Regional CI Manager

Michael Foods, Inc. is a leader in the food processing and distribution industry with business in egg products, refrigerated grocery and potato products. We offer exciting job possibilities throughout our organization where you can enhance your career, sharpen your talents and make an impact. Join our company and be part of an innovative team that’s First in Food.

Hopkins, MN is home to our Michael Foods, Inc. corporate headquarters. Hopkins is located 7 miles west of Minneapolis, boasting natural surroundings in a suburban environment that also provides quick access to major travel ways and local restaurants that give our community a distinct character. Located in the Excelsior Crossing building where employees are provided with beautifully landscaped walking paths and water features creating an optimal environment for outdoor and walking meetings, along with the opportunity to take a relaxing walk or outdoor lunch before, within, or after your work day.

This role is open to remote candidates who reside in IA, NE, or MN.

POSITION SUMMARY: 

We are looking for a dynamic and experienced Regional Continuous Improvement Manager to lead the implementation of TPM and Lean methodologies across multiple food manufacturing sites. The Regional Continuous Improvement Manager will design and implement continuous improvement (CI) programs aligned with Michael Foods Execution System “MES” (MFI CI methodology). The ideal candidate has a strong background in manufacturing, a proven track record of implementing TPM and Lean principles, and excellent leadership skills to drive continuous improvement.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBLITIES:

1. TPM/Lean Implementation

• Deploy MES methodology across 3-5 manufacturing sites to improve Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE).
• Establish and manage TPM Centers of Excellence (COE’s/Pillars) (Autonomous Maintenance, Planned Maintenance, Focused Improvement) and ensure consistent implementation in all sites.
• Lead and deploy TPM COE/Pillar methodology for MFI.
• Deploy Lean Manufacturing methodology with a needs-based mindset to eliminate waste, improve efficiency, and drive productivity.
• Implement Lean tools such as Value Stream Mapping, 5S, Kaizen, Six Sigma, FMEA, and DMAIC, SMED, RCO.

2. Continuous Improvement

• Facilitate cross functional CI events to solve problems and implement sustainable solutions.
• Conduct equipment utilization and capacity studies and provide recommendations.
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPI’s) and foster a results-driven culture.

3. Team Leadership

• Coach and mentor Continuous Improvement Engineers and Leads, fostering a culture of data-driven decision making.
• Manage team of 3 salaried CI Engineers and 6 hourly Leads in multiple locations to improve performance and deliver business results.
• Teach, coach, and assess MES methodology to build capability of operations leadership in the plants.
• Adhere to and support all Human and Food Safety programs. Including safe work practices, GMP’s, maintaining sanitary conditions and ensuring product quality.
• Share best practices to drive consistency and continuous improvement.
• Establish norms and standards to drive improved performance.
• Foster a culture of learning, teamwork, and accountability.
• Support and coach sites on developing and utilizing loss trees to identify opportunities and implement improvement projects.

4. Collaboration and Communication

• Utilize strong influence skills working cross functionally with operations leadership to drive improvement.
• Communicate progress, challenges, and successes to key leaders and stakeholders.
• Build strong relationships with stakeholders to ensure successful implementation of CI methodology.
• Work cross functionally to hold stakeholders responsible for delivering business results.  

5. Digital Leadership

• Own deployment and coaching of Redzone connected workforce solution.
• Deploy best practices for utilizing Redzone.
• Train teams on data visualization and storytelling with tools such as Tableau and Power BI.
• Develop and maintain dashboards to track progress, enable data-driven decision making, and communicate progress.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, business administration, or operations preferred.
• Prior leadership experience in high-speed manufacturing environments, CPG or food preferred.
• 7+ years of experience leading Continuous Improvement initiatives.

PREFFERED EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS:

• Proven track record of implementing TPM and Lean methodology in a multi-site environment.
• Excellent leadership and team building skills.
• Dynamic thinking and problem solving.
• Experience managing by influence and holding cross functional teams accountable.
• Confident in ability to lead organizational change.
• Ability to deal with the ambiguity of the business and deliver on the Customer Value Proposition.
• Strong financial acumen.
• Certified Lean Practitioner.
• Strong computer skills in Microsoft Word and Excel, SAP, Statistical analysis software, and Tableau
• Travel required: 60-75%