Productivity Specialist (Finance)

Job Overview: We are seeking a Productivity Specialist to work with plant management, regional management, and other productivity teams to identify, lead, and complete productivity initiatives across Linde's industrial gas business. This role will manage a portfolio of six to ten Lean Six Sigma and/or cost-reduction projects annually, spanning varying complexity and size. You will focus on process improvements, cost reduction opportunities, and plant profitability using Lean Six Sigma methodologies. Key responsibilities include conducting value stream mapping of operational processes, identifying defects, optimizing electricity and natural gas tariffs, and developing productivity project validations. You will also facilitate collaborative idea generation through brainstorming, Lean events, and stakeholder engagement, ensuring action plans meet the needs of the business. This position offers exposure to Linde's approach to cost-benefit analysis, capital acquisition, and project execution, while leading high-impact black belt projects and overseeing green belt initiatives across multiple sites. Scope: The Productivity Specialist role requires an independent, self-motivated individual who can work with limited supervision while engaging stakeholders at various levels of the organization. You'll develop expertise in productivity methodologies, apply advanced tools, and overcome resistance to change to deliver tangible results. Collaboration with Linde Engineering, Regional Directors, and Operations Managers offers opportunities to align and drive projects while building connections for future career development. Reporting Relationships: You will report to the Director of Capital, Productivity, and Energy and primarily work as an individual contributor. The role also includes coaching junior productivity professionals and green belts on smaller projects and leading project teams. Principal Responsibilities: - Lead productivity initiatives with a typical annual savings portfolio of $5+ million. - Provide productivity support to plants in the LGUS West Region as well as sales and customer service teams. - Solve complex problems, using analytical and innovative approaches to identify solutions. - Analyze data, draw conclusions, and effectively communicate findings. - Build technical proficiency in operations and distribution processes to execute productivity opportunities. - Facilitate idea generation events like brainstorming sessions, Lean activities, and stakeholder collaborations. - Align action plans with the strategic goals of the business and its stakeholders. - Play a leadership role in project teams, building a strong presence and delivering impactful results. Qualifications: - Bachelor's degree required (preferably in chemical or mechanical engineering). - 2-5+ years of experience in air separation, project management, or similar fields; demonstrated leadership skills are a must. - Strong analytical, interpersonal, and influencing skills. - Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and familiarity with statistical tools like Minitab or equivalent (preferred). - Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification is preferred. - Able to travel 25-35% to support productivity projects across multiple plants. - Must be based out of a West Region Area Plant, with options including Hillsboro, OR; Wilmington, CA; Ontario, CA; Phoenix, AZ; Magna, UT; or Loveland, CO. About Linde: Linde is a leading global industrial gases and engineering company with 2024 sales of $33 billion. We live our mission of making our world more productive every day by providing high-quality solutions, technologies and services which are making our customers more successful and helping to sustain and protect our planet. The company serves a variety of end markets including chemicals & refining, food & beverage, electronics, healthcare, manufacturing, and primary metals. Linde's industrial gases are used in countless applications, from life-saving oxygen for hospitals to high-purity & specialty gases for electronics manufacturing, hydrogen for clean fuels and much more. Linde also delivers state-of-the-art gas processing solutions to support customer expansion, efficiency improvements and emissions reductions. For more information about the company and its products and services, please visit www.linde.com. - We offer a comprehensive competitive benefits package including paid holidays and vacation, health, dental, disability, life insurance, 401(k) (with matching), and pension benefits. - At Linde, we strive to create a work environment that treats all employees with respect, supports new thoughts and ideas, encourages growth and development, celebrates our differences, and embraces inclusion. Linde is committed to remaining an employer of choice for the diverse, ever-increasing pool of global talent. - All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other reason prohibited by applicable law. Linde thanks all applicants in advance for their interest; however, only those applicants who are being considered for an interview will be contacted. Pay commensurate with experience. Open to salary range $140,175 - $205,590. #LI-NB1