The Continuous Improvement Director is responsible for leading and driving Avient's continuous improvement strategic initiatives. This role will partner with global business leaders to select and set priorities on Lean Six Sigma projects, driving operational efficiencies or enabling strategic initiatives within the business. The Continuous Improvement Director will also have global responsibility for the oversight and management of the Lean Six Sigma corporate team, global portfolio of projects, deliver results, and provide organizational training to foster a culture of continuous improvement. This role will also collaborate closely with Manufacturing Operations in support of helping to achieve Avient Production Excellence (APEX) goals, through scoping projects and resources to drive improvement. Essential Functions * Lead, manage, design and implement Avient's global Lean Six Sigma (LSS) and Project Management strategy. Program management to include: project leader resources (Black Belt, Master Black Belt, Green Belt, Kaizen Leader, PMP), talent development, global training and development of LSS and PMP programs, program goals and objectives, lean guiding principles and strategic business initiatives. * Lead and directly manage the corporate Continuous Improvement organization, inclusive of the Operational Excellence Leadership Development Program and US/CAN Black Belts. * Collaboration and execution of business-wide project priorities that are selected through a project prioritization process. Priorities should deliver financial benefit for the business through achieving operational efficiencies, strategic initiatives or APEX goals. * Set and track measurable goals and KPIs for each region, including but not limited to, financial targets, training census, project leader certification and lean initiatives. * Provide feedback and counsel to business units and corporate functions on project priorities and focus areas being aligned with those of the business targets and goals. * Partner with business-wide leaders to identify talent for the various LSS training programs. * Identify and work with plant management on Enhanced Lean program to help drive cultural change, lean thinking, and 6S within Avient manufacturing operations. * Participate as a member of the Global Manufacturing Council and APEX Steering Committee. * Lead quarterly meetings with business-wide leaders to review projects in flight, progress towards goals and KPIs, talent development and alignment of projects and resources to achieve business strategic goals. * Other duties as assigned Education and Experience * Bachelor's degree in business administration, Engineering, or a related field; MBA or Master's degree is preferred * Proved experience (7+ years) in continuous improvement, with a demonstrated ability to lead complex projects and teams * Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt is required. Additional Qualifications Competencies * Each position at Avient focuses on eight Core Competencies as a Leader of Self. Additionally, management positions focus on Leadership Competencies as a Leader of Others and/or a Leader of the Business. These competencies are designed to drive behavior that will ultimately help our associates excel at their current roles, while supporting individual and career development. Physical Demands The characteristics listed below are representative of the physical and environmental demands required by an individual to successfully perform the essential duties of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties. * Requires remaining in a stationary position for prolonged periods of time, and frequent communication. * Must be able to traverse and operate computer and other