Department:   Continuous Improvement
Shift:               Variable based on business needs
Supervisor:     VP of Engineering
FLSA Status:    Exempt

Job Summary:

The Continuous Improvement Manager is responsible for coaching site leaders and the entire plant organization towards the successful utilization of continuous improvement and High-Performance Organization (HPO) tools and adherence to quality management systems and HPO practices. These tools ensure the organization is designed to deliver the site plan through loss elimination and the engagement of all employees. The Process Excellence/CI Manager drives consistent and effective use of pillar tools, effective communication across teams, and reapplication of company best practices and standards.

Job Responsibilities:

• Lead, support, and coordinate at site the implementation of major initiatives aiming for process improvement and loss eliminations: PACE & Waste, Productivity, Quality, Food Safety, etc.
• Directs and is actively involved in a proactive safety program for all Cedar’s facilities.
• Ensure good practices for all areas that influence Performance Selling, Value Anchoring, Value Capturing & Pricing, board & pack strength, and integrity are developed and embedded within each function to deliver consistent and stronger products while retaining the value.
• Educates, trains, and provides support to operations in the development and execution of consistent safety management programs.
• Provide technical leadership to and partner with the Operational Team to effect controllable waste improvement and reduce raw material (paper, starch) and energy (steam) use on corrugators.
• Acting as a change agent for leading and managing continuous improvement processes while instilling a culture of accountability
• Being able to identify opportunities for improvement
• Being able to engage with Team Members to drive change
• Leading continuous improvement events resulting in employee skill and knowledge development and KPI performance improvement. Tools & Techniques used (not exclusive):
• Workplace Organization (5S & Visual Management)
• Support lean initiatives in all manufacturing areas, focused on process improvement to improve quality and reduce waste with clear measurable outcomes
• Educate all employees, especially Team Leaders in the CI / Lean tools & techniques and ensure there is a continuing program to maintain and develop knowledge, awareness and commitment
• Teach and reinforce Team Leaders and Team Members to identify, implement and complete improvement projects by identifying and eliminating barriers to success.
• Ensure that all business-related items are successfully and professionally communicated to co-workers, either verbally or in writing.
• Assist Manufacturing personnel in creating relevant SOP (Standards Operating Procedures) documentation and ensure the SOP details are accurate and up to date.
• Identify and implement metrics to evaluate the effectiveness of process improvements

Educational and Certification Requirements:

• Bachelors in business or process management, engineering or related science disciple (i.e. statistics or analytics) or related field or its equivalent.  MBA Preferred.
• CI / Lean Six Sigma Certification (Green Belt or above accredited certification), or related professional certification training
• Knowledge in continuous improvement, process optimization, operation or business management or related field
• Knowledge of food industry safety process and/or manufacturing safety process or related
• A strategic and analytical mindset; Excellent communicator with high level presentation skills, strong written, verbal, and analytical skills.  English lang skills required.  Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.
• Ability to adapt to changing organizational and operational needs, ability to multitask, strong team player
• Latest process enhancement strategies, leadership, mentoring and problem solving abilities

This description is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of an employee assigned to this job. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each physical demand and essential job duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions or physical demands of the position.

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive.  Employees will also perform other reasonably related business duties as assigned. This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.

I have read and understand the job description for Continuous Improvement Manager. 
 

Qualified and interested candidates, please reply by resume with cover letter and salary requirements to:  Attn: Eneida, Director of HR, Cedars Foods, 50 Foundation Ave, Ward Hill, MA 01835 or email egonzalez@cedarsfoods.com

Cedar’s Foods is an Equal Opportunity employer - M/F/Veteran/Disability 

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other category protected under federal, state, or local laws.