Our client is currently seeking a Continuous Improvement Manager near Falconer, ND

Job Summary:

The Continuous Improvement Manager oversees the CI vision cascaded down from the Director of Continuous Improvement. The CI Manager assists in the strategic planning and implements the strategy to support overall performance improvement objectives. You will coach and mentor employees on lean methodology, tools, root-cause analysis and waste reduction to achieve sustainable and continued improvements in the areas of safety, quality, delivery, cost and growth. Another aspect of this role will be coordinating training and development of all team members.

Key Responsibilities:

• Leads the Continuous Improvement process (e.g. mindsets, practices and culture), working with staff and leadership to develop, implement and sustain a CI program based upon Lean principles that support meeting plant performance targets and financial goals.
• Leads, identifies and defines scope of Continuous Improvement projects and activities.
• Primary owner in leading and/or coordinating Continuous Improvement activities.
• Leverages data and observational analysis to identify improvement opportunities and works closely with technical resources to help drive efficiencies and identify best practices.
• Teaches and models root cause analysis and structured problem-solving to eliminate inefficiencies, recurring issues and waste of all types. Viewed as an expert in these areas.
• Participates in Lean events with other CI resources to apply CI methodologies and promote skill-transfer.
• Serves as a subject matter expert for our Management Operating Structure.
• Sits on the site's Steering Team as the key strategic resource to organize and execute the business' improvement activities.
• Coaches, guides and/or leads cross-functional teams to achieve resolution of assigned projects.
• Leads focused efforts aimed at breakthrough and incremental improvements in process, department and/or line-specific opportunities that meet and exceed plant operational performance metrics.
• Monitor data and metric trends to identify areas of waste and prioritize the development and implementation of solutions.
• Provide appropriate documentation and project update communication to Operations leadership.
• Effectively collaborates with all departments and individuals affected by CI projects.
• All other duties as assigned.

Skills and Experience:

• Deep understanding of Lean Manufacturing/Continuous Improvement methodologies and ability to teach and model them.
• Experience leading cost-savings projects of high value and complexity from ideation and chartering through successful completion and sustainment.
• Involvement in the formulation of long-term improvement strategies to deliver annual business plans.
• Strong analytical capabilities related to business, including the interpretation of financial summaries and identifying the drivers of performance results.
• Ability to lead through influence, mentorship and coaching to get results through others.
• Convey high level of optimism while setting aggressive targets to teams and finding ways to achieve them.
• Communicates a compelling vision and inspires strong morale and spirit within team.
• Solves highly complex problems and prioritizes actions in a timely manner. Probes all sources for answers and can quickly sense what will help resolve issues.
• Establish clear directions, sets stretching objectives. Lays out work in a well-planned and organized manner and brings out the best in people through leveraging their strengths.
• Speaks candidly and provides constructive feedback in a professional manner.
• Organizes and manages projects; interacts, supports, facilitates and leads multi-functional work teams; leads teams to consensus; strong negotiation skills.
• Able to build strong relationships across the business unit to partner with, support and fosters change.
• Demonstrates a passion for safety. Able to develop and maintain a respectful and safe work environment.
• Must be mobile and able to take on broader assignments for additional development opportunities within our BU and across our company as a whole.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree and three or more years of related experience or equivalent combination of education and experience. Preferred degrees include: Business, Supply Chain, Operations Management, Engineering
• Previous management experience is preferred
• Knowledge of SAP is preferred
• Prior experience in a food manufacturing environment highly preferred
• Excellent communication written/verbal is required
• Efficient with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) is required