Continuous Improvement Manager

Summary: Reporting to the Plant Director, the Continuous Improvement (CI) Manager is responsible for developing, coordinating, and sustaining CI initiatives within the manufacturing plant. Partnering with the Plant Leadership team, the CI Manager will drive the deployment of CI strategies across the facility. This role involves leading improvement projects, training and developing employees to lead similar initiatives, and fostering a Lean mindset throughout the plant. Essential Job Functions: Adhere to and ensure compliance to all health and safety policies/procedures, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and PPE requirements. Adhere to and ensure compliance to food quality and food safety as per the standard(s) provided by corporate, customer, and/or governing bodies (ex. SQF). Develop and support the execution of improvement plans aligned with company strategy by collaborating with the Plant Leadership Team and Sr. Regional OPEX Manager. Lead, facilitate, and coach Kaizen events to drive sustainable improvements in safety, first-pass quality, direct labor efficiency, yield, and indirect labor optimization. Mentor and train employees in CI tools, including the 8 Wastes, Standard Work, SMED, 5S, and Centerlining, to build a culture of continuous improvement. Maintain a rolling 12-month pipeline of productivity initiatives and capital improvement opportunities. Facilitate regular planning meetings to validate cost savings, review project status, and develop contingency plans if initiatives are off track. Track and report cost savings, project sustainability, and employee engagement related to continuous improvement initiatives. Analyze plant financials, including P&L and other internal data tools, to identify cost-saving opportunities and prioritize high-impact areas for improvement. Lead the implementation and sustainment of the Refresco Management System (RMS), ensuring alignment with plant objectives. Identify, evaluate, and execute process improvement opportunities that enhance efficiency, reduce waste, and increase plant output. Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure alignment, information sharing, and a unified approach to continuous improvement initiatives. Implement and promote best practices through the Best Practice Sharing process, fostering innovation and operational excellence. Define, monitor, and maintain key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure plant performance and drive accountability. Partner with plant leadership to enhance workplace safety by developing and executing strategies to reduce accidents, energy consumption, and material waste. Required Skills: Demonstrated success in implementing and driving cultural and operational improvements through structured change management. Hands‑on experience deploying Lean methodologies, including Value Stream Mapping, Standard Work, and Visual Management, to improve efficiency and reduce waste. Skilled in planning, leading, and coaching Kaizen events to drive continuous improvement and operational excellence. Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, and Windows); experience with SAP is highly preferred. Comprehensive understanding of SQF standards with a strong sense of responsibility for Food Safety and Food Quality. Must take immediate action when any Food Safety or Quality issue is identified. Willingness to adjust work hours or shifts as needed based on production and operational demands. Ability to teach, coach, and apply structured problem‑solving methodologies such as 5‑Why and Fishbone Analysis to identify and eliminate the root causes of issues. Proactive in identifying opportunities, making data‑driven decisions, and executing improvements with a sense of urgency. Competencies: Leadership – Foster a culture of empowerment by building relationships based on trust, leading courageously day‑to‑day, and inspiring growth with a clear and ambitious vision. Independence & Accountability – Take ownership of responsibilities, effectively prioritize multiple assignments, and work independently to drive results with minimal supervision. Organization & Time Management – Maintain strong organizational skills to manage competing deadlines, ensuring efficiency and effectiveness under pressure. Communication & Collaboration – Demonstrate excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written, to engage and influence stakeholders at all levels. Adaptability & Resilience – Thrive in dynamic environments by embracing change, demonstrating flexibility, and maintaining focus in fast‑paced, evolving work settings. Education and Experience: Bachelor’s Degree required, preferably in Engineering, Business, or Operations. 2–3 years’ experience in Continuous Improvement required. Strong leadership capabilities in a fast‑paced production environment required. Previous experience in the food/beverage manufacturing industry preferred. Working Conditions: Work Schedule: Weekdays, weekends, afternoon, evenings, overnight, and holidays may be required. Work Environment: Operating in a fast‑paced production plant with numerous moving parts. Noise levels require hearing protection; temperatures can be very hot and/or relatively cold. Visual/Sensory – Requires attention to detail and the ability to focus with one or two senses at a time. Mental Stress – Pronounced pressure from deadlines, project management, accuracy, or similar demands. Travel Requirements: Travel anticipated: Rarely. Other Duties: This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice. Benefits: Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance Health Savings Accounts and Flexible Spending Accounts Life and AD&D Insurance, critical illness, hospital indemnity, and accident insurance Short‑term disability and long‑term disability Pet Insurance Legal Benefits 401(k) Savings Plan with Company Match 12 Paid Holidays 15 Vacation Days and 6 Paid (Sick) Time Off Days Well‑being Benefit Discount and Total Reward Programs Equal Opportunity Employer: Refresco Beverages US Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity, gender expression, Veteran status, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local law. #J-18808-Ljbffr