Regional Continuous Improvement Manager, AMAS Job

JOB DIMENSION

Sites, scopes, number of employees, position of manager, market, budget…

• Direct report to Bostik operational excellence director
• Direct reports: Region Black belt in any
• Bostik global role, cross BU (APC/DG/CC/HPC), regional role
• In charge of supporting plants located in AMAS
• Collaborates/supports actions in other regions if needed
• Works closely in conjunction with the Corporate Quality and Operational Excellence Directors
• Member of the Global Operational Excellence Team
• Member of the Arkema operational excellence community
• Location: This position is 50% based at one of the Bostik sites in the US and 50% travel.

#LI-SL2

CONTEXT & ENVIRONMENT

Complexity…

• In a Matrix structure working closely with Bostik Corporate, Global Industrial Directors, Regional and Country structures specifically for Operations, Quality, Supply Chain and Finance in particular.
• Cross-function as well as cross-cultural collaborations are critical for the success of the role and its objectives.
• Travel requirements: 50%

ACCOUNTABILITIES/MISSIONS

MISSION :

• Operational Excellence:  Support top line growth by continuously improving customer satisfaction at the right cost level by producing better products, processes & services faster and cheaper in observance of the highest safety standards.

TASKS :

Drive Manufacturing Performance and Productivity

• Key Metrics Focus: Deliver improvements across:
  • OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness): Enhance availability, performance, and quality.
  • Plant Reliability: Implement proactive strategies to minimize downtime and failures.
  • Cost per Ton (€/t): Optimize costs by eliminating inefficiencies and leveraging best practices.
  • Non-Quality Costs: Reduce defects, rework, and associated waste.
  • Waste and Emissions: Promote sustainability through reductions in material waste and environmental impact.

Build and Execute the Operational Excellence Roadmap

• Design a clear roadmap that defines key priorities and strategic actions for the region.
• Roll out core improvement programs, such as:
  • OEE and Reliability Programs: Target specific bottlenecks to boost equipment performance.
  • Smart Leverage operational excellence basics such as daily performance reviews, visual KPIs, problem solving, and 5S) to engage people in continuous improvement.
  • Lean Sigma: Eliminate waste and variation, ensuring higher value delivery.
  • PPM:   Identify and execute quality control & process control plans linked to customer critical to use with overarching goal of non-quality cost reduction
  • Digital OpEx:  Propose digital tools to improve efficiency, data accuracy, etc.

Identify, Prioritize, and Execute Improvement Opportunities

• Build and maintain a robust pipeline of opportunities by analyzing data and conducting site assessments.
• Prioritize initiatives based on their potential impact and feasibility.
• Ensure effective execution by leading cross-functional teams and leveraging the Green Belt/Black Belt community.

Enhance Quality Through Product and Process Modelling (PPM)

• Develop and Implement PPM Practices: Establish frameworks for Product and Process Modelling to improve manufacturing consistency, predictability, and scalability.
• Standardization: Use PPM to harmonize processes and product specifications across plants.
• Simulation and Optimization: Leverage PPM tools to simulate processes, identify inefficiencies, and optimize workflows.
• Data-Driven Improvements: Use PPM insights to guide decisions, troubleshoot issues, and refine product and process designs.
• Collaboration with Steering Units, R&D ,and Quality Teams: Ensure alignment between process models, R&D requirements, and quality outcomes.

Animate and Lead the Regional Operational Excellence Community

• Leadership: Act as the central figure driving collaboration and innovation within the regional operational excellence network.
• Facilitate knowledge sharing, best practices, and success stories across plants in the region.
• Organize regular forums, workshops, and training sessions to sustain engagement and momentum.

Represent Bostik Operational Excellence in Regional and Corporate Arenas

• Serve as the regional representative for Bostik’s operational excellence initiatives within Arkema corporate teams.
• Align Bostik's objectives and strategies with Arkema's overarching vision.
• Advocate for the region’s needs and successes while sharing insights from corporate initiatives back to the regional teams.

Collaborate with the Bostik Operational Excellence Community

• Actively participate in Bostik’s global operational excellence community, contributing regional insights and perspectives.
• Share feedback, results, and innovation ideas with global peers to drive continuous improvement at a company-wide level.

Upskill and Empower Teams

• Develop tailored programs to build Lean Sigma, problem-solving, and continuous improvement skills.
• Mentor and coach plant leadership teams to sustain improvement initiatives and foster employee ownership.
• Recognize and celebrate achievements to boost morale and promote a culture of excellence.

Act as a Change Leader for Continuous Improvement

• Foster a culture where operational excellence is integral to daily operations.
• Promote innovation and encourage employees to challenge the status quo.
• Use clear communication and structured approaches to address resistance and sustain transformation efforts.

PROFILE

Degree, experiences, skills…

• Preferred Chemical engineering degree or strong experience in chemical field and processes.
• Minimum Green Belt certified, Black Belt certified preferred. 
• Demonstrated ability to articulate an appropriate vision and translate that into effective strategy initiatives and operational plans.
• 5+ years’ experience in handling substantial OPEX related transformation and change management projects.
• Proven project management skills, strong analytical skills and numerical understanding, leadership, multitasking and decision making skills in line with Arkema values.
• Fluent English and ability to effectively communicate and evolve in an international environment
• Shared leadership and multi-functional team collaboration skills should be manifested
• Team facilitation competencies (listening, idea generation, constructively challenging, influencing/secure buy-in)
• Capability of working in a matrix organization (link with corporate functions)