OMNOVA Solutions is a specialty chemicals and functional surfaces company, whose technologies enhance the performance of a wide variety of well-known products across the globe. We are proud to offer "The Science in Better Brands."

This role will support OMNOVA in leading the implementation, and execution of OMNOVA’s Global APEX (Achieving Performance Excellence) strategy. This includes Continuous Improvement (CI) methodology integration and project efforts. The Process Improvement Engineer is responsible for: leading and executing on key projects and activities; the mentoring of employees on CI methodologies (Six Sigma, Lean/TPS, TRIZ, Shainin Red X, etc.); the facilitation of events; they also ensure progress and milestones are being achieved as defined in applicable approved project charters. This position will collaborate with a wide variety of business and process owners to identify key improvements required to achieve strategic goals and priorities. Reports into the Sr. Manager, Global Quality.

KEY RELATIONSHIPS

• Global Quality Team
• Quality and Manufacturing Operations Leadership
• Business Process Owners and Leads
• Ops Finance Team

As a member of Global Quality / APEX team, drive development of the overall Global APEX vision and strategy for OMNOVA. Execute and support globalized processes and projects to drive consistency, capability and bottom line results across functions and locations.

Project / Event Leader (70%)

• Execute strategy to drive further integration of Safety, Quality and Continuous Improvement culture.
• Responsible for major project execution to support Business strategy/objectives and deliver Quality improvements, bottom-line cost reduction and standardization.
• Lead the development and maintenance of data collection & reporting systems to support statistical problem solving & continuous improvement efforts to facilitate world class performance standards.
• Develops and implements new and/or improved management systems and work processes to support APEX initiatives. Establish and monitor performance and process capability metrics (KPI’s) to partner in identifying improvement opportunities at site and divisional levels.
• Identifies process and facility optimization opportunities using CI techniques including removal of non-value added work process steps and ensuring the most efficient utilization of resources such as raw materials, energy, personnel, etc., aligned with the functional area goals.
• Provide day-to-day communication and follow-up.

Training, Mentoring & Facilitation (30%)

• Provide coaching and guidance in the implementation of processes and tools. Maintain required certifications including Six Sigma, Lean/TPS, TRIZ, Shainin Red X, etc.
• Introduces and assists with the development of performance metrics and associated tracking tools including simplified metrics for shop floor personnel.
• Leads and supports operator empowerment initiatives aimed at providing operators tools and information at the factory floor that empowers operators to make decisions that impact productivity, efficiency and reliability.
• Cross-functional sharing of projects, events and best practices
• Steer the facilities to think “out of the box” and to remove paradigms.
• Development of training materials as needed
• Attend team meetings and ensure team cohesiveness in the office or facility

• BS in Mechanical, Chemical, Polymer or Materials Science Engineering. BS in Applied Sciences / Business may be considered depending on experience.
• Quality/CI leadership with 7-10+ years’ experience in which candidate had responsibility for the success of a CI program and project portfolio.  

Applicable certification for areas of expertise such as: (Candidates all need to have been practicing this in their jobs, not just have the training/certification)

• Project Management Professional (PMP)
• ASQ Six Sigma Black Belt
• Lean/TPS Sensei / Master Certification
• TRIZ
• ASQ CMQ/OE
• Shainin Red X Master
• Strong background in polymerization or chemical process manufacturing
• Expert knowledge and understanding of statistical tools including Statistical Process Control (SPC), Capability (Cpk/Ppk), Design of Experiments (DOE)
• Continuous Improvement Toolkit (Lean, Six Sigma, TRIZ, Shainin X, TQM, TPM, DMAIC, etc.)
• Highly analytical; must be able to develop, track, and assess metrics and communicate results
• Proficient with SharePoint, Excel, O365, Minitab or Statistical Software, SAP, (EtQ Reliance experience a plus)
• Exceptional time and project management skills; must be able to manage multiple projects and initiatives
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• Must be able to work cross functionally and partner with stakeholders across the global business processes

Preferred Qualifications

• RCMS / ISO 14001 Familiarity
• ASQ Six Sigma Master Black Belt
• Certified Lead Internal Auditor
• MBA / Master’s Degree

The science of better careers. Come formulate yours.

Bring your ingredients for success and together we’ll create a unique plan for your development and career growth. We recognize that without our talented employees and their passion and curiosity (which really are the backbone of our organization), we would not be where we are today. Click here to learn more about why you should join OMNOVA.