Knauf Insulation North America is the world's fastest-growing insulation manufacturer. We are wholly committed to the conservation of the environment while also sustainably developing and manufacturing a comprehensive line of acoustical fiberglass insulation for residential, commercial, industrial, marine, OEM and metal building applications, using post-consumer recycled materials.

We welcome passionate and creative individuals who thrive in an entrepreneurial, collaborative and ever-changing environment. 

We know how important your health, wellbeing, and financial strength is to you. To support you, we provide affordable benefits for you and your family members.

"Supporting all aspects of the individual — self, health, wealth and community” 

Our benefits include:

• Medical, Dental, Vision – starting on day one!
• Onsite Free Clinic
• Virtual Medical Services
• 401(k) Retirement Plan (earn 100% matching on your first 6% and fully vested day one)
• Paid parental leave
• Company paid life insurance
• Vacation time to enjoy getting away
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Plus, more!

Growth opportunities available! 

Apply online or contact us to hear why our employees appreciate being part of the Knauf family!

Summary of Position:

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Manufacturing Sustainability Specialist to lead our manufacturing sustainability initiatives across all seven plants in North America. You will identify and quantify waste streams, implement process improvements to reduce scrap produced/scrap sent to landfills, promote scrap fiber recycling, and minimizing freshwater usage. Develop and aid in the execution the division's energy plan. This position reports to the Director, Continuous Improvement while working closely with KINA’s (Knauf Insulation North America) Sustainability Engineer with capital improvements related to sustainability.

Waste Stream Identification and Quantification:

• Conduct comprehensive assessments of waste streams at all plant locations.
• Implement data-driven approaches to quantify and analyze waste generation, identifying opportunities for reduction and recycling.

Scrap Reduction and Recycling:

• Develop and execute strategies to reduce scrap materials destined for landfills.
• Implement process improvements to minimize waste generation.
• Lead initiatives to promote fiber recycling within the division.

Freshwater Usage Reduction:

• Develop water footprint across plants.
• Develop and implement initiatives to reduce freshwater usage, improve water recycling through innovative solutions and process optimization.

Division Energy Plan:

• Develop, implement, and manage the division's energy plan, focusing on sustainable and efficient energy practices.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify and implement energy-saving measures.

Sustainability Leadership:

• Drive a culture of sustainability and environmental responsibility throughout the organization.
• Collaborate with plant managers, plant teams and sustainability team members to integrate sustainability principles into our daily operations to meet site business plant goals.

Performance Measurement and Reporting:

• Prepare regular reports on progress, successes, and areas for improvement.
• Hold regular meetings with all locations to review KPIs.  Recognize positive performance and ensure appropriate countermeasures are in place to correct deficiencies.Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the success of sustainability initiatives.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Work closely with the KINA’s Sustainability Engineer when an equipment or process change requires a capital investment.
• The person in this role will be very focused in the first year in aiding / coaching the Plant 1 Sustainability Engineer to achieve the 2024 business plan goals with respect to waste and energy.
• Collaborate with departments in manufacturing to produce a roadmap to success and to ensure alignment of sustainability goals with overall business objectives. Work with the KINA’s HSE & Sustainability team to understand the corporate roadmap initiatives and targets, as well as understand KPI reporting according to global requirements (EFRAG).
• Work with other corporate and outside services to identify potential outlets for our scrap product that has a beneficial use.  Once an outlet is identified, work with that customer to ensure fitness for use and that there will exist a benefit for both parties.

Education: 

• Bachelor's degree in engineering is preferred or
• 3 years related professional experience in an engineering/sustainability role with responsibility for waste reduction, energy reduction and water conservation efforts with an appropriate level of analytical skills.

Experience:

• Proven experience in process change management, sustainability program management, waste reduction, and freshwater usage optimization.
• Familiarity with energy management, energy reduction strategies and understand best sustainability practices including CO2 reduction.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Preferred certification as a Six Sigma Green or Black Belt.
• Strong analytical to calculate energy and CO2 impacts from project proposals.
• Proficient with problem-solving tools such as Kata, Kaizen, RCA, PDCA.
• A change agent with proven change management skills.
• Excellent project management abilities.
• Effective communication and leadership skills.
• Proficient in MS Office/MS Teams with special emphasis in Excel.

It is the policy of Knauf Insulation to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified persons without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, protected veteran status or any other protected characteristic prohibited by applicable law.