Continuous Improvement Manager

Description

Job Summary

• This position is responsible for driving Continuous Improvement of processes and people at the Lynn  facility.   Critical to success is identification of opportunities for improvement through phsycial observation, process expertise, collaboration, data mining, and statistical analysis. This role will lead cross-funtional teams to formulate, execute, and validate improvement plans. A key output is development , monitoring, and analysis of Operations KPI’s, and using this to drive action. 

Responsibilities

• Follow and enforce safe working practices at all times
• Identify, present, resource and execute projects that fall into one or many of the following categories:
  • Cost reduction (Material yield, labor effectiveness, and other cost reduction)
  • Capacity generation
  • Efficiency and asset utilization maximization
  • Safety and Quality Improvement
• Track capabilities of the facility, monitor utilization of assets, present solutions for increasing total output
• Assist with CapEx Projects by identifying opportunities requiring investment with a strategic or financial impact and assist with ROI calculation.
• Drive yield improvement.  Identify areas of waste generation: propose and implement solutions to reduce the 8-wastes (defects, excess processing, overproduction, waiting, inventory, transportation, motion, non-utilized talent)
• Implement Lean, Six-Sigma, and TPM methodologies to achieve business objectives
• Interact at all levels of the business to cultivate and nurture a culture of Continuous Improvement
• Work with plant teams to develop and ensure adherence to standard practices
• Lead and facilitate Kaizen events: formulate and implement improvement plans extracted from key learnings
• Become familiar with the strengths and weaknesses of all 4 Kettle Cuisine sites, drive operational synergies
• Drive improvement to Operations KPI’s
• Execute ad hoc projects as assigned
•  

Required Skills:

• Minimum education required:  B.S. degree in Organizational Development, Process Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
• Knowledge, skills, and abilities required:

• 5 or more years of direct experience successfully leading and implementing process improvement initiatives utilizing the following concepts and techniques:
• Lean manufacturing principles
• Six Sigma tools
• Visual factory/5S programs
• Certification as a Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt preferred
• Experience driving operational excellence and improving processes
• Strong facilitation skills, with experience in training development and deployment
• Ability to recruit, lead and work with resources from cross-functional teams to meet objectives
• Requires five plus years of food manufacturing or CPG experience
• Must be proficient with MS Office Suite.  Experience with ERP systems a plus.
• Self-starter able to conceptualize and drive initiative forward
• Positive attitude and motivated by contributing to the overall success of the team
• Willing to address difficult situations head on with patience and respect

DESIRED SKILLS:

• Bi-lingual (Spanish and English)
• Statistical Analysis
• Project Management

LEVEL OF RESPONSIBILITY

• Works with little supervision, but work is reviewed. Exercises discretion within area of responsibility.
• Recommends actions and alternatives to supervisor and others.
• Position is directly responsible for generating revenue through cost savings and process optimization
• Decisions or actions may have a moderate impact on other departments and/or external relationships of the organization.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Position is responsible for supervising or influencing the actions of others.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL EFFORT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those a CI Manager encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

Physical Demands/Efforts

• Work requires occasional physical exertion including some lifting of objects weighing up to 25 pounds.

Mental & Visual Demands

• Work performed by this position requires considerable mental concentration to effectively execute complex tasks.
• Work requires continuous visual effort for extended periods of time.

Work Environment and Hazards

• Employee works in a manufacturing setting with frequent exposure to heat/cold, dust, or other factors that may require protective equipment and still pose a hazard.
• This position has regular exposure to hazards that could result in injury and loss of time at work.
• Flexibility to work weekends as required
• Travel may be required for this position, to other Kettle Cuisine facilities, vendors,  and other travel as needed

Salary Range: $120,000 -140,000 USD Annually

CORE VALUES

Kettle Cuisine takes the utmost pride in its people, products and reputation. Each employee is expected to understand and live our Core Values every day.

• Honor Food – We create and produce the best tasting, safest, all natural recipes that strive for perfection in every batch, from bench to kettle
• Honor Each Other – We seek to develop trusting, respectful and mutually rewarding relationships with all our team members and business partners
• Honor Development – We recognize and nurture each other’s talents, strengths and interests in order to further strengthen and grow our team 
• Honor Innovation – We continually strive for creative and sustainable ways to achieve excellence

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT

Kettle Cuisine complies with all aspects of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and state disability laws.  This means we will not discriminate against qualified individuals with a disability in any phase of the employment relationship including application for employment, hiring, promotions and/or advancement opportunities, termination, compensation, training and any other conditions or privileges of employment.

Qualifications

Qualifications and Education Requirements

BS Engineering

Preferred Skills

Excellent analytical and math skills

Strong written and verbal communication skills

Ability to persuade others to change existing practices

Strong attention to detail

Proven ability to identify, assess and solve problems

Proficient with computer and information technology

Knowledge of process engineering software systems