Project Manager - Continuous Improvement

Position Summary

We are looking for a proactive and detail-oriented Project Manager to drive continuous improvement initiatives across our egg processing and production operations. This role is responsible for leading cross-functional projects that improve efficiency, reduce waste, ensure food safety compliance, and support strategic growth. The ideal candidate is passionate about lean principles, data-driven decision-making, and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities:

Project & CI Leadership

• Lead end-to-end management of improvement projects focused on reducing costs, enhancing quality, and improving throughput across production lines.
• Facilitate Kaizen events, root cause analysis, and process mapping (e.g., Value Stream Mapping) to identify inefficiencies and improvement opportunities.
• Develop and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs), KPIs, and visual management systems.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement by coaching and training team members on Lean, Six Sigma, and other CI methodologies.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Operations, Maintenance, QA, Transportation, and HR to align project goals with business needs.
• Support capital project execution including automation upgrades, layout redesigns, and line expansions.
• Engage frontline employees and supervisors to gather feedback and ensure sustainable change adoption.

Performance Monitoring & Reporting

• Track all project metrics including cost savings, waste reduction, yield improvement, and cycle time.
• Report out project progress and impact to leadership teams using clear dashboards and communication tools.
• Continuously review data to validate outcomes and adjust strategies as needed.

Skills and Abilities:

• Technology Proficiency – Ability to demonstrate skills using ERP systems, Report Writing tools and Microsoft Office applications
• Judgement and Decision Making — Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the appropriate response
• Teamwork —Effectively collaborate with coworkers in a team-oriented environment
• Interpersonal Relationships — Establish and maintain constructive and cooperative working relationships with others
• Time Management — Self-motivated with the ability to prioritize tasks and multi-task, managing one's own time effectively
• Organization – Ability to maintain organization to keep track of deadlines, projects, and relevant information
• Independence — Ability to work independently and to carry out assignments to completion as assigned by Director
• Safety — Ability to work in a safe manner well as effectively participate in the safety process of the Company
• Written Comprehension & Expression — The ability to read and communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand
• Oral Comprehension, Expression & Clarity — The ability to listen, understand and communicate information and ideas audibly so others will understand
• Attention to Detail —Thorough and accurate when performing tasks and following Company processes and procedures
• Professionalism — Adherence to courtesy, consideration, honesty, and responsibility when interacting with coworkers, customers, contractors, and vendors

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Food Science, Operations Management, or related field.
• 3 years of experience in manufacturing, with a focus on CI, project management, or operations.
• Familiarity with food industry standards and egg production is highly preferred.
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma (Green or Black Belt certification a plus).
• Proficient with CI tools: DMAIC, 5S, PDCA, SPC, FMEA, etc.
• Advanced Excel skills: experience with data visualization tools is a bonus.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to safely and successfully perform the essential job functions consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards, including meeting qualitative and/or quantitative productivity standards.
• Ability to maintain regular, punctual attendance consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards
• Occasional bending, and fine manipulation skills using hands, shoulders, and back
• Ability to make precise, coordinated movements with the body to grab, manipulate or move products/objects