Manager Continuous Improvement- 1st Shift- Green Forest Plant

Continuous Improvement Leader

Summary

The Continuous Improvement (CI) Leader is responsible for driving and sustaining a culture of continuous improvement throughout the facility. This role serves as the subject matter expert for Continuous Improvement initiatives, providing training, coaching, and leadership to Production Team Members, Engineers, and Functional Leaders. The CI Leader partners with all levels of the organization to implement Lean principles, lead change management efforts, and improve operational performance.

This position focuses on enhancing safety, food safety, quality, delivery performance, inventory management, cost reduction, and overall process efficiency. The CI Leader facilitates improvement projects, develops operational excellence strategies, and ensures measurable results that support business objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and facilitate Kaizen events and Rapid Improvement Processes (RIPs).
• Identify, analyze, and track improvement opportunities through data collection and performance metrics.
• Promote compliance with safety, environmental, food safety, and quality standards.
• Demonstrate expertise in Lean Manufacturing principles and Continuous Improvement methodologies.
• Develop and implement strategies that improve productivity, efficiency, and process effectiveness.
• Train and coach employees at all levels on problem-solving tools and methodologies, including:
  • Process Mapping
  • Standardized Work
  • Lean Manufacturing
  • Six Sigma
  • Time and Cost Management
• Lead Continuous Improvement projects focused on process optimization, cost reduction, and performance improvement.
• Maintain project schedules, progress reports, and documentation demonstrating measurable operational improvements.
• Partner with plant leadership to analyze staffing, labor utilization, capacity, and operational performance.
• Calculate and validate cost savings and improvement opportunities.
• Collaborate with the Plant Controller to document financial results and project savings.
• Monitor and report the status of all CI initiatives to plant leadership.
• Validate and confirm production standards and process expectations.
• Assist in monitoring equipment effectiveness (OEE) and partner with Maintenance to identify TPM, repair, and reliability opportunities.
• Develop and maintain value stream maps for key processes and product families.
• Support additional Continuous Improvement initiatives as assigned by the Senior Manager of Continuous Improvement.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, or a related field preferred.
• Equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered.

Experience

• Five or more years of demonstrated Continuous Improvement experience; or
• Five or more years of leadership experience in a Lean manufacturing environment.
• Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification, or progress toward certification, preferred.

Communication Skills

• Ability to effectively communicate and influence individuals at all levels of the organization.
• Strong coaching, mentoring, and facilitation skills.

Travel

• Minimal travel required (four or fewer trips per year).

Technical and Leadership Skills

• Strong business acumen and analytical skills.
• Extensive knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, 5S, Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping, and other Continuous Improvement methodologies.
• Strong process management and project leadership experience.
• Ability to lead change, drive accountability, and deliver measurable operational results.
• Proven ability to influence cross-functional teams and foster a culture of continuous improvement.