Continuous Improvement Manager

BB Nash is a growing food manufacturing operation in Nashville focused on operational excellence, scalability, and high-quality production within the functional nutrition category. As we expand our capabilities, we are building structured systems, strong leadership behaviors, and data-driven performance routines that support long-term growth. We are committed to creating a culture of continuous improvement where every employee is engaged in improving safety, quality, cost, and delivery. This role is central to that mission. Role Summary The Continuous Improvement Manager is responsible for leading process optimization, efficiency improvement, and waste-reduction initiatives across the manufacturing facility. This role drives operational excellence using Lean, Six Sigma, and structured, data-driven problem-solving methodologies to build stable, scalable, and cost-effective production systems. This is a highly visible, hands‑on role with broad influence across the site. While there are no direct reports initially, this position plays a pivotal role in engaging employees, shaping leadership behaviors, and embedding continuous improvement practices into daily operations. Key Responsibilities Lean Leader: Drive structured operational excellence across the manufacturing facility. Lead Lean and Six Sigma initiatives to improve safety, quality, efficiency, and cost performance. Facilitate value stream mapping, 5S, SMED, DMAIC, Gemba walks, and structured waste‑reduction events. Develop and implement standard work, visual management systems, and process documentation. Establish and drive engagement with KPI dashboards for OEE, yield, throughput, scrap, rework, and downtime. Champion disciplined daily management routines that sustain improvement gains. Performance Architect: Identify loss drivers and improve production efficiency through data‑driven analysis. Organize and sustain production data capture systems to identify chronic loss drivers. Partner with Production to improve efficiencies in mixing, forming, tempering, coating, and packaging processes. Develop strategies to improve line speed, reduce changeover time, and enhance batch consistency. Drive reduction in material waste, including protein powder, coatings, inclusions, and packaging materials. Champion data‑driven decision making through dashboards, KPIs, and structured performance routines. Support digital transformation initiatives including MES, automation, predictive analytics, and machine health monitoring. Cross‑Functional Change Agent: Align departments to eliminate waste and improve reliability. Partner with Maintenance to strengthen preventive and predictive programs that reduce equipment downtime. Collaborate with Quality to eliminate defects, improve specification adherence, and support audit readiness. Align with Supply Chain to optimize capacity planning, scheduling, and raw material utilization. Support R&D commercialization efforts to ensure smooth scale‑up from pilot to production. Lead cross‑functional improvement projects with defined timelines, deliverables, and ROI targets. Capability Builder: Develop Lean skills and embed continuous improvement into site culture. Train and mentor supervisors, operators, and technicians in Lean tools and structured problem‑solving. Facilitate hands‑on workshops, Kaizen events, and Gemba‑based learning activities. Promote operational discipline, accountability, and data transparency across all shifts. Collaborate with HR and site leadership to integrate CI competencies into performance management and development pathways. Maintain training documentation, certification records, and competency assessments to track organizational capability growth. Structured Problem Solver: Diagnose root causes and implement sustainable solutions. Apply structured problem‑solving tools such as 4M, Fishbone, 5W, DMAIC, and statistical process control. Conduct root cause analysis on chronic losses and performance gaps. Manage implementation of process improvements, equipment enhancements, and automation upgrades. Present project outcomes, savings, and performance improvements to leadership through structured reporting. Qualifications Required Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, Manufacturing, or related field. 5+ years of experience in Continuous Improvement, Process Engineering, or Operations within a manufacturing environment. Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification minimum; Black Belt or higher preferred. Demonstrated experience implementing Lean, Six Sigma, TPM, SMED, and structured CI systems in a production environment. Proven track record in loss analysis, OEE deployment, statistical problem solving, workflow design, and process optimization. Strong data analytics capability and experience with performance systems (MES, Power BI, Minitab, SPC tools, or similar). Preferred Experience in food, CPG, or high‑speed processing/packaging environments; regulated environments (FDA, GFSI) a plus. Experience implementing Lean systems in brownfield or greenfield projects, equipment installations, or operational scale‑ups. Experience with OEE measurement tools and production analytics platforms. Power BI proficiency preferred. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States. BB Nash is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applicants of all backgrounds. #J-18808-Ljbffr