CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT MANAGER

Overview Position Type: Full-Time Job Shift: Monday – Friday Education Level: Masters Travel Percentage: Up to 25% Category: Engineering Description The Continuous Improvement Manager is responsible for driving operational excellence and optimizing processes within Prayon Inc. This role involves developing and implementing continuous improvement programs and strategies, leading a cross-functional implementation team, and fostering and spreading a culture of continuous improvement. The position focuses on enhancing productivity, quality, safety, and cost-efficiency in our operational activities. Responsibilities Strategic Planning: Together with the plant manager and Senior Leadership Team (SLT) members, develop, structure and implement a comprehensive continuous improvement strategy aligned with organizational goals. Develop the true north for the organization aligned with the corporate strategic goals and objectives. Identify and prioritize long-term and short-term improvement opportunities. Develop and standardize the use of strategic visualization tools and planning such as Hoshin-Kanri to communicate the plan and drive progress and action at every organizational level. Leadership and Team Management: Main promoter of Standard Work and Implementer of systems associated with Continuous Improvement, Work Teams, portfolio of Kaizen projects, Yellow Belt, Green Belt and generation of projects New Way of Working to generate benefits. Lead and mentor all relevant staff in continuous improvement initiatives. Provide direction, support, and professional development opportunities. Implement a continuous improvement suggestion system to include associates in the continuous improvement process and provide public feedback to encourage involvement. Project Management: Establish potential initiatives that help reduce gaps between indicators and goals to obtain tangible, high-value results for the business. Build and manage the project portfolio – including continuous improvement projects and local CAPEX portfolio. Oversee multiple process improvement projects, ensuring timely and budget-compliant completion. Systems Process Analysis and Improvement: Conduct high-level assessments of manufacturing and operational processes. Carry out internal campaigns or initiatives to reinforce implementations of Lean, Six Sigma, and Kaizen. Responsible for correct implementation of these tools and methodologies. Performance Monitoring and Reporting: Develop and track KPIs to measure effectiveness of improvements and validate with relevant departments. Regularly report progress, results, and recommendations to senior leadership. Maintain visualization and feedback boards as part of the program. Change Management: Drive cultural change towards continuous improvement. Facilitate workshops, training sessions, continuous improvement events, and other activities to engage employees. Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with senior leaders to gain buy-in for initiatives and communicate effectively to promote continuous improvement efforts. Food Safety & Quality Standards/Requirements: Comply with all relevant food safety and quality standards/requirements. Supervisory Responsibilities & Functions: This role does not include direct supervisory responsibilities but requires collaboration and the ability to influence without formal authority. Partner with cross-functional teams to mentor and align efforts toward common goals. Qualifications Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, or a related field. Experience: Proven experience in a continuous improvement role. Certificates: Certification in continuous improvement methodologies (e.g. Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, Lean Master, comparable). Skills: Strong leadership and team management; analytical and problem-solving abilities; proficiency in process analysis tools; strong verbal and written communication. Preferred Education: Master’s degree in Engineering, Business, or a related field. Experience: Extensive experience with a track record of successful project implementation. Certificates: Certifications in continuous improvement methodologies (e.g., Lean Six Sigma Black Belt). Location Located in Augusta, Georgia, Prayon’s only US production location. #J-18808-Ljbffr Animal Feed Phosphate Technologies by Prayon