Operational Excellence Leader
Lubrizol · Avon Lake, OH
- Level
- Manager
- Team
- Lean / CI
- Degree
- Required
- Experience asked
- 10+ years
- Certification
- Black Belt preferred
- Industry
- Chemicals
- Posted
- 24 days ago
The role in 30 seconds
A management continuous improvement role at Lubrizol (chemicals) in Avon Lake, OH. In this highly visible role, you'll partner with leaders and teams across the site to implement the Lubrizol Operating System, streamline operations, and deliver measurable improvements in safety, quality, productivity, and reliability.
- They ask for
- 10+ years · degree required · Black Belt preferred
- Tools it names
- Lean, Six Sigma, Black Belt, Green Belt, Kaizen, Value stream mapping
- Day to day
- some off-shift / weekend coverage
Read from the posting. The full description is below.
From the plant jobs report · week of October 19, 2026
Continuous Improvement roles in Ohio: typical posted base $107k–$152k.
Median of the low and high ends of 9 live postings that list pay, out of 25 continuous improvement openings in Ohio, read from manufacturers' own careers sites.
Ohio plant jobs report →Pay by team and state →What moves pay →
How this role compares
Against 24 other live lean / ci postings in Ohio.
- Base pay
- Not listed in this posting
- Experience asked
- More than usual (10+ vs 5+)
Typical $107k–$152k, from 8 postings that list pay.
Similar roles usually ask 5+ years.
Skills these teams ask for most
- ✓ Lean 92%
- ✓ Six Sigma 64%
- ✓ Value stream mapping 60%
- ✓ Root cause 44%
- ✓ Kaizen 44%
- 5S 44%
✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.
Stands out: this posting asks for ISO 9001, Painting / coating, which few similar roles mention. If you have it, lead with it.
At a glance
Pulled from the posting text. If it's not listed here, the posting didn't say.
How to get in at this plant
Five moves over a week or two. The first one takes ten minutes.
- 1
Pick 2–3 people on the Lean / CI team at Lubrizol
Engineers who joined in the last year or two reply the most. Use the team search on this page to find them.
- 2
Send a short, curious note
One real question about their work. No favors yet. Each person gets a different note, written for this role.
- 3
Turn a reply into a short call
Questions worth asking about this team:
- What does a normal week look like on your team?
- Is CI run from the plant floor or from a corporate OpEx group?
- Which metrics does leadership actually watch: OEE, scrap, cost per unit?
- How does off-shift and weekend coverage work?
- The posting mentions a Black Belt. Does the company sponsor certification?
- 4
Apply with someone vouching for you
If the call went well, ask whether they’d pass your résumé to the hiring manager. Send your résumé link, apply that day, and let them know.
- 5
Bring proof to the interview
One page of before-and-after numbers from projects you led: scrap, OEE, cycle time, cost. Plant managers hire on results.
This plant: Lubrizol in Avon Lake
1 other open role at this site.
- Reliability Engineer · Reliability
Full description from LubrizolAs posted on their careers site.ShowHide
In this role, you will
- ◆Lead the implementation and sustainment of Lean manufacturing principles, operational excellence initiatives, and the Lubrizol Operating System across the site.
- ◆Facilitate continuous improvement activities including Kaizen events, rapid improvement exercises, value stream mapping, A3 problem solving, root cause analysis, and corrective action planning.
- ◆Standardize manufacturing processes across Operations, Maintenance, Reliability, and Quality to improve consistency, efficiency, and performance.
- ◆Partner with stakeholders across Production, Maintenance, Engineering, Manufacturing Technology, Quality, Learning and Development, and Health, Safety, Environment and Security (HSES) to prioritize and execute improvement initiatives.
- ◆Serve as the site champion for One Lubrizol Standard Work, reinforcing best practices, accountability, and operational discipline.
- ◆Monitor site performance through metrics, dashboards, and Management Operating System (MOS) processes to ensure progress against business objectives.
- ◆Align site initiatives with corporate Operational Excellence strategies and collaborate with central continuous improvement teams and external consultants when applicable.
- ◆Own site-wide productivity tracking, reporting, and monthly operational performance metrics.
- ◆Lead and complete value stream mapping activities to identify opportunities and prioritize improvement projects.
- ◆Develop internal continuous improvement capabilities by coaching, training, and mentoring employees on Lean tools and methodologies.
- ◆Manage the site Kaizen portfolio, coordinating local improvement projects and securing resources for larger-scale initiatives.
Required Qualifications
that Enable Your Success
- ✓Bachelor's degree in Engineering, preferably Chemical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering.
- ✓10+ years of experience in Operational Excellence, Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, or a related discipline.
- ✓At least 5 years of experience leading projects, teams, or cross-functional improvement initiatives.
- ✓Demonstrated expertise in project management, change management, and value stream mapping.
- ✓Proven success leading organizational culture transformation and driving adoption of standardized work practices.
- ✓Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, and presentation skills.
- ✓Working knowledge of documented management systems such as ISO 9001, Responsible Care, or similar frameworks.
Preferred Qualifications
that Drive You Forward
- ✓Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.
- ✓Experience within the chemical, oil and gas, food and beverage, pharmaceutical, or other process manufacturing industries.
- ✓Experience with plant training, safety, supply chain, or operational learning systems.
- ✓Knowledge of manufacturing automation technologies and digital performance management tools.
Show full description ↓Show less ↑
Shape the Future with Us.
At Lubrizol, we’re bringing to life the chemistry behind clean water, efficient transportation, reliable infrastructure, critical medicines, and the products people rely on every day through science, sustainability, and a culture of inclusion.
As part of our global team, you’ll be empowered to make a real impact - on your career, your community, and the world around you.
Job Type: Full-time; On-site
How You’ll Make an Impact
As a Site Operational Excellence Leader, you'll be a key driver of transformation, helping shape a culture where continuous improvement, standardization, and operational excellence fuel business success. In this highly visible role, you'll partner with leaders and teams across the site to implement the Lubrizol Operating System, streamline operations, and deliver measurable improvements in safety, quality, productivity, and reliability. You'll lead impactful improvement initiatives, champion best practices, and empower employees with Lean methodologies that create lasting change. By connecting strategy to execution, you'll help build a high-performing operation that continuously evolves, delivers results, and sets the standard for operational excellence.
Your Work Environment
- •Standing, walking, or operating equipment for extended periods
- •Working in a lab or manufacturing setting with appropriate PPE provided
- •Use of computers and digital tools in an office or hybrid environment
- •Occasional lifting or movement of materials
- •Adherence to rigorous safety protocols and ergonomic standards
We continuously invest in our facilities and technologies to ensure they support your well-being, productivity, and growth. If you require reasonable accommodation, we are committed to working with you to ensure an inclusive and accessible experience.
Benefits that Empower You
- •Competitive salary with performance-based bonus plans
- •401(k) match + Age-Weighted Defined Contribution
- •Comprehensive medical, dental & vision coverage
- •Health Savings Account (HSA)
- •Paid holidays, vacation, and parental leave
- •Flexible work environment
- •Learning and development opportunities
- •Career and professional growth
- •Inclusive culture and vibrant community engagement
Learn more at https://benefits.lubrizol.com/ !
Lubrizol: Imagined for Life. Enabled by Science. ™ Delivered by You.
For nearly 100 years, The Lubrizol Corporation, a Berkshire Hathaway company, has been at the forefront of innovation to enhance everyday life, advance mobility, and make the modern world work better. Our specialty chemistry solutions—from engine oils, performance coatings, and skincare to medical devices and plumbing systems —are powered by the expertise, passion, and commitment of people like you.
We tackle the world’s toughest challenges with science-based solutions, deeply understanding our customers to deliver innovative chemistry and differentiated value. Our