Continuous Improvement Manager Jobs in Decatur, IL

About Primient 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. About the Role The Business Partner, Black Belt sits within the Continuous Improvement team and drives operational excellence by embedding a culture of continuous improvement across the organization. This role is responsible for leading and mentoring teams in Lean Six Sigma methodologies, driving targeted short- and long-term continuous improvement initiatives, manages key projects, supports local plant efforts, and conducts analyses to enable data-driven decision-making and operational solutions. By championing Primient's values of integrity, growth, and excellence, the Business Partner, Black Belt enhances efficiency, productivity and sustainable growth across the organization. Key responsibilities: * Manage Lean Six Sigma (LSS) Process improvement Projects: Lead process improvement projects with Plant leadership and engineering teams to enhance plant efficiency, improve product quality, and reduce operating costs. * Develop and Report Performance Metrics: Develop and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure project success. Provide regular reports and insights to project sponsors and leadership to track progress. * Manage Continuous Improvement (CI) Deployment: Manage the execution of Lean Six Sigma projects to drive process improvement and defect reduction, ensuring alignment with operational goals and strategic initiatives. * Drive Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) Improvement: Implement and support plant level OEE tools and reporting. Lead improvement projects to optimize equipment performance and contribute to strategic plant initiatives. * Utilize Data Management Tools : Apply Lean Six Sigma tools to support operational improvements, streamline reporting, and manage plant data more efficiently. * Deliver Lean Six Sigma Trainings : Lead training initiatives, including Green Belt training, RCCA, Failure Modes and Effect Analysis (FMEA), LSS awareness training, and Regression Analysis, to build Lean Six Sigma capabilities across the plant workforce. * 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 . * Champion a Safety-First Culture : Advocate for and model a " Safety First" culture within the Plant. Provide tools and lead projects that enhance safety standards and improve safety outcomes. Knowledge * Lean, Six Sigma, and Continuous Improvement Methodologies * Statistical Simulation and Analytical Tools ( PowerBI , ERP, SAP, MiniTab ) * Continuous Manufacturing Processes (operations, maintenance, EHS and quality) * Microsoft Applications Skills * Excellent verbal and written communication * Project Management * Critical thinking * Data analysis & interpretation * Influential leadership * Strategic planning * 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 * Bachelor's degree in engineering, STEM, supply chain, business administration, finance, or a related field (preferred) * Certification in Lean Six Sigma Black Belt (required) Required and Preferred Work Experience * 3+ years experience in Lean Six Sigma (required) * 3+ years experience in continuous improvement roles in a continuous process manufacturing environment (required) * Experience in leadership roles (e.g., decision making capacity) (preferred) * Facilitation or learning and development experience (preferred) * Project management experience (e.g., complex continuous improvement projects) (preferred) Total Rewards The annual pay range estimated for this position is $123,515.20 - $154,394.00 and is bonus eligible. Please note that while this range reflects the full spectrum of compensation available for this role, individual compensation will be determined based on several factors including your experience, skills, and alignment with the role's responsibilities. During the interview process there will be an opportunity to discuss how your background fits into the pay range. We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards package that our U.S. colleagues and their families can count on, which includes: - 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 Career Path & Culture Primient is committed to a workplace that is all in - ensuring everyone has the opportunity to develop and shape a career that matters in an open culture which embraces equity, diversity and belonging. We challenge old ways of thinking; and encourage employee voices to be a guiding force for ongoing learning. Primient supports a culture of inclusion that respects individual strengths, views, and experiences. We believe our differences make better decisions, drive excellence, and deliver better business results. Primient employees experience autonomy and accountability in their role. Here, employees control their destiny as there is opportunity for career growth and pathways outside the norm. Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging 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.