About the Role

Robert Half is proud to partner with a leading paper and pulp manufacturing organization in South Portland, Maine, to find an exceptional Six Sigma Black Belt Project Manager/Sr. Consultant. This high-impact position is perfect for a seasoned professional passionate about driving operational excellence in manufacturing environments. As a key leader in process improvement initiatives, you will spearhead strategic projects that optimize production processes, eliminate waste, enhance product quality, and boost customer satisfaction. Located in the vibrant coastal city of South Portland, ME, this full-time role offers the chance to make tangible improvements in a critical industry while enjoying the benefits of working with Robert Half's renowned expertise in talent placement.

In this role, you'll leverage advanced Lean Six Sigma methodologies to tackle complex challenges in paper and pulp operations. From identifying inefficiencies in production lines to implementing data-driven solutions, your work will directly contribute to multimillion-dollar savings and streamlined operations. If you thrive in dynamic, cross-functional team settings and have a proven track record of delivering measurable results, this Project Manager position at our client's state-of-the-art facility is your next career milestone.

Key Responsibilities

The Project Manager/Sr. Consultant will wear many hats, ensuring projects are executed flawlessly from kickoff to closure. Here's what your day-to-day will look like:

• Lead Cross-Functional Projects: Guide diverse teams through the full lifecycle of Lean Six Sigma initiatives, maintaining strict alignment with overarching business objectives and strategic priorities.
• Advanced Process Analysis: Dive deep into manufacturing workflows using DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control) and DFSS (Design for Six Sigma) frameworks to pinpoint root causes of inefficiencies and deploy lasting fixes.
• Lean Facilitation: Organize and lead Kaizen events, value stream mapping sessions, and other Lean techniques to foster rapid, sustainable continuous improvement across plant operations.
• Project Governance: Create comprehensive project charters, rigorous timelines, detailed budgets, and key performance indicators such as cost reductions, cycle time optimizations, and yield enhancements.
• Mentorship & Development: Serve as a coach to Green Belts and team members, imparting Six Sigma expertise and building a culture of problem-solving excellence.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Partner closely with plant executives, engineering, quality assurance, and maintenance departments to guarantee seamless project delivery and effective knowledge sharing.
• Executive Reporting: Deliver compelling presentations to C-suite leaders, highlighting project milestones, ROI calculations, and proactive risk management strategies.
• Culture Champion: Evangelize continuous improvement principles organization-wide, inspiring teams to embrace operational excellence in the competitive paper and pulp sector.

Required Qualifications

To excel in this demanding role, candidates must bring a robust blend of technical prowess and leadership acumen:

• Six Sigma Black Belt certification (required; Master Black Belt preferred).
• 5-10 years of hands-on experience in process improvement within manufacturing, ideally paper, pulp, or heavy industry.
• Demonstrated success leading high-stakes Lean Six Sigma projects with quantifiable outcomes like 20%+ cost savings or 30% cycle time reductions.
• Expertise in statistical tools (e.g., Minitab, JMP) and methodologies including DMAIC, DFSS, SIPOC, FMEA, and control charts.
• Strong facilitation skills for Kaizen, 5S, and value stream mapping workshops.
• Experience mentoring junior belts and building CI capabilities in teams.
• Exceptional communication and presentation abilities for senior stakeholder engagement.
• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Operations Management, or equivalent.
• Familiarity with manufacturing software (ERP, MES) and project tools (MS Project, Asana).

Bonus: Exposure to paper and pulp processes, regulatory compliance (ISO, FDA), or supply chain optimization.

Why Join Us

Partnering with Robert Half means accessing top-tier opportunities in South Portland, Maine's thriving manufacturing hub. Enjoy a competitive salary around $105,000 base (plus bonuses), comprehensive benefits including 401(k) matching, health coverage, PTO, and professional growth via ongoing Six Sigma training. Work in a collaborative environment with cutting-edge technology, hybrid flexibility, and clear paths to senior roles. Contribute to sustainable manufacturing practices in paper and pulp while advancing your career with a global leader like Robert Half. Apply now to transform operations and lead the future of efficiency!

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