Project Manager, Operations, Strategies & Solutions

Job ID: 41598 | Location: Louisville, Kentucky, USA | Work Model: Hybrid Clariant is currently looking for a Project Manager to join the Operations Strategy & Solutions team. In this highly visible and autonomous role, you will lead Operational Excellence and Operations transformation initiatives across Clariant’s U.S. manufacturing network. You will partner with business leaders, site management, and shop-floor teams to identify improvement opportunities, develop practical transformation roadmaps, and lead complex cross-functional projects from concept through sustainable implementation. Your work will help improve operational performance, profitability, production systems, and overall manufacturing capabilities across multiple sites and business units. The ideal candidate is a self-driven Operations professional who can work independently, influence stakeholders without formal authority, and translate complex business challenges into measurable results. This position requires up to 30% travel to U.S. manufacturing sites, including Mt. Holly, North Carolina, and Clear Lake, Texas, based on project needs. If you are energized by solving complex operational challenges, leading meaningful change, and delivering measurable results, we invite you to apply and help shape the future of Operations at Clariant. We offer competitive compensation plus an annual bonus, generous PTO, a hybrid work schedule and more! Responsibilities Lead Operational Excellence and Operations transformation initiatives across U.S. sites, business units, and functions. Serve as the primary OSS representative in the United States and build strong relationships with Operations and business leaders. Conduct operational maturity assessments, diagnostics, benchmarking, and performance reviews to identify improvement priorities. Facilitate leadership workshops, ideation sessions, and cross-functional teams to develop transformation roadmaps. Translate findings into actionable initiatives, business cases, implementation plans, and value-tracking measures. Manage complex cross-functional projects requiring change management and coordination across multiple organizational levels. Partner with senior management, site leadership, and shop-floor teams to drive the adoption of new processes and ways of working. Lead Digital Lean initiatives involving analytics, visualization, automation, and performance-management systems. Facilitate cross-business-unit collaboration and knowledge sharing related to Production Systems, continuous improvement, maintenance excellence, sustainability, and net-zero initiatives. Develop operational blueprints, maturity models, standards, dashboards, and best-practice frameworks that strengthen Operations capabilities. Requirements Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Engineering, Science, Manufacturing, Operations Management, or a related field Minimum five years of relevant professional experience in Operations, manufacturing, Operational Excellence, Manufacturing Excellence, or a related transformation role. Proven experience leading transformation initiatives or complex cross-functional projects that delivered measurable business results. Strong knowledge of manufacturing operations, Production Systems, Lean principles, change management, and performance-improvement methodologies. Excellent stakeholder management, facilitation, communication, coaching, and leadership skills. Ability to travel up to 30% based on project needs, including travel to U.S. manufacturing sites. Lean Six Sigma Black Belt and/or PMP certification preferred. What´s in it for you? Medical/Dental/Vision Insurances Paid Holidays PTO time with a carry-over benefit Tuition Reimbursement Wellness Program EAP Program Spending and Savings Accounts Life/AD&D Insurance Disability Insurance Pet Insurance Online discount Mall Auto/Home Insurance Identity Theft Protection Legal Services Plan Mahogany McClurkin Talent Acquisition Partner Clariant is a Swiss-based global specialty chemicals company, which is concentrated and developed in three business units: Care Chemicals, Catalysts and Adsorbents & Additives. Our purpose as a company is reflected in our tagline "Greater chemistry - between people and planet", which considers the principles of customer, innovation and people orientation, as well as a focus on creating solutions to foster sustainability in different industries by offering high-value and high-performance chemical specialties. At Clariant, we believe that diversity, equity and inclusion are essential to our success. We strive to cultivate a workplace where all employees feel welcomed, respected, supported, and valued. Our diverse workforce allows us to tap into a wealth of perspectives, experiences, and capabilities that drive innovation. We are committed to ensuring equal opportunities for professional growth and advancement across all levels of the organization, based on objective criteria and regardless of gender, gender identity, race, ethnicity, religion, protected veteran status ,age, disability, sexual orientation or other aspects of diversity in accordance with the relevant governing laws. By bringing together talented individuals with diverse backgrounds and viewpoints, we gain the agility to meet the evolving needs of our global customers and communities. Join our team to help advance our mission of fostering a culture of belonging where everyone can thrive. Clariant Corporation is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected Veteran status, or any other protected class as established by law. Learn more about Clariant Follow us on Facebook , Twitter and LinkedIn