Manager, Manufacturing Performance Improvement, L'Oréal Operations

Job Title: Manager, Performance Improvement

Division:Operations

Location:Florence, KY Manufacturing

Reports To:AVP Manufacturing Excellence

Who We Are: 

For more than a century, L’Oréal has devoted its energy, innovation, and scientific excellence solely to one business: Beauty. Our goal is to offer each and every person around the world the best of beauty in terms of quality, efficacy, safety, sincerity, and responsibility to satisfy all beauty needs and desires in their infinite diversity.

At L'Oréal Operations, we create innovative, inclusive, and sustainable beauty together with our business partners by designing, developing, sourcing, manufacturing, and distributing over 6 billion products globally every year. We support over 36 brands across four L’Oréal divisions. We are consumer-oriented and act responsibly throughout the value chain. Come join our dynamic team!

What You Will Learn:

The performance improvement manager will develop, lead, and sustain the Manufacturing Plant’s continuous improvement culture while partnering with cross-functional leadership and team members to reach targeted business and operational goals through Lean and Six Sigma techniques. Lead plant performance improvement by combining strong technical expertise, data-driven problem-solving, and in-house engineering capabilities. The role manages the site workshop, including CNC machines and 3D printers, and supports production, maintenance, and digital projects to improve equipment performance, develop practical solutions, and contribute to plant cost and reliability objectives. As a continuous improvement leader, the focus is to train, coach, and mentor team members and co-workers for daily improvement opportunities and long-term strategy for the deployment of EOS standards,

• Builds, manages, executes, and supports continuous improvement projects focused on the plant's Quality, Cost, Delivery, and Safety. Identifies and leads initiatives to improve production equipment performance, line standards, reliability, and operational efficiency.
• Develop, update, and provide formal/informal Six Sigma / lean manufacturing training materials to be used to train, coach, and guide employees to accelerate execution and completion of projects
• Lead cross-functional implementation teams utilizing Six Sigma / lean manufacturing tools in executing continuous improvement processes including cost reduction activities 
• Identify and lead continuous improvement opportunities that reduce/eliminate non-value added activities within production and business processes, as well as define scope and project goals
• Lead and support project teams to solve complex problems. Work closely with reactive and preventive maintenance teams to address equipment issues and improve maintenance effectiveness. Collaborate with the UP teams and relevant project teams on plant performance and digital initiatives.
• Workshop and in-house solutions. Manage the site workshop, including CNC machines and 3D printers, ensuring equipment is used safely and effectively.

• Lead the development of practical solutions for spare-part repairs, replacements, and alternative components. Use the site’s internal capabilities to create cost-effective solutions, including alternatives to expensive parts.
• Coordinate workshop priorities and collaborate with relevant technical teams to deliver solutions.
• Coordinate and/or execute specific skill training for management teams in collaboration with HR
• Digital projects and performance data management. Lead or contribute to plantIgnition projects, from requirements gathering through implementation and support.
• Supporting data systems and reporting, including troubleshooting and improving data availability and usability.
• Act as the site subject matter expert for performance management and reporting systems, helping teams use performance data to identify issues, track improvement actions, and make informed decisions.
• Develop a strong technical network with internal and external customers
• Perform miscellaneous tasks and projects, as outlined by management

What We Are Looking For:

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor’s Degree required, preferably in Engineering, Logistics, Operations Management, Lean Manufacturing, or related field

3-5 years of experience as a certified Black Belt/Master Black Belt within a manufacturing environment preferred

• Strong technical skills and experience in a manufacturing or industrial environment
• Experience with troubleshooting equipment, continuous improvement, and performance management
• Experience with industrial data systems, reporting tools, or digital projects
• Familiarity with CNC equipment, 3D printing, workshop operations, or related in-house manufacturing technologies
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively and influence a wide array of personnel from plant floor employees to senior management, and across supply chain functions  
• Display ability to train and coach for Lean and Six Sigma tools and projects

• Ability to assess technical problems and develop safe, practical, and cost-conscious solutions
• Able to balance hands-on technical work with project leadership and stakeholder engagement
• Demonstrated understanding of successful leadership and principles of design
• Proven leadership skills, project management skills, and business acumen
• Demonstrate strong analytical and organizational skills
• Demonstrate problem-solving skills and an understanding of simplification/improvement methodologies
• Demonstrate professional judgment and sound decision-making skills
• Maintain a safe work environment and follow all safety procedures
• Ability to communicate scientific information in a clear and concise manner
• Demonstrate 100% responsibility with regard to actions and reactions
• Act as a responsible citizen in our company and community
• Must be able to interact effectively – both internally and externally
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
• Ability to manage in complex situations, often needing to deliver innovative results
• Demonstrated success in persuasion, influence, and negotiation skills
• Results oriented
• Must be willing to travel overnight
• Must be able to work flexible hours/shifts, as needed
• Production machinery may produce noise levels that exceed OSHA’s action level: Employees are provided with and are required to wear personal hearing protection devices in these areas
• Employees are required to wear appropriate personal protective equipment, including safety glasses, hairnets, gloves and steel-toed shoes

As an integral part of our culture at L’Oréal, wellness is at our core. We not only offer a generous Benefits Package (Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K), but we also offer flexible time off, work-from-home days, and a pension plan! Additionally, you will have access to company perks such as Makeup, Skincare, and Fragrance! Employees receive a stipend for L'Oréal products, VIP Access to L’Oréal’s Internal Shop for Discounted Products, and other perks such as a Monthly Mobile Allowance, discounted gym memberships, and ERGs.

Additional Benefits Information As Follows:

• Competitive Benefit Package (Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K, Pension Plan)  
• Flexible Time Off (Paid Company Holidays, Paid Vacation, Vacation Buy Program, Volunteer Time, Summer Fridays & More!)  
• Access to Company Perks (VIP Access to L’Oréal’s Internal Shop for Discounted Products, Monthly Mobile Allowance)  
• Learning & Development Opportunities (Unlimited Access to E-learnings, Lunch & Learn Sessions, Mentorship Programs, & More!)  
• Employee Resource Groups (Think Tanks and Innovation Squads)  
• Access to Mental Health & Wellness Programs

Don’t meet every single requirement? At L'Oréal, we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and innovative workplace. If you’re excited about this role but your past experiencedoesn’t align perfectly with the qualifications listed in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyways! You may just be the right candidate for this role or others!

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and take pride in a diverse environment. We would love to find out more about you as a candidate and do not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, or other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital or veteran status, medical condition or disability, or any other legally protected status.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to access job openings or apply for a job on this site as a result of your disability. You can request reasonable accommodations by contacting USApplicationAccommodation@support.lorealusa.com. If you need assistance to accommodate a disability, you may request an accommodation at any time. 

Our Safe Together Plan: Your safety is our highest priority. We will proceed with caution and adhere to enhanced protection standards to ensure our sites are safe for all employees. We must all operate with the shared responsibility for each other’s health & safety in mind.