Continuous Improvement Manager

Position Summary

Reporting the Plant Manager, the Continuous Improvement Manager will lead and collaborate with cross-functional, multidisciplinary teams for effective implementation of the Operational Excellence practices and methodologies. The position involves constant interaction and management of internal and external stakeholders. The Continuous Improvement Manager will plan and implement the lean manufacturing principles for improving safety, quality, and on-time delivery of products and processes. This role will plan for productivity improvement, waste elimination, process reengineering, and technology adaptation. In addition, this position will execute cost saving techniques/measures to achieve improvement in cost efficiencies and adherence to manufacturing budgets.

Position Responsibilities

• Help Operations Head to create and execute policies and programs to maximize yield, throughput, capacity and ensure high quality and low costs.
• Deploy Olam’s '2. OX Operational Excellence' strategy leading to world-class value chain processes.
• Coach, prepare and provide daily, weekly, and monthly reviews and analysis of current processes using operational metrics and reports.
• Work with plant manager and other managers to deliver operational Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and cost performance for both Deming and Las Cruces, NM Plants.
• Partner with Quality Assurance Head to develop quality standards and deliver consistent product quality.
• Help in optimizing production planning and scheduling.
• Develop and execute strategies with the Operations Head for operational success.
• Utilize KPIs to benchmark and drive continuous improvement strategies.
• Partner with plants to drive Deming and Las Cruces plants improvement initiatives including annual operating plans, project development and analysis, key initiatives/programs that drive cost performance and operational excellence.
• Set up cost control standards, waste reduction and production processes to maximize manufacturing performance.
• Set up, execute and enforce departmental goals and procedures as per directions of Operations Head.
• Conduct insightful, ad hoc analyses to investigate ongoing or one-time operational issues.
• Create production tracking and quality control systems under the directions of Operations Head.
• Identify and ensure all critical/relevant production and quality data is being captured in Olam systems and work to develop the production and quality reports.

Position Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, business or related field is required. Candidate may substitute five (5) years of relevant managerial experience in lieu of degree.
• Candidate must have a total of ten (10) years of relevant experience if substituting experience in lieu of degree.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills are required. Experience with LEAN, TPM and Six Sigma is highly preferred.
• Past experience in roles with cost-conscious focus, leading cost reductions projects is required.
• Ability to build relationships with stakeholders to achieve a closer working relationship and openness is required.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively with technical and non-technical disciplines to Production personnel and executives, both internal and external is required.
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office including Excel/Word/Power Point is required.
• Ability to function and multi-task in a manufacturing environment is required.