Project Manager, Operational Excellence and Continuous Improvement

About Grace

Grace, established in 1854, is a Standard Industries company and a leading global supplier of specialty chemicals and solutions that enable industries to enhance modern life. Our customers use our catalysts, engineered materials, process technologies and fine chemicals to manufacture everyday products – like renewable fuels, pharmaceuticals and food packaging – better, faster and smarter. Our thousands of employees work to harness the power of science for a better world at our global headquarters in Columbia, Maryland and locations worldwide.

Grace Global Business Services (GBS)

At Grace Global Business Services (GBS) in Manila, Philippines, our teams play a critical role in supporting the organization’s worldwide operations. For more than a decade, GBS has been a trusted partner, delivering expertise in shared services, process excellence, and digital enablement. Our team members support business lines and functions across Grace, including Finance, Human Resources, Information Technology, Procurement, Supply Chain and more.

At GBS, you’ll have the opportunity to make an impact—working alongside global colleagues to help shape the chemical manufacturing industry. You’ll be part of a collaborative, team-oriented culture where safety comes first. We prioritize your well-being by offering competitive benefits and flexible working options that help you thrive. Here, you’ll find meaningful ways to grow your career, whether deepening your expertise in your field or exploring new roles.

Job Description

The Project Manager, Operational Excellence & Continuous Improvement is responsible for guiding high‑impact initiatives from inception to completion. This role requires managing complex scopes, substantial budgets, and cross-functional teams, often serving as the link between executive vision and execution on the ground.

We are seeking a Project Manager, Operational Excellence & Continuous Improvement to lead and deliver high impact initiatives across GBS. This role combines strong project management discipline with expertise in process excellence, driving both transformation and steady state improvements.

You will be responsible for managing end-to-end project delivery, leading process transitions, and embedding a culture of continuous improvement across operations, ensuring that initiatives deliver measurable business outcomes in productivity, cost, quality, and customer satisfaction.

Project Management and Delivery

Responsibilities:

• Define project scope, objectives, timelines, and deliverables aligned with business goals

• Manage end-to-end execution using Agile, Waterfall, or Hybrid approaches

• Lead cross-functional teams and ensure alignment across stakeholders

• Develop and manage project plans, resources, budgets, and forecasts

• Identify risks and implement mitigation strategies proactively

• Ensure projects are delivered on time, within scope, and within budget

• Maintain high-quality standards across all project milestones

Process Transition and Migration

Responsibilities:

• Lead or support transitions into GBS aligned with business strategy

• Execute migrations using:

• Lift-and-shift approaches for speed and stability

• Redesign-enabled approaches for long-term optimization

• Define and manage:

• Transition plans, timelines, and governance

• Knowledge Transfer (KT) strategies

• Process documentation and readiness criteria

• Manage hyper care and stabilization phases

• Ensure smooth handover to steady-state operations and CI pipelines

Continuous Improvement and Process Excellence

Responsibilities:

• Drive Continuous Improvement across GBS processes (migrated, legacy, and evolving operations)

• Identify and prioritize opportunities in:

• Productivity and capacity optimization

• Cost efficiency

• Service quality and customer satisfaction

• Risk reduction, controls, and rework elimination

• Apply Lean, Six Sigma, and structured problem-solving methodologies

• Conduct root cause analysis for recurring issues and performance gaps

• Lead CI initiatives independently of transition activity

• Track, validate, and report benefits realization

• Coach operational leaders to embed CI into daily management practices

Governance, Reporting and Stakeholder Management

Responsibilities:

• Provide clear and consistent reporting to leadership and stakeholders

• Manage risks, issues, and dependencies across initiatives

• Facilitate governance forums and performance reviews

• Maintain visibility and prioritization across project and CI portfolios

• Partner with senior leaders to align initiatives with strategic goals

Required Qualifications (1 of 2)

Experience & Education

• Bachelor’s degree in business, Engineering, or related field

• 7–10+ years of experience in:

• Project Management

• Continuous Improvement / Process Excellence

• Process Transition / Migration

• Experience in Shared Services, GBS, or BPO environment

Certifications (Preferred)

• PMP, PRINCE2, or equivalent Project Management certification

• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt

Core Skills

• Strong Project Management and delivery capability

• Lean / Six Sigma methodology application

• Process transition and Knowledge Transfer management

• Process mapping, documentation, and analysis

• Financial acumen (budgeting, ROI, cost tracking)

• Stakeholder management without direct authority

Required Qualifications (2 of 2)

Leadership & Behavioral Competencies

• Leadership: Ability to influence and lead without authority

• Strategic Thinking: Align initiatives with long-term business objectives

• Problem Solving: Strong analytical and structured thinking

• Adaptability: Thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment

• Communication: Clear, confident facilitation and reporting

Success Metrics (KPIs)

• On-time delivery of projects and milestones

• Budget adherence within ±5–10%

• Measurable CI benefits (cost savings, efficiency gains, quality improvements)

• Successful transition stabilization and performance adherence

• Stakeholder satisfaction and feedback

Benefits

• Guaranteed 14th Month Pay

• Above-market Retirement Plan Design

• LinkedIn Learning Access

• Established Performance Incentive Program

• HMO coverage for employees on day 1

• Free HMO coverage for up to 3 qualified dependents

• Educational Assistance

Grace is not accepting unsolicited assistance from search firms for this employment opportunity. Please, no phone calls or emails. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at Grace via email, the Internet or in any form and/or method without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of Grace. No fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by Grace as a result of the referral or through other means.