Continuous Improvement Manager

Job Summary: The Continuous Improvement Manager plays a pivotal role in fostering a culture of continuous improvement within the Request Foods manufacturing environment. By leveraging core methodologies and supporting Request Foods operating systems, this position drives operational excellence while eliminating inefficiencies and waste. This individual will be responsible for spearheading initiatives, leading change, enhancing safety, quality, yields, cycle time, labor efficiencies, cost/margin improvements, and customer service within Request Foods operations environment.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Champion Continuous Improvement: Lead by example, coach, and train employees and leaders to embed a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence.
• Collaborate with Stakeholders: Partner with key stakeholders to effectively manage change, ensuring buy-in, and fostering engagement throughout the improvement process.
• Standardize Operations: Develop and document continuous improvement processes, procedures, and best practices. Promote knowledge sharing across the organization to standardize operations.
• Data-Driven Insights: Utilize data-driven insights to identify trends, root causes, and areas for improvement, ensuring informed decision-making.
• Performance Analysis: Analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) to track progress and identify opportunities for enhancement. Develop strategies to optimize processes and increase efficiency.
• Implement CI Methodologies: Lead the further development and implementation of CI Methodologies in areas such as Kaizen, Standard Work, 5S Program, Process Mapping, Cause Mapping, Project Management, and Problem Solving.
• Facilitate 5S Improvements: Drive the 5S process improvements across operations to enhance workplace organization, cleanliness, and efficiency.
• Provide Training: Equip team members with the necessary skills to drive improvement initiatives effectively through training on core continuous improvement tools and methodologies.
• Lead Improvement Projects: Lead and execute improvement projects and initiatives aimed at achieving business needs, KPIs, and objectives.
• Support Key Activities: Facilitate key activities integral to the continuous improvement transformation, including pre-shift meetings, start-up scorecards, productivity data capture, stand work development, utilization of visual management tools, and weekly operational excellence reviews.
• Optimize Flow Methods: Utilize value stream mapping techniques to design optimal information, material, and production flow methods, driving efficiency across manufacturing operations.
• Engage in Gemba Walks: Participate in Gemba walks, acting as the main point of contact for employees in areas related to continuous improvement, waste reduction, problem-solving, value stream optimization, and follow-up on action plans.
• Standardize Work Processes: Create and implement standard work processes, coaching plant leaders to ensure consistency and efficiency in operations.
• Enhance Visual Management: Oversee the use of control boards, balanced scorecards, and other visual management tools to enhance transparency, communication, and accountability within the organization.
• Lead Problem-Solving Initiatives: Independently lead projects aimed at solving operational issues impacting yields, throughput, and efficiencies. Support the Senior Director of Manufacturing Operations on complex activities.
• Develop Project Management Tools: Develop and implement project management tools, processes, and reports to ensure timely execution of continuous improvement initiatives.
• Mentor Team Members: Provide subject matter expert (SME) guidance and mentor team members with special requests.
• Stay Industry Current: Stay abreast of industry best practices, trends, and benchmark performance against competitors to identify opportunities for innovation and differentiation.
• Engage on the Plant Floor: Maintain a strong presence on the plant floor to establish extensive knowledge of processes and identify opportunities for improvement. Engage employees at all levels in identifying solutions.
• Perform Additional Duties: Perform other duties as assigned, contributing to the overall success of the organization.
• Requires high level of plant floor presence to establish extensive knowledge of processes and opportunities for improvement. Engaging employees at all levels in identifying solutions.

Key Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty effectively. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, Food Science, or related field is required.
• 5+ years of manufacturing experience leading and serving in continuous improvement, process optimization, process engineering, data analytics and project management.
• Prior work experience in industries directly related to Food Manufacturing is preferred.
• Direct experience successfully leading and implementing process improvement initiatives utilizing the following concepts and techniques:
  • Lean manufacturing principles
  • DMAIC, Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping, Root Cause Analysis
  • Certification or equivalent training and experience as a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt.
  • 5S programs
• Lean Six Sigma or comparable certification required.