Process Optimization Manager Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Join Reynolds Consumer Products...and Drive Your Career across a world of opportunities! We are passionate about achieving results and have fun winning as a team!

Join Reynolds Consumer Products...and Drive Your Career across a world of opportunities!  We currently have an opportunity for a Cost Optimization Manager at our corporate headquarters in Lake Forest, IL.

Your Role:

The Cost Optimization Manager leads the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of cost optimization routines across the organization. This role is responsible for identifying cost-saving opportunities, establishing standardized performance routines, and embedding sustainable cost discipline within business operations. The Manager partners cross-functionally with operations, supply chain, finance, and engineering teams to ensure that cost optimization initiatives deliver measurable financial impact and align with strategic business goals.

You will have the opportunity to Make Great Things Happen!

• Strategy & Leadership: Design and execute the company's cost optimization framework and routine management processes to drive operational efficiency and margin improvement.
• Routine Development: Establish and standardize cost management routines-daily, weekly, and monthly-focused on cost visibility, performance tracking, and accountability.
• Opportunity Identification: Partner with business units to analyze cost drivers and identify opportunities to reduce waste, improve productivity, and enhance asset utilization.
• Performance Management: Develop key performance indicators (KPIs) and reporting dashboards to monitor cost trends, forecast accuracy, and initiative progress.
• Continuous Improvement: Implement Lean, Six Sigma, and other process-improvement methodologies to sustain cost reduction initiatives.
• Governance & Reporting: Lead cost review cadences and ensure financial tracking mechanisms are transparent and auditable.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Work closely with plant and functional leaders to align cost optimization projects with business priorities.
• Change Management: Promote a culture of ownership and cost consciousness through structured communication, coaching, and recognition.
• Best Practice Deployment: Benchmark and share cost optimization best practices across regions, plants, and functions.
• Innovation: Leverage digital tools, analytics, and automation to enhance cost analysis and streamline reporting routines.

You will love it here if...

• You put safety first, always
• You listen, learn, and evolve
• You are passionate about collaboration, teamwork, and achieving shared goals
• You treat all people with respect, operating ethically, and embrace inclusivity
• You are committed to improving our impact on local communities

We need you to have:

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Business, Industrial Engineering, or related field.
• 7+ years of experience in cost management, operations finance, or continuous improvement leadership roles.
• Proven experience leading cost-reduction or productivity improvement initiatives in a multi-site organization.
• Up to 25% travel required.
• Strong analytical and financial modeling skills.
• Proficiency in ERP and analytics tools (SAP, Power BI, Tableau, Excel).
• Knowledge of manufacturing cost structures, supply chain, and productivity metrics.
• Familiarity with standard work and performance management systems.
• Strong business acumen and strategic thinking.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills across all levels.
• Results-oriented with a focus on measurable outcomes.
• Collaborative leadership and ability to drive cultural change.
• High attention to detail with strong project management discipline.

Icing on the cake:

• MBA preferred.
• Experience with Lean, Six Sigma, or operational excellence programs (certification preferred).

Want to know more? Check out our website or connect with us on LinkedIn!

Apply today to join a fast-growing innovative company!

Not a good fit but know someone who is? Please refer them!

Local candidates only, no relocation assistance available

Join Reynolds Consumer Products and Drive Your Career across a world of opportunities!

For applicants or employees who are disabled or require a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, you may request assistance by emailing us at Recruitment@ReynoldsBrands.com.

No recruiter calls or emails please.

RCP affords equal employment opportunities to applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, disability status, sex, marital status, protected veteran status, pregnancy, national origin, genetics, genetic information, parental status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. RCP conforms to the spirit as well as to the letter of all applicable laws and regulations.