WCO Manager

Job Summary

Provide change management leadership and Lean Six Sigma expertise needed in the Huhtamaki Continuous Improvement Process. Working with all levels of management, the WCO Manager facilitates cost savings and quality improvement projects within the operations cost centers, business groups, or corporate functions.

• Drive site WCO deployment through pillar routes
• Plan and lead large‑scale CI projects
• Organise and facilitate Lean/Kaizen CI events
• Deliver effective process and financial business improvements
• Manage and coach smaller‑scale CI projects
• Plan and communicate CI initiatives and results with management staff
• Document CI program, update the CI database, track site projects, and conduct project report‑outs
• Perform process measurement and data mining
• Assist with project selection, prioritisation, and pipeline maintenance
• Participate hands‑on with WCO events and projects
• Communicate and interact with all levels of the organisation
• Facilitate team building, organisational leadership and change‑management best practices
• Other duties as assigned

• Bachelor’s degree in a technical field required, minimum four years of manufacturing experience, and minimum two years in a leadership/influencing role.
• Strong knowledge of CI methodologies/techniques with demonstrated experience coaching others on those principles (WCO Pillars, Six Sigma, TPM, Kaizen, Loss classification).
• Strong knowledge of Root Cause Analysis, Value Stream Mapping, NVA vs. VA, etc.
• Demonstrated successful project‑management experience.
• Experience with plant safety management systems.
• Excellent communication skills (listening, verbal, written).
• Analytical / research skills, flexibility, adaptability, and ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Interpersonal abilities that improve engagement across functional areas and the shop floor.
• Leadership/management skills: able to give/receive constructive feedback.
• Planning/organising skills: able to create lead project Gantt charts and drive accountability to timelines.
• Problem‑solving/reasoning skills: strong root‑cause focus and ability to overcome obstacles.
• Can‑do attitude and teamwork: able to work with a diverse group at various levels of project experience.
• Computer‑literate: MS Office, MS Project, Power App, and CAD experience a plus.

Physical effort requirements may include lifting up to 50lb, extended standing, walking extended distances. Work environment may include heat, cold, dust and noise. Work schedule may require travel, extended work hours, or shift work.

We are on a mission to protect food, people and the planet through sustainable packaging solutions. If that aligns with your career goals, we invite you to join our team.