Continuous Improvement Manager

About the role

This role is accountable for the implementation, execution, and sustainment of the continuous improvement (MDI) system at the site, with a primary focus on building operator and supervisor capability, driving daily management system effectiveness, and progressing the site through continuous improvement maturity phases (Foundations, Stabilization, Acceleration).

Responsibilities

• Coach supervisors, leads, and operators on execution of continuous improvement systems, including Daily Direction Setting, Centerline, Clean Inspect Detect, and Daily Problem Solving
• Drive quality of coaching interactions, focusing on capability building vs. completion
• Own site-level implementation and sustainment of continuous improvement systems with clear accountability for effectiveness
• Lead behavioral change to ensure continuous improvement is embedded into daily operations, not treated as a standalone initiative
• Own effectiveness of all Daily Management Systems (DMS)
• Monitor and improve compliance metrics (handoff completion, data submission, DDS readiness)
• Learn and develop the key skills required to implement all DMS across the plant. Help create ownership and shared results from process improvements
• Ensure effective use of McCain's continuous improvement tools and systems including Power BI, PI Vision, MDIxAI etc. Drive behaviors required for automated systems (e.g., accurate and timely data submission)
• Standardize and simplify tools to ensure usability at the operator level
• Track and report KEY milestones and metrics related to plant MDI goals
• Lead site progression through continuous improvement maturity phases (Foundations, Stabilization, Acceleration)
• Identify and prioritize gaps for assessment readiness
• Develop and execute structured plans to close gaps across functions
• Align Production, Maintenance, Quality, and Safety teams on MDI execution and priorities
• Build strong working relationships across all levels of the organization
• Influence without authority to drive alignment and results
• Perform other related duties as assigned

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in business or operations management, engineering, OR related management experience of 3-5 years with an emphasis on operations and continuous improvement
• Must also have 3 years’ experience with operations (manufacturing, procurement, warehousing, distribution, human resources, engineering, or quality control), including 2-3 years in a management/leadership role
• To be able to facilitate the collaborative examination of the possible outcomes of FIT events, focusing on safety, quality and productivity
• Possess thorough knowledge of plant operations
• To be able to consistently challenge continuous improvement teams to achieve superior results during a FIT event
• Drive engagement through coaching and training during each improvement phase
• Work with the teams to set and achieve stretch goals for the event; encourage calculated risks based on facts
• Be an effective listener; able to ‘read’ the cues of his/her audience and adapt approach/message; encourage open communication and sharing of ideas among the team members, ensuring that everyone has a voice; must be capable of selling ideas (both company and personal)
• Assemble teams with the right balance and expertise; foster growth of emerging leaders by identifying and coaching team leaders for events
• Help the teams to analyze situations and break problems down into manageable parts; consider multiple solutions to a given problem; act only on facts/data

Qualifications

• Must have 3 years’ experience with operations (manufacturing, procurement, warehousing, distribution, human resources, engineering, or quality control), including 2-3 years in a management/leadership role
• To be able to facilitate the collaborative examination of the possible outcomes of FIT events, focusing on safety, quality and productivity
• Possess thorough knowledge of plant operations
• To be able to consistently challenge continuous improvement teams to achieve superior results during a FIT event
• Drive engagement through coaching and training during each improvement phase
• Work with the teams to set and achieve stretch goals for the event; encourage calculated risks based on facts
• Be an effective listener; able to ‘read’ the cues of his/her audience and adapt approach/message; encourage open communication and sharing of ideas among the team members, ensuring that everyone has a voice; must be capable of selling ideas (both company and personal)
• Assemble teams with the right balance and expertise; foster growth of emerging leaders by identifying and coaching team leaders for events
• Help the teams to analyze situations and break problems down into manageable parts; consider multiple solutions to a given problem; act only on facts/data

Skills

• Facilitation of collaborative examination of FIT events
• Thorough knowledge of plant operations
• Ability to challenge continuous improvement teams to achieve superior results
• Effective coaching and training
• Team assembly and growth of emerging leaders
• Analyzing situations and breaking problems down into manageable parts

Benefits

• Health coverage (medical, dental, vision, prescription drug)
• Retirement savings benefits
• Leave support including medical, family and bereavement
• Well-being programs including vacation and holidays, company-supported volunteering time, and mental health resources

Pay

$97,500.00 - $130,000.00 USD annually + Bonus eligibility

Schedule

Full-time