Site Continuous Improvement Manager

Making Better Happen™ – for over 150 years AAK has grown from its Scandinavian roots into the world’s leading specialist producer of plant-based oils. Our oils enhance the creaminess of chocolate, the crunch of croissants, and improve quality, health, and sustainability across food and non-food industries. Join nearly 4,000 colleagues globally in our shared purpose: Making Better Happen.

About the role

The Continuous Improvement Leader will provide oversight and leadership in continuous-improvement efforts across all functions, beginning with the consistent deployment of 5S methodology and tools such as Gemba walks, value-stream mapping, Kaizen, and Kanban. The role is responsible for partnering with the US Continuous Improvement Leader to develop and implement the remaining pillars of TPM—Safety & Environment, Process Quality Management, Initial Setup & Standard Work, Training & Education, Effective Maintenance, Autonomous Maintenance, Continuous Improvement, and Administrative Work. The position will serve as the site leader for the global Operational Excellence program and will create, update, and implement standard work through Acadia (SOPs, OPLs, checklists). The candidate must coach the management team to a successful continuous-improvement program, implement best practices, facilitate change, and deliver training workshops.

Responsibilities

• Champion the AAK Manufacturing System strategy and provide hands-on support and training during implementation.
• Develop and maintain documentation around procedures; perform regular reviews to ensure all procedures are up to date.
• Lead the effort to implement best practices across the plant, ensuring adherence to Lean Six Sigma manufacturing principles.
• Assist and mentor plant management and Rapid Continuous Improvement (RCI) teams with planning and facilitation of strategic plans, Kaizen workshops, and other Lean activities.
• Coach and train plant leaders in Lean Six Sigma Manufacturing, root-cause analysis, and problem-solving principles.
• Follow up with Manufacturing to ensure successful implementation of Future State plans.
• Champion and support the creation of an RCI-engaged culture.
• Build out a reference library in Acadia in accordance with US Document standards.
• Lead site implementation of the global Operational Excellence program and serve as the primary resource for CI initiatives.
• Drive a culture of total employee involvement and continuous improvement through coaching, engagement, and visible leadership.
• Develop and execute the plan for operational-excellence implementation and use of tools (Lean, TPM, Six Sigma) at the plant level.
• Lead and facilitate Kaizen events, Gemba walks, value-stream mapping sessions, root-cause analysis, and other structured improvement activities.
• Provide ongoing training and expertise regarding RCI tools.
• Provide analytical support to continuously identify gaps, project opportunities, and solutions.
• Lead teams to identify opportunities for productivity and cost improvements at the site.
• Identify opportunities to integrate continuous-improvement tools into the day-to-day operations of the site.
• Share best practices with other plants and teams.
• Drive the goal of total employee involvement in continuous-improvement activities.
• Support implementation of TPM pillars across the site, with emphasis on autonomous maintenance, effective maintenance, training, standard work, process quality, and focused improvement.
• Develop and maintain up-to-date SOPs, OPLs, and operations checklists.
• Identify and implement control systems to ensure sustainability of continuous improvement.
• Participate in RCI project reviews and ensure consistency in applying tools.
• Develop and train team members to create documents in Acadia.
• Become the TRACC by CCI software super-user for the site.
• Train and develop team members for the Operational Excellence program.
• Serve as the site expert on TRACC methodology for Operational Excellence.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, or other comparable engineering degree.
• Six Sigma Black Belt preferred; Lean certification required.
• Minimum of 7 years’ experience in manufacturing/operations roles working with Lean Six Sigma manufacturing and diverse manufacturing processes.
• Knowledge of production, quality control, cost management, and techniques for maximizing effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
• Strong leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills (both verbal and written).
• Highly developed problem-solving and project-management skills.
• Ability to define, track, and document results as required.
• Experience creating SOPs and other process instructions.
• Experience with the TRACC software platform.
• Experience leading an operational-excellence program.
• Demonstrated ability to influence across functions and levels, work independently, and lead cross-functional teams.
• Demonstrated facilitation, mentoring, and coaching skills.
• Demonstrated capability to learn product lines and manufacturing processes.
• Proven ability to work in a team environment.
• Ability to influence, lead, work independently, and as part of a team.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, and vision) effective on the start date.
• Health Savings Account with an annual AAK contribution of $1,000–$1,500.
• 401(k) with 100% match on the first 3% contributed and 50% match on the next 3%.
• Free life and disability insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Supplemental plans for pet insurance, identity-theft protection, and legal insurance.
• Discounts on travel, amusement parks, concerts, movies, and more.
• On-site celebrations, events, and community-support activities.
• Recognition incentives for service and peer-to-peer recognition.
• Career paths, training and development, e-learning, and tuition-reimbursement programs.

Pay

Compensation range: $153,000 – $170,000 with a possible 10% bonus.