Continuous Improvement Manager

Job purpose:  

The Manager of Continuous Improvement plays a critical role in the development and implementation of the Continuous Improvement / Operational Excellence framework within fairlife® specific sites. This role focuses on improving safety, quality, productivity, and overall financial performance through training, coaching, and application of Lean / Op-Ex Tools and techniques. The position also ensures alignment with organizational goals while serving as a key change agent for operational transformation and operational efficiency. The ideal candidate will bring extensive hands-on experience with Lean tools and principles and the ability to influence cultural change and continuous improvement within the organization through personal leadership and collaboration.  

Responsibilities:  

• Drive the implementation of the Operational Excellence framework and roadmap across fairlife® to achieve measurable performance improvements.  

• Collaborate with leadership teams to implement lean tools and principles within the Operational Excellence framework.  Train employees on the Operational Excellence framework and application of Lean tools.  

• Provide leadership, training, and mentoring for employees at all organizational levels on the principles and application of Lean / Continuous Improvement / Operational Excellence.  

• Manage and lead local Continuous Improvement team providing coaching, guidance, and support to ensure the successful execution of initiatives.  

• Foster the professional growth of team members through development plans, training, and regular performance feedback.  

• Drive cultural change and discipline to sustain a successful continuous improvement focused environment.  

• Develop and deliver tailored training programs for employees at all organizational levels, ensuring multi-level engagement.  

• Define and track metrics for goal achievement, identifying gaps and proposing solutions to improve outcomes.  

• Plan and assist in executing Problem Solving tools and Kaizen events that deliver significant and quantifiable process improvements.  

• Present key performance insights and recommendations to stakeholders to facilitate decision-making.  

• Manage a robust process for selecting, scoping, and completing focus improvement initiatives.  

• Manage the Op-Ex Scorecard and develop strategic Continuous Improvement (CI)/Kaizen roadmaps that align with company goals and objectives.  

• Work with finance teams to track and present financial outcomes, ensuring Operational Excellence initiatives deliver measurable ROI (Return on Investment).  

• Provide ongoing coaching and support for Operational Excellence deployment in cross-functional teams.  

• Advocate for Operational Excellence branding within fairlife® and across sites to foster alignment and engagement.  

 

Skills/qualifications required:  

• Strong expertise in lean principles and tools including the application of daily management, tier meetings cascade, problem solving, standard work, single minute exchange of die (SMED), 6S programs, etc. 

• Strong leadership and team management skills, with experience overseeing a team to achieve organizational objectives.  

• Strong analytical skills and process-driven focus.  

• Strong communication, presentation skills both verbal/written, and coaching abilities.  

• Excellent organizational, time management, and project management skills  

• Demonstrated ability to create strong working relationships and lead the work of others.  

• Ability to gather and analyze data and draw logical conclusions.  

• Ability to handle ambiguity and work in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.  

• Demonstrated ability to build and manage high-performing teams.  

• Experience in setting clear goals and expectations for direct reports.  

• Strong conflict resolution and decision-making skills.  

• Proven ability to foster a culture of accountability and continuous improvement within a team setting.  

 

Experience:  

• Bachelor’s Degree required in engineering, business, or technical discipline from an accredited college or university.  

• 5 - 10 years of proven project management and process improvement skills including strong knowledge of root cause analysis, Lean and Six Sigma methodologies, certifications a plus.  

• Experience in process improvement implementation  

• Proven ability in strategy development, planning, and budgeting.  

• Proficient in MS Office products (Project, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Visio)  

• Proficient in basic data analysis with PowerBI, Tableau, or equivalent ✓ Experience training others in the use of Lean and/or Six Sigma tools, and experience with lean approaches to improvement.  

 

Working conditions and physical requirements:  

• 8-10 hours sitting/standing/walking.  

• Ability to lift to 50 lbs.  

• Reaching/bending as needed  

• Exposure to hazards is minimal.  

 

Food safety requirements:  

• Notify supervision of any repairs or adjustments that are required that may affect product quality or food safety. Understand, observe, and comply with the handling and usage of the color-coded container policy while in the Production Areas.  

• Perform all duties necessary to meet Company, Customer and/or Government requirements/standards as prioritized by the Company.  

• Ability to initiate action to prevent the occurrence of nonconformities relating to Food Safety and the Quality of the product, processes, quality system, or safety system.  

• Identify and record any problems relating to Food Safety and the Quality of the ingredients, processes, quality system, or safety system.  

• Control further processing or delivery of nonconforming products in terms of Food Safety and Quality issues until the deficiency or unsatisfactory condition has been corrected.