Continuous Improvement Director Jobs in Decatur, IL

Primient is a century old company with an entrepreneurial spirit. We are a leading producer of food and industrial ingredients made from plant-based, renewable sources. We deliver value through deep technical, commercial, and operational excellence that is backed by our long-standing corn wet milling heritage. Wherever we are in the process, from field to customer, our priorities are focused on ensuring we produce the safest, highest quality products through practices that uphold both our responsibility and commitments to the challenge and drive for excellence, our people and our planet. We are a privately held company with locations across the US, Mexico, Poland, and Brazil. We're investing in our plants and people to unlock our potential in the industrial and food sectors. Guided by our values of Safety, Excellence, Integrity, and Growth, we're focused on growing our business, our reputation, and the career of every teammate.

The Sr. Specialist, Black Belt, CI sits within Manufacturing Continuous Improvement team and contributes to operational excellence by fostering a culture of continuous improvement and executing foundational CI initiatives. This role will focus enabling data systems and advanced analytics to drive business insights. This role is responsible for leading and mentoring teams in Lean Six Sigma methodologies, driving targeted process improvement initiatives, and embedding sustainable daily operational and business efficiencies. Additionally, the Sr. Specialist, Black Belt, CI champions Primient's core values of integrity, growth, and excellence, playing a key role in achieving and maintaining high standards of operational performance.

Primary Responsibilities: Sr. Specialist, Black Belt

• Analyze Operational Data to Drive Improvements: Utilize data analytics to identify root causes of inefficiencies and implement strategic projects focused on operational optimization.
• Manage Lean Six Sigma (LSS) Process improvement Projects: Lead process improvement projects with Plant and Transactional leadership to enhance plant efficiency, improve product quality, and reduce operating costs. Facilitate configuration and use of data systems to drive insights.
• Monitor and Report Performance Metrics: monitor and report key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure project success. Provide regular reports and insights to project sponsors and leadership to track progress.
• Facilitate Cross-Functional Team Leadership: Guide cross-functional teams through improvement initiatives, facilitating workshops and ensuring execution of process improvement activities as directed by the Primient Operating System (POM).
• Mentor and Coach Lean Six Sigma Green Belts: Provide mentorship and coaching to Green Belts and project team members, helping them build Lean Six Sigma capabilities and drive continuous improvement.
• Support Primient Operating Model (POM) Implementation: Drive the plant-level implementation of POM, ensuring alignment with operations goals. Provide strategic consultations to plant teams to ensure effective and uniform implementation.
• Champion a Safety-First Culture: Advocate for and model a "Safety First" culture. Provide tools and lead projects that enhance safety standards and improve safety outcomes.

Knowledge

• Lean, Six Sigma, and Continuous Improvement Methodologies
• Statistical, Simulation, Data, and Analytical Tools (e.g. Aveva PI, Data historian, Informance, OEE/Loss tracking, PowerBI, Seeq, ERP, SAP, MiniTab)
• Continuous Manufacturing Processes (operations, maintenance, EHS, quality)
• Microsoft Applications

Skills

• Excellent verbal and written communication
• Project Management
• Critical Thinking
• Data analysis & interpretation
• Influential leadership
• Time management & prioritization
• Risk monitoring and mitigation
• Facilitation
• Change Management

Mindsets

• Continuous Improvement approach
• Challenges the status-quo
• Action-oriented
• Composed under pressure
• Safety-first
• Results-driven
• Data-driven
• Flexible & Adaptable

Required and Preferred Education/Certification

• Certified as a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, Lean Leader or greater (required)
• Bachelors Degree in STEM (science, technology, engineering, math), supply chain, business administration, or finance (preferred)
• Certification in Lean Six Sigma Black Belt or willingness to become certified (preferred)

Required and Preferred Work Experience

• 3+ years experience contributing as part of data driven teams like Manufacturing, Procurement, Supply Chain (planning, transportation, warehousing), etc. (required)
• 3+ years in a manufacturing organization in a decision-making capacity (preferred)
• 3+ years experience leading complex continuous improvement projects (preferred)
• Lean Six Sigma Experience (preferred)

• Competitive Pay

• Multiple Healthcare plan choices

• Dental and vision insurance

• A 401(k) plan with company and matching contributions

• Short- and Long-Term Disability

• Life, AD&D, and Voluntary Insurance plans

• Paid holidays & vacation

• Floating days off

• Parental leave for new parents

• Employee resource groups

• Learning & development programs

• Fun culture where you have an opportunity in shaping our future

We are believers in the power of difference. We strive to represent the communities in which we operate and to provide an inclusive, welcoming environment for all. We want Primient to be a place where every employee feels they belong and knows they are seen, heard, valued and safe to speak up. Our aspiration is to unlock the full potential in diverse perspectives, while offering everyone an equal chance to grow,

Primient is an equal opportunity employer, committed to the strength of an inclusive workforce.

California Consumer Privacy Act ("CCPA")

The Company is committed to complying with the California Consumer Privacy Act ("CCPA") and all data privacy and laws in the jurisdictions in which it recruits and hires employees. We collect the following categories of personal information for the purpose of hiring the best qualified applicants and to comply with applicable employment laws: Name and contact information; Job preference and work availability; Social Security Number and/or other identification information; Education and qualifications; Employment history and experience; Military service; Reference and background check information, including relevant criminal history and credit history; Social media information; Pre-employment test results; Post-offer medical examination information and results, including drug test results; Voluntary self-disclosure information regarding minority, veteran, and disability status; and Information provided by you during the hiring process.