Category Operational Excellence Manager - Materials

About the role

The Category Operational Excellence Manager is responsible for identifying, executing, sustaining, and championing the continuous improvement of quality, cost and customer satisfaction through identification, utilization, and optimization of input materials (i.e. packaging, ingredients) we use to make our finished products across the enterprise (all categories).

Responsibilities

• Develop SFI Culture - Train, coach, evaluate and reinforce Operational Excellence principles with partners and Team Members.
• Lead efforts in improving cost and quality initiatives by utilizing structured approach such as Lean Six Sigma to drive results and impact.
• Work with SFI and Suppliers’ teams in identifying and communicating material requirements and updating process controls to reflect best practices.
• Be knowledgeable of various government regulations that must be complied with, i.e., OSHA, USDA, FDA, EPA, EEOC, OFCCP, etc.
• Drive improvements in materials and process using structured methods, business knowledge, and the use of the appropriate tools.
• Identify and drive process improvements and effectively train and mentor team members in the various aspects of operational excellence (green belt training, statistical management, business knowledge, etc.).
• Establish processes/systems to monitor the performance of these improvements.
• Manage and hands-on involvement in materials, product, process and equipment deployment management at company/category/regional level in multiple locations across the Americas.
• Daily Operation by being involved in the learning, understanding, and functioning of the daily operational challenges. Understand the core functions of the business and the equipment utilized in the manufacturing space.
• Capital Investment - Work with the VP/Dir, Plant Manager, Team Leaders and Production Supervisors in identifying potential capital and non-capital improvements. Assist with analysis and justification for these projects.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field.
• 12+ years experience in engineering, technical, or related area in driving efficiency and improvements in dairy products, processes, and ingredients is highly desired.

Qualifications

• Desire to grow and take on new challenges and opportunities.
• Demonstrated understanding of financial processes and systems.
• Black Belt Certified is required.
• A mastery of pertinent business knowledge with 12+ years of experience, a track record of driving Operational Excellence, and a willingness to grow in lean six sigma discipline will be considered as well in leu of Black Belt certification.
• Master Black Belt trained and/or certified (desired but optional).
• Project Management trained/experience or willingness to acquire the basic skills/training within 1 year.
• Ownership, self-started, self-led mindset, servant mindset.
• A strong bias to action, leadership, and results.
• Ability to travel 30% - 50%.