Operational Excellence and PMO leader
Solenis · Suffolk, VA
- Level
- Manager
- Team
- Lean / CI
- Degree
- Preferred
- Experience asked
- 5+ years
- Certification
- Black Belt preferred
- Industry
- Chemicals
- Posted
- 30+ days ago
The role in 30 seconds
A management continuous improvement role at Solenis (chemicals) in Suffolk, VA. So, if you are interested in working for a world-class company and enjoy solving complex challenges, whether in the lab or the field, consider joining our team.
- They ask for
- 5+ years · degree preferred · Black Belt preferred
- Tools it names
- Lean, Six Sigma, Black Belt, Green Belt, Kaizen, 5S
Read from the posting. The full description is below.
At a glance
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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 Solenis
We found 1 person at this company and state: 1 leaders. Engineers who joined in the last year or two reply the most. See 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.
Write to Mel → (free) - 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?
- The posting mentions a Black Belt. Does the company sponsor certification?
- How did you land the job? What stood out in your interviews?
- 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.
About the role
Position summary
The Operational Excellence & PMO Leader will report to the Suffolk Plant Manager, driving Lean Six Sigma initiatives while providing structured project management leadership. This role accelerates the site’s progression from Manufacturing 1.0 to Manufacturing 4.0 by improving SQDIP (safety, quality, delivery, inventory and people) performance, strengthening processes, and coaching front-line and mid-level leaders in operational discipline.
Key responsibilities
- ◆Lead Lean Six Sigma roadmap deployment, including VSM, Kaizen, RCA, standard work, 5S, SMED, TPM, and visual management.
- ◆Serve as the site’s continuous improvement strategist for throughput, waste elimination, quality improvement, and cost savings.
- ◆Coach Operations Managers and production teams to develop CI capability and problem-solving discipline.
- ◆Provide PMO leadership across CAPEX and OPEX projects using project charters, governance cadences, KPIs, and RACI structures.
- ◆Partner with engineering, maintenance, quality, and supply chain to manage cross-functional project portfolios.
- ◆Contribute to digital transformation efforts aligned with Manufacturing 4.0.
- ◆Facilitate daily, weekly, and monthly performance review structures.
- ◆Support culture-building efforts around safety, accountability, and operational rigor.
Qualifications
- ✓Bachelor’s degree preferred (Engineering, Operations, Industrial Technology, Business).
- ✓3–5+ years in manufacturing, operations, CI or project management.
- ✓Lean Six Sigma Black Belt preferred; Green Belt acceptable with progress toward Black Belt.
- ✓Experience leading Kaizens and structured problem-solving.
- ✓Strong communication, facilitation, and data-driven decision-making skills.
- ✓Preferred experience with: Danaher, ITW, Parker Hannifin, Honeywell, or other OpEx-driven organizations.
Show full description ↓Show less ↑
Solenis is a leading global provider of water and hygiene solutions. The company’s product portfolio includes a broad array of water treatment chemistries, process aids, functional additives, cleaners, disinfectants, and state-of-the-art monitoring, control and delivery systems. These technologies are used by customers to improve operational efficiencies, enhance product quality, protect plant assets, minimize environmental impact, and create cleaner and safer environments. Headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware, the company has 78 manufacturing facilities strategically located around the globe and employs a team of over ~23000 professionals in >160 countries across six continents. Solenis is a 2025 Best Managed Company Gold Standard honoree.
For additional information about Solenis, please visit www.solenis.com or follow us on social media.
Success profile
The ideal candidate is hands-on, structured, and able to influence without authority. This person is a disciplined project executor, strong communicator, credible shop-floor leader, and consistent coach who drives sustainable improvements.
- •Primary Location- US-Suffolk, Virginia
- •Some travel for meetings or cross manufacturing site training/ assistance
- •Scheduled Weekly Hours- 40
- •Setting/ work environment - large chemical manufacturing location
- •Work environment- office environment or if in the plant, ambient environment conditions including traversing multiple levels which could include stairway or ladder access, May wear additional PPE dependent on the task conditions.
We understand that candidates will not meet every single desired qualification . If your experience looks a little different from what we’ve identified and you think you can bring value to the role, we’d love to learn more about you.
At Solenis, we understand that our greatest asset is our people. That is why we offer competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits which include medical, dental, vision & 401K, and numerous opportunities for professional growth and development. So, if you are interested in working for a world-class company and enjoy solving complex challenges, whether in the lab or the field, consider joining our team.
Should you require assistance in applying to this opportunity, please reach out to Solenis Talent Acquisition at talentacquisition@solenis.com