Manager, Continous Improvement & Operational Excellence

Manager, Continuous Improvement & Operational Excellence

The Manager, Continuous Improvement & Operational Excellence will be responsible for maintaining the Operational Excellence program at Ardent Mills, focused on improving operational efficiencies of our operating sites, supporting improvement initiatives to reduce waste and production costs, and implementing Lean Six Sigma principles across Ardent Mills. This role supports Ardent Mills’ network of manufacturing facilities, Operations Centers of Excellence (COEs) and Operations Excellence Practitioners through development and maintenance of standards and Continuous Improvement programs.  The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of Lean/Six Sigma methodologies, be data-driven, as well as show the ability to influence without authority and drive results. This candidate should also have an ability to align standard practices across sites and functions, leveraging their knowledge of Lean Six Sigma, TPM and best practices in manufacturing operations. They must possess a passion for serving their customer, following our value of Simplicity to drive consistency and clarity in our Continuous Improvement culture and be able influence others to come along in the journey.

To succeed, you must be able to:

• Deliver results in first-time situations by inspiring others and working to earn trust every day.
• Serve others with understanding, respect, and care.
• Operate with simplicity, clarity and transparency.
• Effectively deal with and drive change.
• Organize, prioritize and own multiple tasks while meeting and/or exceeding deadlines.
• Learn and apply new technology, with the willingness to share knowledge with others.

Above all you will be expected to carry out all your activities with reliability, integrity, compliance and in a safe, environmentally responsible and efficient manner.

Your responsibilities:

• Create Operational Excellence program, build standards and expectations and drive implementation throughout the organization
• Lead a team of 1 direct report and coach and guide Operations Excellence Practitioner team members. Provide tactical support for daily execution of the team and identify growth areas to expand team members skills.
• Utilize data driven problem-solving approach to scope and lead cost savings projects to reduce overall production costs and waste for broader business problems
• Build and deliver continuous improvement training programs and activities following Lean, Six Sigma, TPM and other CI methodologies. 
• Maintain the CI Toolkit resources, standards and training materials
• Set and maintain performance expectations with Operations leadership and influence to achieve positive results
• Partner with operations team members to execute continuous improvement efforts and support cost savings project pipeline activities.   
• Lead efforts in change management for Continuous Improvement efforts
• Ensure best practices are shared and implemented across the business. 

• Seek out new methodologies and opportunities for simplicity to increase process effectiveness.

Essential skills and experience:

• Bachelor's degree preferred, with 8 years of relevant experience in manufacturing and 5 years in CI-focused roles.
• Demonstrated expertise in continuous improvement tools and methodologies used to implement a Continuous Improvement Culture
• Successful experience applying Lean and Six Sigma tools to get results (value stream mapping, 5S, Kaizen, Kanban, Error proofing, SMED, team problem solving, etc.)
• Six Sigma Black Belt Certification (or obtain certification)
• Ability to coach and develop both individuals and teams
• Self-starter with a high degree of energy and passion; ability to effectively multi-task and prioritize
• Ability to professionally communicate and work cooperatively with others both verbally and in writing. The ability to simplify and communicate broadly at all levels is a must- as is the willingness to work with and train others.
• Excellent computer skills including Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Visio and Outlook. 

Good to have:

• 3-5 years of experience leading cross functional teams without formal authority
• Knowledge of facilitation and organizational change management (a plus) 
• Food manufacturing experience

Ardent Mills is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status.

The preceding position description has been designed to indicate the general nature and essential duties and responsibilities of work performed by employees within this position. It may not contain a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees in this position. The description, duties, functions, and responsibilities are subject to change at the discretion of Ardent Mills.

Physical requirements and working conditions (with or without reasonable accommodation):

• Ability to travel up to 35% of time

Location:

Remote US

Address:

126 Remote, Denver CO, 80202

Additional Locations (if applicable):

Employment Type:

Full time

Additional Information:

Competitive Compensation:

We provide market-driven base pay, based on skills, abilities, and level of experiences. Our salary ranges are broad, and individual salary will be market competitive based on a candidate’s unique set of skills and level of experience. The starting range for this position is $102,600.00 - $153,900.00, with additional earning potential possible commensurate with experience. Additionally, we believe that our team members are the reason for our success and all team members are incentive eligible with a target based on contribution, company performance, and individual results achieved. While the specific bonus plan and target amount will be determined based on the role and breadth of contributions, the targeted bonus plan and targeted percentage amount for this role is Bonus - MIP, 15% Annual.

We provide market-driven base pay, based on skills, abilities, and level of experiences. Our salary ranges are broad, and individual salary will be market competitive based on a candidate’s unique set of skills and level of experience. The starting range for this position is $102,600.00 - $153,900.00, with additional earning potential possible commensurate with experience. Additionally, we believe that our team members are the reason for our success and all team members are incentive eligible with a target based on contribution, company performance, and individual results achieved. While the specific bonus plan and target amount will be determined based on the role and breadth of contributions, the targeted bonus plan and targeted percentage amount for this role is Bonus - MIP, 15% Annual.

Benefits:

At Ardent Mills we offer a wide range of benefits to our team members and their eligible family members. Some of our great benefit programs you may be eligible for include: • Medical, Dental and Vision Coverage• Health and Dependent Savings Accounts • Life and Disability Programs • Voluntary Benefit Programs • Company Sponsored Wellness Programs • Retirement Savings with Company Match • Team Member and Family Assistance Program (EAP) • Paid Time Off and Paid Holidays • Employee Recognition Program with Rewards (RAVE).

Application Deadline:

05/01/2025

05/01/2025

EEO Commitment:

At Ardent Mills, everyone matters and everyone has a voice. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal opportunities are available to all applicants and team members and the decisions will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, genetic information, veteran status, age, political affiliation, or any other non-merit characteristic protected by law or not. Together, celebrating our differences, we make Ardent Mills. The preceding position description has been designed to indicate the general nature and essential duties and responsibilities of work performed by employees within this position. It may not contain a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees in this position. The description, duties, functions, and responsibilities are subject to change at the discretion of Ardent Mills.

En Ardent Mills, todos importan y todos tienen voz. Estamos comprometidos a brindar un ambiente de respeto mutuo donde haya igualdad de oportunidades disponibles para todos los solicitantes y miembros del equipo y las decisiones se basarán en el mérito, la competencia, el desempeño y las necesidades comerciales. Estamos orgullosos de ser un empleador que ofrece igualdad de oportunidades. No discriminamos por motivos de raza, color, religión, credo, origen nacional, ascendencia, estado civil, sexo, orientación sexual, identidad o expresión de género, discapacidad física o mental, embarazo, información genética, condición de veterano, edad, política. afiliación, o cualquier otra característica no meritoria protegida por ley o no. Juntos, celebrando nuestras diferencias, formamos Ardent Mills. La descripción del puesto anterior ha sido diseñada para indicar la naturaleza general y los deberes y responsabilidades esenciales del trabajo realizado por los empleados dentro de este puesto. Es posible que no contenga un inventario completo de todos los deberes, responsabilidades y calificaciones requeridas de los empleados en este puesto. La descripción, los deberes, las funciones y las responsabilidades están sujetos a cambios a discreción de Ardent Mills.

Recruitment Fraud Disclaimer:

Salary : $102,600 - $153,900