Continuous Improvement Manager

Job Title: Continuous Improvement Leader

Job Summary: We are seeking a dynamic individual to drive measurable results through the facilitation and leadership of our Continuous Improvement Model. This role is pivotal in engaging and empowering team members to identify, understand, and implement sustainable process improvements.

Key Responsibilities:

• Partner with operations and functional management to identify opportunities using systematic problem-solving methods (Root Cause Analysis, Kaizens, Loss Analysis, and DMAIC) to eliminate losses, focusing on People-Process-Data for measurable and sustainable results.
• Utilize Lean, Six Sigma techniques, and CI tools to lead data-based decision-making and drive actions for measurable improvements, fostering behavioral change across the site through CI tools, methodology, and coaching.
• Manage Site Improvement Projects by developing project plans, tracking results, and leading and coaching site leaders through the project execution process.
• Deliver effective Continuous Improvement training courses (LEAN Training, Belt training, etc.) and programs to enhance team capability and awareness of CI tools, tailored to organizational needs and priorities.
• Implement, support, and coach the site Manufacturing Operating System (MOS), including Tier meetings, KPI development and tracking, and standard work.
• Facilitate Kaizen and 90-Day Improvement events, building and leading focused and empowered teams to address systemic problems.
• Diagnose site losses and deliver breakthrough financial results continuously.
• Develop and implement a plant communication plan for process improvement efforts.
• Serve as a subject matter expert for CI Methodology, CI Tools, and the implementation of Daily Process controls to drive operational improvements.
• Actively participate in benchmarking and CI Network connections to identify, translate, and promote best practices applicable to the plant.
• Support the achievement of site conversion cost targets and identify cost reduction opportunities.
• Participate in the development and execution of the Company CI Strategy.
• Communicate, track, and report on project progress, results, and deviations from the project plan with key stakeholders.
• Organize regular meetings with key stakeholders to share project status updates, define next steps, and review plans to deliver sustainable SQDCSM improvements.
• Promote the transformation from a reactive organizational culture to a more preventative and predictable one, utilizing data-driven decision-making, sustainable actions, and CI tools.
• Develop and participate in Rewards and Recognition programs to promote the use of Continuous Improvement and recognize team successes.
• Ensure deliverables support the 4-P’s: People (Safety, Retention, Increased Engagement and Empowerment), Products (consistency in products, quality of products, reliability of service), Profitability (support key initiatives and improve competitive results), and Planet (support green initiatives).
• Effectively manage Site CI Manager 1.
• Provide effective coaching and mentoring to CI Ambassadors and CI Manager 1.
• Gain a solid understanding of the Company’s key initiatives, competitive priorities, and accountabilities, ensuring linkage of continuous improvement efforts with these goals.

Minimum Education:

• BS degree or equivalent related work experience. Degrees in Engineering, Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, Mathematics, Operations, Logistics, Food Science, Animal Science, and Supply Chain are preferred, but all majors will be considered.

Experience Requirements:

• 7-10 years of experience in Continuous Improvement, Operational Excellence, or Operations.
• High operations process knowledge.
• Willingness to travel 25% to support other CI Initiatives.
• Knowledge of LEAN principles, Problem Solving Tools (RCA, DMAIC), Six Sigma, TQM, TPM, and SPC.
• Combination of business, interpersonal, technical, and analytical skills.
• Strong leadership skills in leading teams.
• Self-starter and motivated by challenges.
• Strong sense of teamwork with a high level of individual contribution.
• Ability to learn new concepts, combine them with common sense, and effectively apply them to problem-solving.
• Strong communication, organization, and presentation skills.
• Ability to communicate and work with teams at all organizational levels, from senior management to the shop floor.
• Willingness to promote and drive change.
• Proficiency in O365 Tools (Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel).
• Ability to support all shifts (1st, 2nd, & 3rd) on Continuous Improvement initiatives.

Preferred Experience:

• Experience with Power Apps/BI.
• Proficiency in Minitab.
• Bilingual skills.
• Prior exposure to Continuous Improvement or Operational Excellence tools.
• Experience in a manufacturing environment.