Process Improvement Engineer

About the job:

The Process Improvement Engineer leads the deployment and execution of Operational Excellence activities across ISC, focusing on our manufacturing sites. You’ll support and coach site teams (and eventually other functional teams) to improve performance, run projects, deliver trainings, and guide on Nouryon standard processes. This role may also include supervising other project leaders on improvement projects and operational excellence initiatives. The key focus areas are Operations and Supply Chain Management, primarily across North American sites, with occasional support for regional or global initiatives.

You’ll work across functions to drive change, improve efficiency, and build a continuous improvement culture. We’re looking for someone who’s passionate about continuous improvement, leading teams, teaching, coaching, and being a change agent. You’ll need strong knowledge of Nouryon ISC processes, tools, and systems, plus deep expertise in Lean Six Sigma to identify improvement opportunities, execute projects, and help the organization achieve strategic targets.

This is a full-time, in-office position based in Houston, TX (Almeda).

In your future role as Process Improvement Engineer, you will:

• Deploy and lead operational excellence programs within ISC and occasionally in other business units or functions

• Identify improvement opportunities and run projects across sites and functions

• Serve as a technical expert in Lean Six Sigma (L6S) and in using Nouryon ISC processes, tools, and systems

• Coach and develop L6S practitioners in the region

• Empower site and functional teams, providing clear direction and motivation

• Build teamwork through engagement by connecting goals to ISC and company vision

• Deliver trainings on tools, methods, and continuous improvement practices

• Develop tools and models to help ISC teams continuously improve knowledge and engagement

• Support operational excellence program deployment at manufacturing sites and provide program visibility across the organization

• Drive delivery and completion of improvement projects

• Support execution of ISC and Regional Asset Strategy

• Guide L6S practitioners toward certification

• Lead complex, high-priority improvement projects, as directed by the OpEx Lead

• Participate in strategic program meetings to identify gaps and strengthen CI/L6S programs

We believe you bring:

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Supply Chain, or a related technical field

• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification (Black Belt is a plus but not required)

• 5–8 years of experience in process improvement, operational excellence, or continuous improvement roles

• Hands-on experience leading improvement projects in manufacturing or supply chain environments

• Strong working knowledge of Lean Six Sigma tools and methodologies (DMAIC, root cause analysis, value stream mapping, etc.)

• Experience in chemical manufacturing or a similar process industry is strongly preferred

• Comfortable working directly with plant teams, coaching colleagues, and driving improvement initiatives on the shop floor

• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to influence teams across functions

Good to know:

Please apply via our online recruitment system. We will not accept applications via e-mail. Once it's with us, we will review to see if we have a match between your skills and the role! For more information about our hiring process, visit: nouryon.com/careers/how-we-hire/

We look forward to receiving your application!

We kindly ask our internal candidates to apply with your Nouryon email via Success Factors.

About Nouryon:

We’re looking for tomorrow’s Changemakers, today. If you’re looking for your next career move, apply today and join Nouryon’s worldwide team of Changemakers in providing essential solutions that our customers use to manufacture everyday products such as personal care, cleaning, paints and coatings, agriculture and food, pharmaceuticals, and building products. Our employees are driven by the desire to make an impact and actively drive positive change. If that describes you, we will gladly make way for your ambitions.

From day one, we support you with your personal growth through challenging positions and comprehensive learning and development opportunities in a dynamic, international, diverse, and proactive working environment.

Visit our website and follow us on LinkedIn.

#WeAreNouryon #Changemakers