The Talent Shortlist

We find qualified and highly motivated talent.

Here at Kaizen, we’re committed to keeping you informed about what’s happening in the talent marketplace – and that includes right here! To highlight the remarkable depth in today’s talent pool, we’re showcasing a few of our high-impact candidates. Get the details on these exceptional candidates, plus data on salary, relocations, and more that you can use to help shape a competitive talent strategy at your own organization.

Our Exceptional Candidates

Experienced Plant Manager

Candidate #120282
 

$7M Savings, 50% Downtime Reduction, & Improved Safety

With 20 years of experience, this seasoned Plant Manager in the plastics industry has achieved measurable gains in efficiency, cost savings, and team culture:

  • Performance Boosts: Raised on-time process performance from 80% to 97% and increased throughput by 20%, resulting in $7M in cost savings and doubled EBITDA.
  • Efficiency Enhancements: Achieved a 35% improvement in pounds per man-hour and 45% boost in production throughput. Reduced downtime by 50% and customer complaints by 60%, saving $900K.
  • Operational & Financial Impact: Implemented a $35M capital plan and ERP system improvements, reducing headcount by 10% while enhancing safety and quality, saving $1.4M.
 

This candidate’s operational excellence and cost efficiency record positions them to make an immediate impact.

Experienced Operations & Plant Manager

Candidate #120052
 

$10MM Capital Project & Lean Successes

With over 18 years in plastics and chemical manufacturing, this Operations Leader brings a record of enhancing operational efficiency, team performance, and revenue growth:

  • Operational Excellence: Oversaw complex budgets from $16MM to $160MM, and implemented lean initiatives, including the “80 in 80” uptime strategy, driving significant operational efficiency.
  • Impactful Projects & Quality Improvements: Successfully managed a $10MM capital project, delivering results on time and within budget; reduced quality notifications by 60% in a year.
  • High-Performing Teams: Consistently built and led high-performing teams, meeting business goals across diverse sectors (private, private equity, and public).
 

This candidate’s expertise in lean manufacturing and operational strategy makes them well-positioned to contribute substantial value from day one.

Experienced EHS Leader

Candidate #122021
 

$2M Cost Savings, 50% Injury Reduction, & Sustainability Expertise

With a track record of building strong safety cultures and achieving measurable results, this EHS leader has driven operational excellence across diverse settings:

  • Safety & Audit Success: Led a team to achieve a 50% reduction in injuries and a 90% closure rate on audit actions for a national start-up, embedding a safety-first culture.
  • Environmental Impact & Compliance: Implemented initiatives reducing environmental risks by 75% and aligning with ISO 14001 standards for sustainable, future-ready performance.
  • Global Expertise & Cost Efficiency: At a global organization with 17,000 employees, achieved the lowest injury rate company-wide with a 30% reduction and delivered $2M in cost savings, meeting targets ahead of schedule.
 

This candidate’s expertise in safety, health, and environmental management positions them as a valuable asset for operational improvement and sustainable growth.

Regional EHS Director

Candidate #121892
 

40% Ergonomic Injury Reduction & 200% Target Achievement

This seasoned Regional EHS Director brings a wealth of experience managing multi-facility EHS programs across the U.S., Canada, and Germany, ensuring safety for over 1,800 employees:

  • Ergonomic Injury Reduction: Achieved a 40% reduction in ergonomic injuries through lean methodologies, kaizen events, ergonomic projects, and work cell redesigns.
  • Proactive Safety Metrics: Transitioned safety metrics to focus on leading indicators, surpassing company targets by 200%, driving a forward-thinking safety culture.
  • New Hire Safety & Training: Developed an onboarding program that reduced new-hire injuries by 30%, addressing safety proactively from day one.
 

This candidate’s expertise in EHS strategy and injury prevention positions them as an impactful leader for operational safety and health.

Commercial & Application Development Expert

Candidate #124517
 

20+ Years in Polymer Innovation

A seasoned mechanical engineer, this candidate brings over 20 years of experience driving growth through customer-focused application development for top polymer manufacturers:

  • Technical Expertise: Deep knowledge in injection molding, part and mold design, and advanced testing methods.
  • Customer-Centric Growth: Skilled in account management and business development, building robust relationships with OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers (80%) and some Tier 2 suppliers (20%).
  • Application & Design Support: Provides material recommendations, mold and part design guidance, and identifies new applications, directly enhancing customer success.
 

This candidate’s technical and commercial expertise makes them a valuable asset for driving application innovation and growth.

Materials Science Engineer

Candidate #124106
 

10 Years in Engineered Plastics & Application Development

This Materials Science Engineer brings a decade of expertise in the engineered plastics industry, excelling in material selection and part design for optimal performance:

  • Technical Design & Simulation: Specializes in Moldflow simulation and CAD for precise part design, with a focus on chemical resistance and end-use performance.
  • Process & Troubleshooting Expertise: Skilled in injection molding and extrusion, supporting mold trials and resolving processing issues for various thermoplastic compounds.
  • Customer & Internal Training Leader: Builds strong relationships with OEMs through technical education and “lunch and learn” sessions, and leads internal training and technical content development.
 

This candidate’s blend of technical knowledge and customer-focused approach positions them as a valuable partner in application development and engineering support.

Talk to Us About Your Talent Needs

We’re always ready to talk, and more importantly, listen so we can put two-and-two together.