Improvement Manager

At Dow, we believe in putting people first and we’re passionate about delivering integrity, respect and safety to our customers, our employees and the planet.  

Our people are at the heart of our solutions. They reflect the communities we live in and the world where we do business. Their diversity is our strength. We’re a community of relentless problem solvers that offers the daily opportunity to contribute with your perspective, transform industries and shape the future. Our purpose is simple - to deliver a sustainable future for the world through science and collaboration. If you’re looking for a challenge and meaningful role, you’re in the right place. 

About you and this role

We are offering an exciting and challenging opportunity to become an Improvement Manager based in Zwijndrecht, Belgium. This role provides an excellent opportunity for growth in project management or continuous improvement. You will be working in the HEC (hydroxyethyl-cellulose) plant, which is operated and maintained by a third party, and is part of the Consumer Solutions business. The plant is based in a third-party industry park hosted by Ineos. Daily interactions will include external parties and global business colleagues, as well as those in the Terneuzen hub.

The purpose of this job is to ensure that plant-level improvement opportunities aligned with site and business strategy are identified and implemented timely and effectively. In addition to executing improvement projects in support of the business technology plan (with an average capital spending of $4 million per year), you will become a key member of the plant team and contribute to a safe, efficient, and reliable operation. This role also involves additional local responsibilities due to the small-site structure.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the prioritization and implementation of all plant improvement opportunities and required resources, coordinating and leveraging global resources.
• Develop and execute Plant Specific Technology Plans in alignment with the Global Technology Plan and contribute to MET (Most Effective Technology) development.
• Optimize process technology and implement improvement projects to meet global business goals, monitoring and measuring their implementation.
• Partner with Plant and Operations leaders to gather ideas, describe opportunities, and implement projects, providing input for improving work practices and priorities.
• Interface with the business and participate in business plan technology development, working with the technology center to set priorities for MET definition needs.
• Ensure validation of project performance objectives after implementation, serving as a change agent for driving technology improvements.

Qualifications:

• A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in chemical, mechanical or industrial engineering or equivalent.
• At least 3 years of experience in engineering, manufacturing, or a related field.
• Fluent in English.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Expertise in Project Management (Global Product Methodology).
• Continuous improvement expertise.
• 5+ years of experience in manufacturing and engineering.

Skills:

• Strong analytical, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.
• Cross-Functional Work.
• Prioritization.
• Financial Acumen.
• Ideally, basic Dutch language skills.

Additional Notes:

• The role involves working independently in a small team of 8 Dow employees, closely collaborating with a larger group of Ineos employees.
• The Improvement Manager reports to the Global Improvement Leader, with alignment to the Site/Production Leader.

Benefits – What Dow offers you 

We invest in you. 
 

Dow invests in total rewards programs to help you manage all aspects of you: your pay, your health, your life, your future, and your career. You bring your background, talent, and perspective to work every day. Dow rewards that commitment by investing in your total wellbeing.  

Here are just a few highlights of what you would be offered as a Dow employee: 

• Equitable and market-competitive base pay and bonus opportunity across our global markets, along with locally relevant incentives. 
• Benefits and programs to support your physical, mental, financial, and social well-being, to help you get the care you need...when you need it. 
• Competitive retirement program that may include company-provided benefits, savings opportunities, financial planning, and educational resources to help you achieve your long term financial-goals. 
  • Employee stock purchase programs (availability varies depending on location).
• Student Debt Retirement Savings Match Program (U.S. only).
  • Dow will take the value of monthly student debt payments and apply them as if they are contributions to the Employees’ Savings Plan (401(k)), helping employees reach the Company match.
• Robust medical and life insurance packages that offer a variety of coverage options to meet your individual needs. Travel insurance is also available in certain countries/locations.
• Opportunities to learn and grow through training and mentoring, work experiences, community involvement and team building. 
• Workplace culture empowering role-based flexibility to maximize personal productivity and balance personal needs. 
• Competitive yearly vacation allowance.
• Paid time off for new parents (birthing and non-birthing, including adoptive and foster parents).  
• Paid time off to care for family members who are sick or injured.  
• Paid time off to support volunteering and Employee Resource Group’s (ERG) participation. 
• Wellbeing Portal for all Dow employees, our one-stop shop to promote wellbeing, empowering employees to take ownership of their entire wellbeing journey.
• On-site fitness facilities to help stay healthy and active (availability varies depending on location).
• Employee discounts for online shopping, cinema tickets, gym memberships and more.
• Additionally, some of our locations might offer:
  • Transportation allowance (availability varies depending on location)
  • Meal subsidiaries/vouchers (availability varies depending on location)
  • Carbon-neutral transportation incentives e.g. bike to work (availability varies depending on location)

Join our team, we can make a difference together.

About Dow

Dow (NYSE: DOW) is one of the world’s leading materials science companies, serving customers in high-growth markets such as packaging, infrastructure, mobility and consumer applications. Our global breadth, asset integration and scale, focused innovation, leading business positions and commitment to sustainability enable us to achieve profitable growth and help deliver a sustainable future. We operate manufacturing sites in 31 countries and employ approximately 35,900 people. Dow delivered sales of approximately $45 billion in 2023. References to Dow or the Company mean Dow Inc. and its subsidiaries. ​​​​Learn more about us and our ambition to be the most innovative, customer-centric, inclusive and sustainable materials science company in the world by visiting www.dow.comopens in a new tab.

As part of our dedication to the diversity of our workforce, Dow is committed to equal opportunities in employment.  We encourage every employee to bring their whole self to work each day to not only deliver more value, but also have a more fulfilling career. Further information regarding Dow's equal opportunities is available on www.dow.comopens in a new tab.