Continuous Improvement Manager

Role

Provide high-quality process support and technical leadership to mill operations resulting in improved product quality increased productivity and reduced operating costs.

Key Accountabilities

• Lead develop and manage continuous improvement (CI) projects and the project pipeline to achieve or exceed annual savings targets for the Stevens Point Plant.
• Track and report savings for all approved and implemented CI projects in A-Track.
• Monitor savings for completed CAPEX projects to ensure financial goals and project objectives are achieved.
• Lead and support CI initiatives across the mill through data analysis events and project execution.
• Mentor and coach Process Engineers through the DMAIC methodology and targeted improvement initiatives.
• Conduct A-Gap/R-Gap analyses twice per year (June YTD and December final) including data analysis and development of waterfall presentations.
• Support the annual budgeting process through detailed A-Gap/R-Gap analysis and data insights for key spend areas (PM Operations PS&D Packaging Materials Maintenance/Repair Materials and contractor spend).
• Partner with departments to identify and scope CI opportunities.
• Maintain accurate documentation for CI projects including scope justification and savings methodology.
• Partner with Finance to support initiatives requiring CI expertise (e.g. HFM reporting ad hoc analysis).
• Serve as the Centerlining (KVA) Champion:
• Mentor train and coach KVA resources.
• Ensure the KVA model is effectively implemented and address any gaps.
• Evaluate product improvement and cost optimization opportunities by designing and executing trials including trial plans and reports.
• Develop project scopes savings estimates and project charters for improvement initiatives.
• Provide technical and analytical support to key departments.
• Lead problem-solving efforts and drive data-based decision making.
• Support other Ahlstrom Wisconsin facilities with training data analysis and special projects as needed.
• Develop strategies to improve work processes and systems ensuring measurable value creation.
• Participate in a rotating weekend coverage schedule.
• Work safely and promote a culture of safety.

Requirements

Education & Experience

• Bachelors degree in Engineering Pulp & Paper Science or a related field plus 10 years of technical or production supervisory experience in a mill environment; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Lean Six Sigma (LSS) Green Belt and Black Belt certification preferred; relevant project experience required.

Core Competencies

• Demonstrated ability to lead projects and influence organizational change.
• Strong mentoring and coaching capabilities with a focus on developing others.
• Proven problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Effective communication skills (verbal written and presentation).
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively in team environments and build strong peer relationships.
• Results-driven with strong decision-making capability and sound judgment.
• Skilled in process management and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Ability to navigate ambiguity and adapt to changing priorities.
• Action-oriented with the ability to make timely decisions.
• Strong technical and functional expertise.
• Ability to understand and apply various improvement methodologies appropriately.
• Proven ability to implement new concepts and drive adoption.
• Ability to balance customer business employee and supplier needs.
• Strong data analysis skills including process financial and supply chain data.
• Excellent organizational and planning capabilities.

Ahlstrom is a global leader in combining fibers into sustainable specialty materials. Our purpose is to Purify and Protect with Every Fiber for a Sustainable World. We aim to be the Preferred Sustainable Specialty Materials Company for all our stakeholders. Our Filtration and Life Sciences Food and Consumer Packaging and Protective Materials segments along with the Performance Materials Cluster address global trends with safe and sustainable solutions. Our net sales in 2025 amounted to EUR 2.9 billion and we employ some 7000 people. Read more at .