Continuous Improvement Manager

Job Title: Continuous Improvement Manager

Reports To: Regional Senior Operations Director

Job Location: TBD

Travel Availability: Yes, national travel (50% of the time).

Schedule: Full-Time position.

• Objective of the Position:

A Continuous Improvement Manager leads full-time management of the Continuous Improvement System within the region, in Manufacturing and Logistics. The main duties include leading the implementation, deployment, and management of the CI system using tools to improve, maintain, and sustain the KPIs of the sites (Safety and Wellness, Quality, Cost, Fill rate, Environmental impact). This role involves identifying areas for improvement, implementing strategic initiatives, training the associates, leading continuous improvement events, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement within the facilities.

• Duties and Responsibilities:

Strategic Planning

• Lead the implementation, deployment, and management of the Continuous Improvement System within the processes of the region in Manufacturing and Logistics, aligned with the Global Operations Direction.
• Coordinate and participate in the annual strategic planning of the region, aligned with the Global Operations Direction.
• Develop, monitor, and communicate the productivity plan of the region.
• Develop and monitor the communication plan of the Continuous Improvement System within the region.
• Develop and monitor the participation and recognition plan of the Continuous Improvement System within the region.
• Develop and follow up on the Continuous Improvement training/qualification plan for all the staff of the region.
• Facilitate the implementation of focused improvement projects, within the region.
• Support the Regional Senior Operations Director in achieving high-level visibility of the process operation.
• Support the Global Operations Direction on implementing the Continuous Improvement projects and Global Strategies.

Process Analysis

• Utilize engineering logic to conduct a thorough analysis of current manufacturing and logistics processes to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Research to develop new and improved processes for manufacturing and logistics.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to gather data, evaluate performance metrics, and assess efficiency levels.
• Monitor and analyze the process performance throughout production, and present trends and data to stakeholders.
• Utilize digital tools to optimize the data gathering of KPIs.
• Troubleshoot problems associated with manufacturing processes in coordination with cross-functional teams.
• Develop improvement projects focused on business priorities using Continuous Improvement tools.

Safety and Quality

• Evaluate processes and equipment to ensure compliance with environmental, safety, and food safety regulations, including company sustainability goals.
• Establish safety procedures for individuals working with dangerous chemicals.
• Collaborate with R&D in conducting material and product tests and evaluations. Utilize statistical process control to gather data in test runs and make recommendations based on analysis.
• Investigate process, equipment, or system breakdowns related to human safety and food safety.

Training and Development/Change Management

• Design and deliver training programs to enhance the skills and knowledge of manufacturing staff in CI methodologies.
• Train the staff and associates on Continuous Improvement tools.
• Foster a learning culture that encourages associates to actively participate in improvement initiatives.
• Work closely with shift supervisors and department managers to ensure proper start-up of new products, equipment, projects, and processes.
• May, on occasion, be required to perform duties other than those specified in this description.

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• Minimum Qualifications

Education/Certification:

• Required Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Food Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related.
• Preferably Master's degree in Business Administration, Project Management, Quality and Productivity, or related.
• Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification preferred, with a strong understanding of lean manufacturing principles.
• 3-5 years of experience in the food industry mainly in bakery and/or sweet baked goods.

Language: Strong English skills (Spanish may add value).

Knowledge/Qualifications and Skills:

• Strong process/technical/analytical skills.
• Communication and exhibition of ideas (storytelling), active listening, and negotiation with other associates.
• Teamwork and team management skills.
• Proficient in Statistical Process Control (SPC) and Design of Experiment (DOE) methodologies
• Previous project management experience is a strong plus.
• Excellent critical and logical thinking skills; problem-solving skills.
• Excellent knowledge of manufacturing parts and processes.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication (written and verbal), and facilitation skills.
• Communicate and coordinate effectively with internal and external customers verbally and in writing.
• Read and process written information with a high degree of accuracy.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.
• Must possess the highest possible standard of ethics.
• Demonstrate good organizational, multi-tasking, and time management skills, able to meet deadlines.
• Take initiative and be self-motivated; look for opportunities to improve!

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• Physical Requirements

Must be able to sit, stand, walk, bend, stoop, drive, push & pull objects up to 50 lbs.