Continuous Improvement Manager

at  Amys Kitchen

SUMMARY

The CI Manager is largely responsible for driving continuous and sustainable improvement projects in the manufacturing plants. The CI Manager leads a team comprised of Process Improvement Engineer(s) and a Process Improvement Project Leader and ensures they are successful in leading projects by providing the right tools, by teaching necessary methodologies, and by helping clear obstacles. The CI Manager is proficient in continuous improvement production principles and leverages them to lead high-impact projects that improve Safety, that eliminate disengaging tasks to improve Employee Engagement, that improve Delivery, that reduce Cost, and that unlock plant Capacity. Leading projects should account for about 90% of her/his time. In addition to leading projects, the CI Manager should spend roughly 10% of their time mentoring team members in lean production principles and techniques to develop their problem-solving proficiency.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree (B. S.) in technical field from four-year college or university; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Five to seven years related manufacturing experience and/or training.
• Formal training/certification in Lean and Six Sigma with at least 3 years of related experience preferred

SKILLS

• Excellent teaching/coaching skills
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships and work effectively with people at all organizational levels, from the shop floor up to and including senior-level leadership
• Demonstrates the ability to lead through influence and collaboration, not authority
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Excellent project management skills
• Experienced Lean and Six Sigma trainer and mentor
• Detailed knowledge of lean manufacturing techniques – i.e., value stream mapping, one piece flow, problem solving, etc.
• Detailed knowledge of Six Sigma concepts and tools as they relate to minimizing process/product variability
• Thorough understanding of problem-solving methodologies used in determining root cause and formulating corrective action(s)
• Experience leading MOS implementations would be a distinct advantage
• Proficient in Excel, Outlook, Word, Visio, and Power Point.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents. Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.
• Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.
• Bilingual, English/Spanish preferred.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

• Ability to add, apply advanced mathematical concepts such as exponents, mathematical operations to such tasks as frequency distribution, determination of test reliability and validity, analysis of variance, correlation techniques, sampling theory, and factor analysis.
• Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret various graphic formats.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Takes lead on plantwide projects that will focus on improvement in Safety, Employee Engagement, Delivery, Cost, and/or Capacity. Her/His projects will generally be cross-departmental and should create high impact for the plant.
• Partners with plant leadership and Plant Controller to identify highest impact projects. Assigns projects to Process Improvement Engineer(s), Process Improvement Project Leader, and to her/himself appropriately. Checks in regularly with Process Improvement Engineer(s) and Process Improvement Project Leader on project status and clears the path for them to be successful in project completion. Consistently delivers target savings on projects.
• Through project completion, demonstrates the CI department fetches a 4-5% savings (net inflation), year over year. Inculcates this continuous savings capability in the CI department as standard work. Sets up regular reviews with plant & company leadership to measure savings generated and to align on forecasted savings on future projects.
• Demonstrates proficiency in continuous improvement tools/methodologies in leading projects. Teaches and mentors other team members on the tools/methodologies.
• Facilitates the daily accountability process through the Management Operating System.
• Becomes a leadership example through Gemba walks and front-line engagement.
• Collaborates and partners with other CI Managers to share best practices, maintain standards, and assist in corporate initiatives.
• In her/his absence, the Process Improvement Engineer can cover their duties and responsibilities.
  It is the responsibility of all employees to uphold the mission of the Amy’s Food Safety and Quality Policy. This includes following all Food Safety and Sustainability programs and participating in all required training.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

The Process Improvement Engineer and Process Improvement Project Leader report directly to the Continuous Improvement Manager.
Qualifications and Skills:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. 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 the essential functions.