefits (including medical, dental, vision, and health savings account), life, AD&D, and disability insurance, 401k, paid time off, tuition reimbursement, employee assistance program, and other fringe benefits.

About Veritiv

Together with its subsidiaries, Veritiv is the leading full-service provider of packaging solutions. Veritiv also provides JanSan, hygiene, print and publishing products and services. Veritiv serves customers in a wide range of industries, through team members around the world helping shape the success of its customers. For more information, visit www.veritiv.com and connect with the Company on LinkedIn.