Magnolia - Process Improvement Manager

Milliken & Company is a global manufacturing leader whose focus on materials science delivers tomorrow’s breakthroughs today. From industry-leading molecules to sustainable innovations, Milliken creates products that enhance people’s lives and deliver solutions for its customers and communities. Drawing on thousands of patents and a portfolio with applications across the textile, flooring, chemical and healthcare businesses, the company harnesses a shared sense of integrity and excellence to positively impact the world for generations. Discover more about Milliken’s curious minds and inspired solutions at Milliken.com and on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter.

The Magnolia Process Improvement Manager reports to the Plant Manager and is responsible for leading continuous improvement efforts at the site and playing a leadership role in supporting the safety process. It plays a key role in the development and implementation of manufacturing process improvements that drive new performance levels, reduce costs, and improve quality and process consistency.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Commit to plant/company safety procedures and processes.

Develop a thorough understanding of all factors and conditions that impact the processes and products, including environmental impacts

Use sound project management skills to guide and direct multiple improvement projects

Analyze problems and implement solutions using critical thinking skills and focused improvement methods

Incorporate creative thinking into the problem-solving approach to identify unique and different ways to make things better/more consistent/faster/cheaper/efficient

Prepare diagrams, charts, tables to reflect findings and support recommendations

Work closely with the Plant Manager to ensure location goals are met

Manage a team of process improvement managers and process improvement associates. Total direct and indirect reports for the Process Improvement Manager exceeds 25+ at the Magnolia Finishing Plant.

Manage and develop Senior Process Improvement Managers currently managing process improvement departments including process improvement associates and managers

Foster a working environment that promotes open communications, teamwork and individual engagement to accomplish goals and objectives

Ensure that project work is properly allocated and completed in a timely and accurate manner

Ensure that written performance evaluations of associates are completed as required, provide continuous feedback on performance issues, and take action to recognize achievements and address deficiencies or problems

Establish and monitor overall plant performance for production and quality standards.

Provide leadership and training to accomplish the company goals and objectives.

Allocate resources effectively and fully utilize assets to produce optimal results.

Implement strategies in alignment with strategic initiatives and provide a clear sense of direction and focus.

Share a trusting relationship with workgroup and recruit, manage and develop staff.

Support Milliken’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion strategies and initiatives.

Support Textile Division engagement and morale initiatives.

Any other duties as directed by supervisor.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

BS degree in related field with 5 plus years of hands-on manufacturing experience, preferably in a continuous improvement focused role.

Communication skills and ability to interface with all stakeholders in the textile manufacturing process including customers, associates across multiple locations, and all levels of company leadership to meet company and customer’s objectives and goals successfully and efficiently.

Proven leader that is highly motivated, self-driven, and open-minded individual who is capable of accomplishing tasks and projects in a limited supervision environment.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Multi-functional leader that has served in various manufacturing leadership roles and demonstrated the ability to lead other managers

Knowledge of production quality metrics

Experience creating technical specifications for textile manufacturing equipment

Demonstrated Financial Acumen to manage and meet cost expectations

SKILL REQUIREMENTS

Business & Financial Acumen

Advanced proficiency in manufacturing equipment

Communication skills – verbal, written, and group presentations

Ability to manage multiple projects and work in a fast-paced environment

Analytical/problem-solving skills

Leadership skills

Decision making & Change Management

Ability to develop others

SHIFT/WORK HOURS

Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (on call 24/7)

Travel to different manufacturing and customer locations as needed.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER AND ACCOMMODATIONS

The company is an equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions are made without regard to any protected characteristic. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions. The Company retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position.

Milliken is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical condition, including but not limited to lactation), sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression (including transgender status), ancestry, national origin, citizenship, age physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran or military status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.