Note: The job is a remote job and is open to candidates in USA. International Paper is a leader in sustainable packaging solutions, and they are seeking a Project Manager of Lean Excellence to drive operational improvements across their Containerboard business. The role involves implementing lean manufacturing principles, leading continuous improvement initiatives, and coaching teams to enhance safety, quality, delivery, and cost efficiency.
Responsibilities
- Implement lean tools such as 5S, Kaizen, Standard Work, Visual Management, SMED and Value Stream Mapping
- Drive waste elimination, process flow optimization, and variation reduction
- Facilitate structured problem solving using A3, DMAIC, 5-Why, RCFA, and similar methodologies
- Deliver measurable improvements in safety, quality, delivery, and cost
- Use data to identify gaps in performance versus best practices and work with the mill team to execute an improvement plan
- Document best practices and share improvements to leverage results
- Understand and apply financial drivers and key performance indicators
- Assist with implementing and managing systems that will sustain improvement efforts
- Lead and coach CI events / kaizen through hands-on participation
- Assist with developing and effectively delivering training materials in multiple formats to ensure team members throughout the organization are trained in CI concepts and philosophy
- Evaluate and drive opportunities for appropriate CI and lean tool applications
- Provide support, assistance, and communication to the mill leadership teams regarding CI initiatives
Skills
- Bachelor's degree preferred in business, engineering, operations management, or related field
- Minimum 5 years of manufacturing experience with proven change leadership skills
- Demonstrated success utilizing and deploying lean tools
- Strong analytical, facilitation, coaching and change leadership skills
- Ability to influence without formal authority across multiple functions
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office
Benefits
- 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
- Leadership training
- Promotional opportunities
Company Overview
International Paper (NYSE: IP; LSE: IPC) is the global leader in sustainable packaging solutions. It was founded in 1898, and is headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee, USA, with a workforce of 10001+ employees. Its website is https://www.internationalpaper.com/.Company H1B Sponsorship
International Paper has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships, with 7 in 2026, 10 in 2025, 11 in 2024, 22 in 2023, 20 in 2022, 19 in 2021, 34 in 2020. Please note that this does not guarantee sponsorship for this specific role.