Project Manager of Lean Excellence

Position Overview

The Project Manager of Lean Excellence will be responsible for the execution of the Lean Transformation Initiative across PSNA. In this role they will partner with Converting facilities to establish Lean capabilities, driving measurable improvements in safety, employee engagement, quality, cost and delivery metrics.

The ideal candidate will have significant and relevant direct manufacturing experience using and leading continuous improvement tools, systems, and methodologies. The preferred candidate is a proven leader that has experience leading 5S, Kaizen events, Standard Work, Visual Management, SMET, problem solving, value stream mapping, and related process improvement methodologies.

Key Responsibilities

Lead with a safety mindset, drive employee engagement through trust vs. fear. Invest in time to shape a culture that controls exposure and supports our employees.
Align strategy and tactics with the site-level Operations leadership
Use data to identify gaps in performance versus best practices, working with the Plant Team to execute an improvement plan
Utilize continuous improvement tools, processes and systems to better safety, quality, efficiency, cost, and reduce waste overall
Assist with Implementing and managing systems that will sustain improvement efforts
Lead and coach CI events/Kaizen through hands-on participation
Partner with site leadership with the improvement of asset utilization and equipment management
Develop training materials and effectively deliver in multiple formats to ensure team members throughout the organization are trained in CI concepts and philosophy
Understand and applying financial drivers and key performance indicators
Partner with plant teams to drive changeover improvements
Evaluate and drive opportunities for appropriate CI and Lean tool application
Document best practices and sharing improvements to leverage results
Provide overall support, assistance, direction and communication to the plant leadership teams regarding CI initiatives
Remote position that requires selected candidates be geographically located to a major metropolitan airport.
Travel requirements: 80% - 90%

Education and Experience

Bachelor’s Degree preferred, Business, Engineering, Operations Management, or related field
Minimum 5 years of manufacturing experience with proven change leadership skills and experience leading change
Positive and self-motivated attitude with proven determination and passion to manage projects, maintain KPI’s, and see problems through to resolution
Strong interpersonal skills with ability to relate to people at all levels of the organization, including diverse cultures
Ability to analyze data, draw conclusions, make recommendations, and present findings
Demonstrated ability to model the corporate values and principles, including instilling a high performance, people-driven culture
A high level of accuracy with strong attention to detail and quality of work is required
Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, etc.).

Desired Competencies:

Instills trust
Communicates effectively
Manages Complexity
Situational Adaptability
Balances Stakeholders

The Benefits You Will Enjoy:

International Paper offers a benefits package that includes health, welfare and retirement plans including Medical, Dental, Life insurance, Flexible Spending Accounts, Short-term and Long-term Disability, 401(k), Company-funded retirement contributions, Paid Time Off, Education & Development (including Tuition Reimbursement), Student Loan Repayment Assistance, and Voluntary Benefits including insurance for home, auto, vision and pets

The Career You Will Build:
Leadership training, promotional opportunities

The Impact You Will Make:
We continue to build a better future for people, the planet, and our company! IP has been a good steward of sustainable practices across communities around the world for more than 125 years. Join our team and you’ll see why our team members say they’re Proud to be IP.

The Culture You Will Experience:

International Paper promotes employee well-being by providing safe, caring and inclusive workplaces. We have team members all around the world with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. These are our strengths. We are committed to creating a culture where all individuals are respected, valued, engaged and have an opportunity to do their best work every day. We invite you to bring your uniqueness, creativity, talents, experiences, and safety mindset to be a part of our increasingly inclusive and diverse culture.

The Company You Will Join:
International Paper (NYSE: IP) is the global leader in sustainable packaging solutions. With company headquarters in Memphis, Tennessee, USA, and EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) headquarters in London, UK, we employ more than 65,000 team members and serve customers around the world with operations in more than 30 countries. Together with our customers, we make the world safer and more productive, one sustainable packaging solution at a time. Net sales for 2024 were $18.6 billion. In 2025, International Paper acquired DS Smith creating an industry leader focused on the attractive and growing North American and EMEA regions. Additional information can be found by visiting internationalpaper.com.

International Paper is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law. International Paper complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact reasonable.accommodations@ipaper.com or (877) 973-3919.

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