Continuous Improvement Project Manager Jobs in Naperville, IL

About Mondi

At Mondi, we offer packaging and paper solutions designed to support a circular economy. We've grown from a single paper mill to a global leader in sustainable packaging and paper, with our 24,000 employees working across 100+ production sites in more than 30 countries

We combine strong industrial heritage with continuous drive to innovate and create products that help our customers make more sustainable choices every day.  

About the Role

The Plant Continuous Improvement Manager is responsible for leading and driving continuous improvement initiatives across manufacturing and support functions to enhance productivity, quality, safety, cost performance, and overall operational effectiveness. This role establishes and sustains foundational systems and standard ways of working, including daily management processes, skills development programs, training plans, and SOPs that support long-term operational excellence. Partnering closely with cross-functional teams, the Continuous Improvement Manager manages improvement projects from identification through implementation, ensuring initiatives are aligned with plant priorities and deliver measurable, sustainable results. As a key change agent, the role develops continuous improvement capability throughout the organization by providing Lean training, coaching, and hands-on support while fostering a culture of accountability, problem-solving, and continuous learning. The position also supports employee onboarding, promotes the adoption of CI principles at all levels, and facilitates the sharing of best practices across the plant and broader organization.

Your Mission

• Identify, prioritize, and lead continuous improvement initiatives across departments (Production, Quality, Maintenance, Supply Chain, Office functions), supporting plant objectives such as productivity, waste reduction, quality improvement, cost, and safety
• Lead and deliver foundational CI initiatives to establish standard ways of working (e.g. Daily Management Systems, skill matrices and training plans, operational SOPs) in collaboration with Production, HR, Quality, and other functions
• Manage CI projects endtoend, coordinating crossfunctional teams to ensure clear scope, timing, budget adherence, and alignment with plant priorities
• Ensure visibility, handover, and sustainability of improvements by communicating progress and results to plant leadership and monitoring performance after implementation
• Develop, maintain, and improve standards such as processes, templates, reports, and SOPs together with the respective departments.
• Capture and share good practices within the plant and across the wider organization
• Act as a change agent, supporting management of change and helping embed continuous improvement into daily operations at all levels of the organization
• Build CI capability in the plant from the ground up by delivering training, workshops, and onthejob coaching on CI principles and tools (e.g. 5S, problem solving, basic Lean concepts), fostering a practical continuous improvement mindset
• Support onboarding of new employees by introducing them to CI principles and expected ways of working, in both production and office environments

Your Profile

• A BSc Degree or higher in a related field such as engineering, statistics, or similar
• 2+ years of proven experience with lean methods, such as A3, 5S, Gemba, Kaizen OEE, PSM, etc
• Relevant professional experience in project management
• Good presentation and communication skills, with the ability to efficiently interact with different cultures and organisational levels
• Proven leadership skills to manage project teams effectively
• Hands-on mentality and solution-oriented work style
• Very good command of MS Office
• Six Sigma Green or Black Belt, preferred
• Bilingual in Spanish is a plus

Our Offer:

• Comprehensive base ($90,000-$110,000/YR) salary plus incentive
• Full Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance
• 401k Retirement Savings Plan, fully vested and company match
• An interesting job within the packaging & paper industry
• Opportunities for professional growth

Why join Mondi?

At Mondi, you'll be part of a global team shaping the future of sustainable packaging and paper. We combine innovation, responsibility and collaboration to create solutions that make a positive impact on the world.

We believe our strength comes from the diversity of our people. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels respected, valued and empowered to contribute. We welcome talent from all backgrounds and encourage you to apply, even if you don't meet every single requirement.

Join us and grow your career in a company where your ideas matter, your development is supported, and your contribution helps us create a better tomorrow.

Ready to make an impact?

We'd love to hear from you. Whether you're actively exploring your next opportunity or curious about how you could grow with us, we encourage you to start the conversation.

Apply through our careers portal and take the next step in your journey with us. We carefully review every application and will keep you informed throughout the recruitment process.

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