Process Improvement Manager

Lubrizol Advanced Materials – Process Improvement Manager

How You’ll Make an Impact

Lubrizol Advanced Materials is seeking a Process Improvement Manager to drive operational excellence, process optimization, and technology advancement at our Gastonia manufacturing site. This leadership role is responsible for identifying, prioritizing, and implementing process and technology improvements that enhance safety, quality, reliability, productivity, and cost performance.

The Process Improvement Manager serves as the site's process engineering and continuous improvement leader, providing technical expertise, leading capital and expense projects, driving process safety initiatives, and deploying operational excellence systems across the organization.

This position offers the opportunity to make a significant impact on site performance while leading strategic improvement initiatives and developing engineering talent.

Lead Process Improvement and Technology Strategy

• Drive the site's Process Improvement work stream and continuous improvement roadmap.
• Develop and execute technology plans aligned with business and operational objectives.
• Identify opportunities to improve manufacturing performance through process optimization and technology deployment.
• Partner with plant leadership to prioritize and implement strategic improvement initiatives.

Manage Capital and Improvement Projects

• Lead capital and expense projects from concept through implementation.
• Manage project scope, budgets, schedules, resources, and risk mitigation plans.
• Validate business results and ensure project objectives are achieved.
• Coordinate internal and external resources to deliver project success.

Provide Process Engineering Leadership

• Serve as the technical process expert for site manufacturing operations.
• Lead troubleshooting and resolution of production, quality, and process issues.
• Support process optimization efforts to improve safety, quality, and efficiency.
• Drive process technology improvements and manufacturing best practices.

Drive Operational Excellence

• Deploy and sustain Lean principles, 5S, Leader Standard Work, and structured problem-solving methodologies.
• Identify operational inefficiencies and implement sustainable solutions.
• Coach leaders, engineers, and operators on continuous improvement practices.
• Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and employee engagement.

Lead Process Safety and Process Control Systems

• Support and lead Process Safety Management (PSM) initiatives, including PHA, HAZOP, and LOPA activities.
• Oversee process control system strategy, lifecycle planning, and compliance initiatives.
• Support cybersecurity, backup and recovery programs, and system reliability efforts.
• Ensure manufacturing processes operate within approved parameters and regulatory requirements.

Improve Asset Performance and Cost Competitiveness

• Develop strategies to improve yield, efficiency, reliability, and throughput.
• Identify and implement cost-reduction opportunities across operations.
• Support long-term site asset reliability and technology plans.
• Utilize data analytics to improve process performance and business results.

Develop People and Teams

• Provide leadership, coaching, and development for Process Engineers and technical staff.
• Lead cross-functional teams focused on operational improvement.
• Build strong partnerships across Operations, Maintenance, Quality, HSES, Supply Chain, Engineering, and Business functions.

Required Qualifications that Enable Your Success

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering from an accredited university
• 5+ years of engineering experience in a manufacturing environment.
• 5+ years of leadership experience leading people, projects, or cross-functional teams.
• Experience driving process improvements, operational excellence, and technology implementation initiatives.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, process safety, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience leading capital and expense projects.
• Strong analytical, project management, and problem-solving capabilities.
• Excellent communication, facilitation, and leadership skills.
• Proficiency with manufacturing and business systems such as SAP, PI, Planview, or similar tools.

Preferred

Qualifications

• That Drive You Forward

• Degree in Chemical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering.

• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.

• Experience with process control systems and automation technologies.

• Experience leading reliability improvement programs.

• Experience working in chemical manufacturing or other highly regulated manufacturing environments.

• Advanced degree in Engineering, Operations, or Business.

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:

• Vision correctable to 20/20.
• Hearing correctable to unamplified human voice.
• Manual dexterity: excellent
• Ability to meet safety, regulatory, and health guidelines without assistance.
• Continuous mental/visual concentration
• Ability to travel by auto/air unassisted.

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 benefits.lubrizol.com!

LI-LT1

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.

Nearest Major Market: Charlotte

Nearest Secondary Market: Concord

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