Job Summary
The Continuous Improvement Manager will utilize problem-solving methodologies to implement process improvements - enhancing business performance and building capability. The CI Manager will provide a full range of productivity services to Operations and direct cost reduction programs for the facility.
Essential duties
- Lead key Lean Manufacturing projects, providing leadership in developing practical solutions to complex analytical problems.
- Provide knowledgeable assistance as a resource to our plants and administrative departments, helping to identify, plan, and implement continuous improvement projects.
- Act as a liaison within and between plants and departments, on operational excellence best practices.
- Improve the CI infrastructure, ensuring ongoing financial benefit and Food Safety improvements.
- Support corporate-wide training and project implementation.
- Provide timely project status updates, feedback, and appropriate reporting for key activities assigned.
- Provide/support training to others in the Lean/TPS methodologies, especially to process managers, supervisors, leads, and shop floor personnel.
- Improve manufacturing processes and methods for cost-reduction, quality improvement and efficiency using lean manufacturing and six sigma principles.
- Carry out follow-up programs to maintain the achieved savings, to complete additional training, to detect further savings opportunities, as well as ensure the overall continuity of the project.
- Develop Standard Operating Procedures and Job Aid documents to standardize best practices on all levels of the production process.
- Train all personnel on best practices, new standards and act as an advocate for positive change.
- Align strategically with corporate offices and other facilities to standardize processes across the entire company.
- Redzone digital plant management system experience preferred
Physical Demand
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Education, etc.
Bachelor of Science in Engineering or related field of study, and minimum 3-5 years' experience in a manufacturing environment driving a lean culture.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Demonstrable experience in leading implementation of continuous improvement projects.
- Demonstrable knowledge of CI techniques to solve complex problems and experience with Lean preferred - showcase previous projects, exercises and tests may be required during interview.
- Candidate should be results-oriented with good project management, organizational, and prioritization skills while being able to work effectively in a team-oriented environment.
- Experience in successfully managing kaizen events in production and/or non-production environments.
- Must have extensive communication, mediation, and facilitation skills.
- Advanced interpersonal skills, along with the ability to communicate effectively and maintain credibility across all levels in the business.
- The ideal candidate is expected to have professional qualifications in Lean Manufacturing (industry-accepted certification bodies and/or training entities).
- Food manufacturing and/or fresh produce experience highly preferred.
- Experience in Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) highly preferred.
- Candidate must display an expert-level understanding of Microsoft Office product with particular expertise in the excel application.
- Flexible hours and weekends may be required.
- Must be available to travel as much as 20% annually.