Continuous Improvement Leader

JOB DESCRIPTION

Ketjen is seeking a Continuous Improvement Leader to advance operational excellence, productivity, and continuous improvement across the global organization. Reporting to the Senior Continuous Improvement Manager, this role will partner with leaders and cross-functional teams to identify, prioritize, execute, and sustain high-impact improvement initiatives.

The successful candidate will lead projects from concept through implementation, deliver measurable business results, and help embed continuous improvement into the way Ketjen operates.

KEY JOB DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead the identification, prioritization, and execution of Continuous Improvement initiatives that deliver measurable improvements in safety, productivity, cost, quality, service, working capital, and overall business performance.

• Develop and execute CI strategies and roadmaps aligned with Ketjen’s business objectives.

• Partner with Operations, Supply Chain, Commercial, Technology, Finance, Procurement, and other functions to identify opportunities, prioritize resources, and build a pipeline of high-value initiatives.

• Conduct value stream assessments, process analyses, and root cause investigations to identify and quantify improvement opportunities.

• Lead complex, cross-functional projects using Lean Six Sigma, Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping, structured problem-solving, and other CI methodologies.

• Coach and mentor CI Champions, project leaders, Green Belts, and functional teams to strengthen execution capabilities and sustain project results.

• Lead change management efforts that build stakeholder commitment, address resistance, and support the adoption of new processes and behaviors.

• Establish portfolio governance, project management disciplines, and stage-gate reviews to ensure initiatives remain aligned, appropriately resourced, and effectively executed.

• Develop organizational CI capability through training, mentoring, knowledge sharing, and certification programs.

• Establish and monitor KPIs to measure project performance, financial benefits, productivity improvements, and sustainability.

• Manage CI portfolio reporting and provide leadership with clear visibility into project status, risks, results, and business impact.

• Partner with Finance to validate project savings, productivity gains, working capital improvements, and other realized benefits.

• Collaborate with global stakeholders to share best practices, replicate successful improvements, and integrate CI principles into daily operations.

• Champion a culture of accountability, collaboration, disciplined execution, and continuous improvement consistent with Ketjen’s core values.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, Operations Management, Project Management, or a related field; an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience will be considered.

• Minimum of five years of experience leading Continuous Improvement, Lean Six Sigma, Operational Excellence, or business transformation initiatives in a manufacturing, chemical, petrochemical, refining, or related industrial environment.

• Demonstrated project or program management experience delivering measurable improvements in productivity, cost, quality, service, or working capital.

• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification required; Black Belt certification preferred.

• Proven ability to influence, coach, and lead cross-functional teams without direct authority.

• Experience leading complex initiatives involving technical, operational, and organizational change.

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, project management, communication, and stakeholder management skills.

• Experience with KPI management, performance reporting, and financial benefit validation.

• Ability to work effectively within a global, cross-functional organization.

• Strong alignment with Ketjen’s core values: Respect, Engage Openly, Speed & Agility, Ultimate Ownership, Lead for Results, Teamwork, and Strong Performance Rewarded.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification.

• Experience with digital transformation, automation, process mining, analytics, AI, or other technology-enabled improvement solutions.

• Experience leading enterprise-wide, global, or multi-site CI programs.

• Demonstrated success influencing global, cross-functional teams through indirect leadership and collaboration.

• Proven ability to lead organizational change and sustain business improvements across functions and locations.

About Us

We are a global provider of advanced catalyst solutions to leading producers in the petrochemical, refining and specialty chemicals industries. Working side-by-side with our customers, we develop value-added, customized solutions that make them more competitive. Discovering and implementing new and better performance-based sustainable solutions is what motivates all of us. We think beyond business-as-usual to drive innovations that create lasting value.

Unleash your POTENTIAL with Ketjen.

At Ketjen, we believe that our people make us successful. It’s really that simple. We embrace diversity of experience, talent and thought. We work hard to create an inclusive work environment that empowers you to openly and honestly communicate, create and innovate. Your decision to join our team will be rewarded with a positive, team-oriented workplace that inspires personal and professional growth. We will make every effort to support your career goals and create opportunities for you to realize your full potential. This is our culture. This is our commitment.

AS PART OF OUR GLOBAL TEAM, YOU’LL EXPERIENCE:

• Competitive compensation and benefits
• Hands-on technical experience
• Job variety and career flexibility
• Collaboration with seasoned employees at every level
• A proven record of innovation
• Company-wide focus on economic and environmental sustainability
• Deep commitment to our communities, education, and social development
• Concern and compassion for fellow employees
• Among the best safety records in the industry

The bottom-line: no matter where you apply your talent and training, Ketjen will provide the resources and support you need to succeed.

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