Conservation Project Manager Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Quanex is looking for an Operational Decarbonization Manager to join at one of our locations in Owatonna or Mounds View, MN, or Akron, OH.

The Operational Decarbonization Manager, this position will play a crucial role in leading energy kaizen events across the Corporation to reduce its operational costs and carbon footprint. This role will work with plant managers and site leadership teams to apply a range of continual improvement tools (such as kaizen and procurement solutions) to deliver meaningful reductions in site operational footprints, focusing on energy as the initial priority, and longer-term on waste minimization and water consumption. This role will ideally be based in Minnesota or Ohio and be expected to travel throughout North America to support sustainability programs across 40 locations in the US, Canada and Mexico. As this role develops, opportunities are expected to arise in deploying these continual improvement techniques to plants located in the UK, Italy and Germany.

We Offer You!

• Competitive Salary
• 401K Match w/ 2-year vesting period
• Bonus Potential
• Medical, Dental & Vision Plans
• Paid Time Off & Holidays
• Various Work Schedules
• Tuition Assistance
• Wellness/Fitness Resources
• Training/Development
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan
• Dynamic Culture & People - just to name a few!

What’s Attractive About the Operational Decarbonization Manager Position?

• Lead impactful sustainability initiatives that directly reduce carbon emissions, energy consumption, waste, and operating costs across manufacturing operations.
• Drive meaningful change by partnering with plant leaders and cross-functional teams to implement real-world operational improvements.
• Own and influence sustainability strategies that support Quanex’s long-term environmental and business objectives.
• Apply technical expertise in energy management, Lean principles, and continuous improvement to deliver measurable results.
• Work on a diverse portfolio of projects, including renewable energy, energy efficiency, waste reduction, and resource optimization.
• Collaborate with teams across multiple manufacturing locations, gaining broad exposure to operations and business leadership.
• Develop and implement best practices, tools, and processes that shape the future of operational sustainability at Quanex.
• Be part of a team that values innovation, problem-solving, and practical solutions that create both environmental and financial impact.

What Success Looks Like:

• Successfully identify and implement energy and carbon reduction projects that deliver measurable results.
• Build strong partnerships with plant managers and cross-functional teams to advance sustainability initiatives.
• Establish and maintain a robust pipeline of sustainability projects with clear goals, timelines, and financial impact.
• Demonstrate measurable improvements in energy efficiency, waste reduction, water conservation, and carbon performance.
• Develop scalable sustainability tools, processes, and best practices adopted across Quanex operations.
• Effectively manage projects, budgets, timelines, and resources to achieve business objectives.
• Provide data-driven insights and recommendations that support continuous improvement decisions.
• Become a trusted sustainability resource and advisor for operations teams across the organization.

What You Bring:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, energy or related field is desired.
• 5+ years of professional work experience, preferably in a manufacturing environment.
• Lean Six Sigma experience or recognized energy management qualifications (such as Certified Energy Manager or DOE Better Plants Energy Efficiency Bootcamp preferred), demonstrated by successful completion of a major improvement project.
• Well-developed understanding of sustainability objectives, energy conservation and waste minimization techniques.
• Experience and demonstrable track record in energy savings audits/treasure hunts including compressed air, HVAC, lighting, motors and drives, manufacturing processes and building controls.
• Successful track record of problem solving, idea generation, and project management/execution

The salary range for this position is $121K - $148K with the potential to earn an annual bonus.

About Quanex, A Part of Something Bigger

Quanex (NYSE: NX) is a global, publicly traded manufacturing company primarily serving OEMs in the fenestration, cabinetry, solar, refrigeration and outdoor products markets. We are A Part of Something Bigger by improving the performance and aesthetics of end products through continuous innovation, helping customers achieve greater production efficiencies, dedication to giving back to communities where we operate, producing shareholder value and helping our employees learn, grow, and thrive. Learn more at Quanex.com.

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