Continuous Improvement Manager

Job Summary

The Continuous Improvement Manager plays a critical role in driving operational excellence at Shearer’s Brewster Plant through Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement (CI), and engineering initiatives. Reporting to the Plant Leadership Team, this role focuses on identifying opportunities, eliminating waste, enhancing productivity, and strengthening Shearer’s high-performance culture.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a strategic member of the Plant Leadership Team, shaping operational and business performance.
• Lead and deploy Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement initiatives that support site goals and drive sustainable results.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement by coaching, mentoring, and developing leaders and associates throughout the organization.
• Analyze current manufacturing processes, identify performance gaps, and implement data-driven solutions that improve efficiency and effectiveness.
• Establish, maintain, and communicate key performance metrics to measure progress, celebrate successes, and sustain gains.
• Lead capital improvement projects and engineering initiatives that enhance capacity, productivity, quality, and operational reliability.
• Facilitate Kaizen events, 5S programs, focused improvement teams (FIT), safety initiatives, Green Teams, and other employee engagement programs that empower associates to drive change.
• Partner with corporate resources, consultants, and cross-functional teams to implement best practices and accelerate continuous improvement efforts.
• Utilize Lean tools and methodologies including value stream mapping, root cause analysis, standard work, visual management, and problem-solving techniques.
• Deliver measurable business results through improved operational performance, increased efficiency, reduced waste, and enhanced employee engagement.

Requirements

• Five to ten years of manufacturing leadership experience as a production manager, supervisor, or similar role, in a consumer product manufacturing facility.
• Significant experience with continuous improvement tools such as kaizen, 5S, six sigma, and other such associate engagement and process improvement techniques.
• A Four year degree in engineering, operations management, or similar field preferred.
• Applicable academic and/or professional experience in food science, engineering, or general business.
• Great analytical skills and ability to understand complex manufacturing systems.
• Proven leadership experience and ability to lead cross-functional teams through influence, not just in direct reporting relationships.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills.
• Ability and willingness to work a varied schedule as needed to support a 24/7 operation.
• Knowledge of TPM or IWS preferred.

Qualifications

• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without need for employer sponsorship, now or in the future.
• Must be able to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health insurance coverage.
• Retirement savings plan with company match.
• Flexible work schedule.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Employee assistance program.

Pay

Competitive salary commensurate with experience.

Schedule

24/7 operation requires flexibility and availability outside of regular business hours.