Continuous Improvement Specialist

About Kerry Kerry is the world's leading taste and nutrition company for the food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries. Every day we partner with customers to create healthier, tastier and more sustainable products that are consumed by billions of people across the world. Our vision is to be our customers' most valued partner, creating a world of sustainable nutrition. A career with Kerry offers you an opportunity to shape the future of food while providing you opportunities to explore and grow in a truly global environment. Key responsibilities Develop and implement lean manufacturing processes, including continuous improvement, standard work, problem-solving, and value stream mapping. Coach and mentor employees at all levels on lean principles and practices to foster a culture of operational excellence. Create and maintain the site's lean implementation plan, ensuring alignment with organizational goals. Drive lean training programs and deploy tools such as PDCA, Kaizen, 5S, quick changeovers, and value stream mapping. Lead continuous improvement events that enhance employee skills and deliver measurable KPI improvements. Facilitate employee engagement in lean initiatives to promote ownership and accountability. Utilize tracking and reporting systems to monitor progress, identify barriers, and ensure timely achievement of quality and cost‑saving objectives. Collaborate with leadership to remove obstacles and accelerate improvement efforts. Promote standardization and best practices across processes to sustain long‑term improvements. Champion a culture of continuous improvement, driving operational efficiency and performance excellence. Qualifications and skills Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, Food Science, or a related discipline, or equivalent experience with 5-7 years in similar roles within the industry. Strong knowledge of lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies. Proven analytical and problem‑solving skills with proficiency in root cause analysis. Project management experience and ability to manage initiatives through established methodologies. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to coach and influence at all levels. Demonstrated team leadership and development capabilities. Ability to work in a fast‑paced, changing environment with flexibility and adaptability. Preferred Six Sigma or Lean Manufacturing certifications; experience in food, chemical, or pharmaceutical industries. Compensation Data The pay range for this position is $64,479- $105,272 in Annual Salary. Kerry typically does not hire an individual at the top or near the top of the range, as we are a pay‑for‑performance company, and this range is set to continue to reward performance annually while in role. Compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. The specific compensation offered to a candidate within the above range may be influenced by a variety of factors including skills, qualifications, experience, and internal equity. Kerry offers a competitive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, paid time off, a 401(k) plan with employee and company contribution opportunities, Employee Share Plan, Life, disability, and accident insurance, and tuition reimbursement. Kerry is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law. Kerry will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States for this opening. Any offer of employment is conditional upon the successful completion of a background investigation and drug screen. Additional information can be found at Know Your Rights Workplace Discrimination is Illegal (dol.gov). #J-18808-Ljbffr