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Vacancies Continuous Improvement Manager

AkzoNobel


Job Location:

High Point, NC - USA

Yearly Salary: USD 119000 - 140000
Posted: 29 September 2026 (6 days ago)
Application Deadline: 27 December 2026
Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

About AkzoNobel

Since 1792 weve been supplying the innovative paints and coatings that help to color peoples lives and protect what matters most. Our world class portfolio of brands including Dulux International Sikkens and Interpon is trusted by customers around the globe. Were active in more than 150 countries and use our expertise to sustain and enhance the fabric of everyday life. Because we believe every surface is an opportunity. Its what youd expect from a pioneering and long-established paints company thats dedicated to providing sustainable solutions and preserving the best of what we have today while creating an even better tomorrow. Lets paint the future together.

For more information please visit

2026 Akzo Nobel N.V. All rights reserved.

Job Purpose

The Continuous Improvement Manager II (CIM) role is responsible for championing developing and sustaining a culture of continuous improvement (CI) and Subject Matter Expert in methodologies/activities (Lean Six Sigman ALPS) across all areas of multiple sites or large site with a strong focus on manufacturing and operations. The CI manager will direct the work and manage the process engineers project engineers CI Specialist and trainer. Define prepare waste and loss analysis to coach and execute projects in line with business needs and project (DMAIC/PDCA) and team management methods and techniques in order to deliver projects according to objectives. Train coach support Lead Practitioners Advanced Practitioners Practitioners and Sponsors. Train; develop Site Leaders in the CI Curriculum and in use/execution of Lean Tools Process Confirmation Gemba Walks Coaching the coach and Root Cause Analysis.

Key Respnsibilities
Direct the work and manage the process engineers project engineers CI Specialist and trainer
Delivers projects (DMAIC) and products within the appropriate timeframe budget and defined project standards and objectives
Measured on project team engagement development and enablement
Handles all monthly T4 Reports (ALPS CI Project status etc.)
Ensures high quality and easy accessibility of CIM network (relations management)
Measured on number of trained Lead Practitioners Advanced Practitioners Practitioners and Sponsors
Manages the CI Specialist
Responsible for deployment of key Lean philosophies like A3 and Hoshin
Develops data driven projects utilizing tools like VSM Ishikawa SPC Heijunka SIPOC Diagram boxplot and FMEA
Perform Hazard Studies (PHAPro proficiency)
Key Activities

Project Initiation (Improvement Projects) : Identify and analyze movement needs in a strong relation with the Site Director stakeholders and linkages to other project scope and objectives with Sponsor.
o Project scope and objectives must be clear attainable and approved by the Sponsor.
Project Plan : Formulate the project plan determine the budget and required resources clarify role and involvement level of team members and acquire approval from Sponsor.
o Project plan budget and required resources must be approved clearly understood and direct project activities.
Project Execution : Coach and coordinate with project leads to monitor and drive project activities toll gate reviews manage project risks issues changes and resources and take corrective actions when necessary.
o Timely delivery of milestones
Project Delivery & Closure : Evaluate and close project identify and analyze lessons learned archive project documents and hand over project to process owner and/or line manager.
o Completion of project objectives realization of deliverables continuous improvement of project management skills and acceptance of end product by Sponsor/process owner
Build Organizational Capabilities : Develop and expand local capabilities in applying continuous improvement tools and methods and promote a structure problem solving approach. Train and coach Lead/Advanced Practitioners Sponsors. Train and develop Site Leaders in the CI curriculum and in use/exécution of Lean Tools Process Confirmation Gemba Walks Coaching the coach and Root Cause Analysis.
o Measured by capable and engaged project teams and process owners. Capable Site Leaders in coaching and developing employees.
Site Performance : Support and challenge the workforce and local MT in direction setting prioritization (timing resources and sequence of actions) and implementation of improvement activities.
o Improving KPIs
Improvement Portfolio Management : Identify validate initiate and drive new improvement opportunities manage the improvement project funnel. Run own improvement projects delivering value to the organization.
o Project scope and objectives are clear attainable and approved by the Sponsor
ALPS Deployment : Lead/support the local ALPS implementation and maintenance Network within the AkzoNobel CI Community
o Sustainable framework for improvements transferring insights and best practices
Capex Plan Control: Budget and execution accuracy for Ranger and not Ranger projects
Contractor Management
FEL3 and FEL2 company selection and management
Manages capital projects with budget of 6M$ per year

Level of Autonomy

High degree of autonomy for executing projects from start to finish and will decide which information and/or decisions needs to be brought to the attention of the site management team.
Makes decisions based on budget and financial spend / assist in Capital expenditures and process work.

Job Requirements

5-10 years of relevant work experience with process engineering project engineering continuous improvement and coatings manufacturing.
Bachelordegree required Engineering- Chemical process etc.
CI Expert with 6 years of experience in continuous improvement methodologies such as Lean Six Sigma TPM
Strong technical background with experience on project in explosive atmosphere areas and high automation
Excellent communication interpersonal and coaching skills influencing entrepreneurship result oriented negotiation content experience
Project management capabilities (DMAIC/Lean)
Relevant language skills
Experience in different business units/disciplines/region preferred
Strong change agent at both management and shop floor levels
Broad and/or specialized knowledge of the own functional discipline strategy policies and standards
Strong statistics knowledge and Minitab proficiency

Benefits/Rewards

The salary range for these skills is: $119000 to $140000. This is the range that we in good faith anticipate relying on when setting wages for this position. We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range. This salary range may also be modified in the future.
This role eligible for an annual bonustarget of 15% based on individual and company performance.
Benefits:
Medical insurance with HSA
Dental Vision Life AD&D benefits
Annual bonus
401K retirement savings with 6% company match
Generous vacation personal and holiday pay
Paid Parental leave
Hybrid work for most exempt roles
Active Diversity & Inclusion Networks
Tuition Reimbursement
Career growth opportunities
Employee referral bonus

At AkzoNobel we are highly committed to ensuring an inclusive and respectful workplace where all employees can be their best self. We strive to embrace diversity in a context of tolerance. Our talent acquisition process plays an integral part in this journey as setting the foundations for a diverse environment. For this reason we train and educate on the implications of our Unconscious Bias in order for our TA and hiring managers to be mindful of them and take corrective actions when our organization all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race color religion sex sexual orientation gender identity national origin age or disability.

Requisition ID:56087

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Required Experience:

Manager


About Company

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We’ve been pioneering a world of possibilities to bring surfaces to life for well over 200 years. As experts in making coatings, there’s a good chance you’re only ever a few meters away from one of our products. Our world class portfolio of brands – including Dulux, International, Sik ... View more

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