Continuous Improvement Manager

Summary: Enhance Manufacturing Sites through implementation of process improvements including technical and work process advancements following Lean/TPM principles and utilization of appropriate continuous improvement tools. This includes development and documentation of technical and operational processes. Design, creating and implementation of centerlines, process improvements, process standards, standard work that deliver reduction in process variation, safety/quality/cost/delivery improvements and overall manufacturing enhancements. This role will be part of the global continuous improvement organization and indirectly report to the Sr. Director of Operations (Plant Manager).

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Food Safety & Safety: Always perform tasks according to Safety and Food Safety Standards.
  • Participate in safety training programs and contribute to the development of safety initiatives to promote a culture of safety.
  • Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements (SQF, GMP, HACCP, OSHA) and company policies and trainings related to food safety, sanitation, and environmental regulations (e.g., HACCP, Food Safety, GMP’s, Food Fraud/Defense, Allergens, Organic, Gluten Free).
• Develops and maintains updated process flow of the plants operational critical process.
• Responsible for supporting the roll out of the Guenther Productivity System (GPS). Lead and execute GPS Playbooks for the pillars.
• Works with supervisors, managers, and operator to identify and document work processes, including those required for machine operators, maintenance, safety, and quality.
• Developing and maintaining standard work to ensure consistency across shifts. This involves production of detailed training and process document for use in training and production operations, including training manuals, standard operating procedure, certifications for roles and support the digital platforms.
• Designing and developing future production capacities by participating in design meetings; coordinating with Research & Development regarding product changes and improvements; and updating SOPs to incorporate the changes.
• Lead MUV and process improvement Kaizen events to eliminate food and process waste, increase line efficiencies through OEE improvements, and improve site sustainability.
• Lead the Operational Excellence Improvement teams through digital technology and serve as plant champion for all continuous improvement events.
• Champion site productivity roadmap projects and fuel to grow process to enable a reduction in cost of goods sold (COGS).
• Lead automation projects to reduce overall cost to serve.
• Lead vertical startup for new manufacturing equipment/line installations.
• Flexibility to work non-standard hours as needed, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

Minimum Job Requirements:

Education/Certifications and Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Process, Electrical, Mechanical, Computer, Mechatronics, Industrial Engineering or Food Science preferred or equivalent work experience.
• At least 2 years of experience in food manufacturing or high-speed manufacturing.
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Continuous improvement tools and process
• Total Productive Maintenance (TPM)
• Statistical process analysis and Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) analysis
• Equipment design, mechanical, electrical, and process development
• PLC controls experience is an asset
• Proficient use of computer, Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote), SAP/ERP, Redzone and other related applications or software.
• Excellent communication and coaching skills.
• Detail oriented and organized.
• Project Management skills
• Self-Motivated and able to work under time constrains and deadlines.
• Hands-on work ethic.
• Must be able to comply with company attendance and punctuality policy.
• Must be able to fulfill essential job functions in a consistent state of alertness and safe manner.
• Must adhere to a drug and alcohol zero tolerance policy. 
• Must be able to comply with and follow all food safety, and third-party certification policies (SQF, Gluten-Free and Organic, etc.).

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• N/A

Location:

• On-Site;  10115 Iron Rock Way, Elk Grove, CA

Working Conditions and Physical Effort:

• Typical work in an office and manufacturing facility environment.
• Work involves daily and frequent exposure to unusual elements, such as dirt, dust, fumes, odors, darkness and/or poor lighting, noise, and vibration. Seasonal exposure to weather elements to include, but not limited to, extreme temperatures, wetness, and humidity.
• Work environment involves daily exposure to physical risks and hazards, such as working around mechanical equipment, mechanical hazards, forklifts, chemical hazards, electrical hazards, fire and explosives hazards, communicable diseases.
• Position requires the ability to stand; walking around office, warehouse, and plant; lifting and carrying packages up to 50 pounds; utilizing fine dexterity; and reaching, kneeling, crawling, and twisting on a daily basis.

Expectations:

• Will demonstrate, promote, and exemplify the Company’s Core Values.
• The role will execute the top global CI priorities and strategy from CHG SC and execute plant priorities and strategies to deliver site Gross Productivity, TPM implementation, Asset/Process/OEE Improvements and Critical to Quality CI.
• Collaboration Goals and Expectations will be set annually by the Site Operations Director and Global CID.

At C.H. Guenther, we value transparency in compensation. By providing the salary range for this role, we aim to promote fairness and help candidates make informed choices about their career. The salary range for this role is:

$86,855.00 - $159,414.00

Actual compensation may vary based on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience, as well as geographic location.

C.H. Guenther & Son will never offer or pay a wage or salary that is not compliant with applicable local, state, or federal pay laws, including minimum salary thresholds.

We also offer a variety of benefits, including health and disability insurance, retirement savings options, flexible spending accounts, employee assistance programs, educational assistance, parental leave, paid time off, and company-paid holidays.​

For additional information about our company, go to www.chg.com.

C.H. Guenther & Son and its subsidiaries are E-Verify participating employers.

Click here for more information regarding E-verify.

All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of the pre-employment screening process which includes a drug screen and review of criminal background and other records as required.

AA/EEO/Drug-Free Employer