Project Manager, Manufacturing Operational Excellence

Project Manager, Manufacturing Operational Excellence

MP Materials is looking for a Project Manager, Manufacturing Operational Excellence, who will be responsible for driving performance, efficiency, and continuous improvement across key projects within MP's Magnetics division. This role partners closely with Operations, Quality, Engineering, EHS and Supply Chain to build and mature sustainable manufacturing systems, standardize operational processes, and create a culture of continuous improvement as our manufacturing operations continue to expand in complexity and volume.

This position will play a critical role in both establishing new best practices from the ground up and leading troubleshooting and continuous improvement initiatives through the application of Lean Six Sigma methodologies, statistical analysis, root cause problem solving, and cross-functional collaboration. They will oversee improvement projects focused on scrap reduction, throughput improvement, downtime reduction, and operational standardization while maintaining strong alignment with production priorities and business objectives, and ultimately, driving operational excellence.

Position Responsibilities:

• Lead Lean Six Sigma projects from conception through execution.
• Drive process improvement initiatives focused on reducing scrap, improving throughput, increasing uptime, and enhancing product quality.
• Utilize PDCA, DMAIC, Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping, 5S, and root cause analysis methodologies to improve operational performance.
• Identify opportunities to further improve operational efficiency, quality performance, and manufacturing reliability.
• Identify and resolve operational gaps, constraints, and process inefficiencies.
• Develop and implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) to improve process capability and operational reliability.
• Support standardization of manufacturing processes, procedures, and operational best practices.
• Facilitate Kaizen workshops and cross-functional continuous improvement activities.

• Analyze manufacturing, quality, maintenance, and operational data to identify trends and improvement opportunities.
• Develop KPI dashboards, reports, and visual management tools to support operational decision-making.
• Perform statistical analysis related to process capability, variation reduction, scrap trends, downtime, and production performance.
• Utilize data analytics tools to support data-driven recommendations and operational improvements.
• Track and report measurable improvement results including cost savings, efficiency gains, and quality improvements.

• Support employees on Lean Six Sigma tools, problem-solving methods, and continuous improvement practices.
• Coordinate and/or provide guidance to cross-functional "tiger teams" participating in operational excellence initiatives.
• Promote a culture of accountability, operational discipline, and continuous improvement throughout the organization.
• Support development of standardized problem-solving and data-driven decision making practices.

• Maintain documentation related to improvement projects, action items, risk assessments, and operational metrics.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, and leadership updates related to continuous improvement activities.
• Support change management activities associated with process improvements and operational changes.
• Verify sustainability of implemented improvements through audits, KPI monitoring, and follow-up reviews.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant engineering discipline (e.g. Industrial, Manufacturing, Mechanical), Data Analytics, Supply Chain, Business, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in manufacturing, operational excellence, quality, process engineering, or continuous improvement roles.
• Demonstrated experience leading Lean Six Sigma or operational improvement projects within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, plant operations, quality systems, and process optimization methodologies, informed by a basic understanding of the physics and chemistry underlying diverse manufacturing processes.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing…