Continuous Improvement Manager

About the role

The Continuous Improvement Manager will lead, manage, and drive the Continuous Improvement Agenda at one of ASR’s primary Operations locations. This role involves collaborating with other Continuous Improvement Managers in North America and Europe to develop, deploy, and support global training, tools, and processes. Reporting to the Director of Continuous Improvement with dotted-line reporting to the site manager, the successful candidate will achieve tangible business results directly and by influencing others.

The role requires experience in leading cross-functional teams through process or cultural change and the ability to facilitate groups in applying Continuous Improvement tools and techniques. The position has high visibility, requiring enthusiasm, tenacity, and the ability to work independently with minimal supervision, as well as in a team environment.

Responsibilities

• Operations Excellence
  • Drive standardization and systematization of efficient operating processes by identifying best practices across global sites and implementing them locally.
  • Diagnose processes, identify waste, and collaborate with line management to develop performance improvement proposals.
  • Spend significant time in operations observing work, identifying performance barriers, coaching leaders, and ensuring adoption of standard work and Operating Management System practices.
  • Support the global development and implementation of a standard Operating Management System to establish comprehensive standards and a defined culture for managing the Global Operations organization.
  • Leverage emerging digital technologies, automation tools, advanced analytics, and AI-enabled solutions to improve operational performance, accelerate problem-solving, and enhance organizational capability.
• Project Management
  • Facilitate Continuous Improvement project teams consistent with the standard Operating Management System.
  • Monitor the progress of planned improvements, ensure timely action, appropriate management support, and achievement of expected benefits.
• Employee Engagement and Capability Building
  • Demonstrate and champion the use of Continuous Improvement methodology and tools across sites.
  • Build site capability in Continuous Improvement through coaching, mentoring, and training employees in methodology and practices.
  • Provide internal guidance and consultative services on Continuous Improvement projects, including process mapping, value stream mapping, process design, performance standards/metrics, ROI analysis, and project management.
  • Partner with frontline leaders, supervisors, and managers to build a culture of accountability, problem-solving, and continuous improvement through coaching, mentoring, and structured leader development.
• Planning & Performance Management
  • Utilize digital manufacturing systems, operational data platforms, and advanced analytics tools to identify performance opportunities, improve decision-making, and accelerate continuous improvement deployment.
  • Use appropriate measurement, analysis, and evaluation methods to accurately identify and document improvements related to Continuous Improvement delivery.
  • Maintain a site database of Continuous Improvement projects, tracking and reporting progress and performance to key stakeholders.

Requirements

• Professional Experience: 5 to 10 years total in a manufacturing environment in progressively responsible roles.
• Continuous Improvement Experience: Minimum 5 years’ experience and a successful track record in roles focused on Continuous Improvement tools and methodology such as Lean Enterprise, Six Sigma, TPS, or Theory of Constraints.
• Operations/Engineering/Manufacturing Experience: Minimum 5 years’ experience in line roles such as Operations/Maintenance Management, Quality Management, or Manufacturing Engineering.
• Digital Enablement: Experience deploying or supporting digital manufacturing, operational excellence, production management, or connected worker platforms preferred.
• Industry Experience: Experience in food, beverage, pharmaceutical, or CPG industry in a high-volume manufacturing environment preferred.
• Quality: Experience in an industry with high-quality standards (e.g., SQF in the Food Industry or ISO in non-food industries).
• Change Management: Demonstrated history of successful change implementation and operational excellence improvements.
• Project Management: Formal training and work experience in managing mid-to-large scale projects.
• Unionized Workforce: Experience with a unionized workforce strongly preferred but not required.
• Computer Proficiency: Proficiency in MS Windows, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and project software.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or a related discipline.
• Six Sigma Green Belt (Black Belt preferred) or Lean Leader/Facilitator Certification.
• Verbal and written proficiency in English; conversational ability in Spanish, Portuguese, or German is preferred but not required.

Travel

The position requires 5-10% travel, primarily domestic and occasionally international.

Location

Crockett

Pay

Salary pay range: $104,500 - $194,500 plus bonus. The pay rate for the successful candidate will depend on qualifications and prior experience.

Benefits

• Healthcare (medical, dental, vision, prescription drugs) available the first of the month following 30 days of employment.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Life insurance and AD&D.
• Short-term disability.
• Vacation, holiday, and sick time.