Lewis Graham
Lean Six Sigma Black Belt | Continuous Improvement, Operational Excellence, and Process Optimization Leader | Driving Multi-Site Manufacturing Efficiency and Cost Reduction
- Role
- Blackbelt Manager, Manufacturing Excellence at Smurfit Westrock
- Location
- Houston, TX, US
- LinkedIn followers
- 500 followers
Experience
Blackbelt Manager, Manufacturing Excellence
Nov 2022 — Present · Houston, TX, US
As Blackbelt Manager for Manufacturing Excellence at Smurfit Westrock, I lead strategic Lean Six Sigma Black Belt projects across 22 plants, delivering $3.2M in verified savings through targeted waste elimination, OEE and throughput improvements, set-up time reduction, returns and allowances minimization, obsolete inventory removal, and supply cost optimization. These initiatives have driven measurable margin improvements and contributed directly to EBITDA performance gains.I mentor and develop Yellow Belt and Green Belt candidates, building a robust internal pipeline of continuous improvement talent. My coaching has enabled project owners to achieve over $3M in additional savings. I design and deliver structured training in Lean principles, value stream mapping, 5S, and root cause analysis to strengthen problem-solving capabilities and sustain a culture of operational excellence.I facilitate high-impact Kaizen events across multiple manufacturing environments, applying process standardization, flow analysis, and visual management systems to increase operational efficiency, expand capacity, and integrate best practices into daily workflows. I implement control plans and performance metrics to ensure improvements are measurable, repeatable, and sustained over time.I optimize warehouse production flow and trailer utilization through workflow analysis, line balancing, and KPI tracking, reducing bottlenecks and overtime while improving overall throughput. Leveraging ERP and EMS systems, including KiwiPlan, I enhance scheduling, production planning, and operational visibility.I drive cross-functional operational excellence programs targeting reductions in repair and maintenance costs, demurrage charges, and outsourcing expenses. By applying value stream mapping, SMED, and root cause analysis, I implement cost-effective solutions that align with corporate strategic objectives and deliver long-term performance improvements.
Education
Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University
Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.), Logistics, Materials, and Supply Chain Management
2012 — 2014
Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University
Bachelor of Science - BS, Kinesiology and Exercise Science
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