Site Continuous Improvement Manager

Making Better Happen™ – our story goes back more than 150 years, to the windy coast where Sweden and Denmark meet. From our success in Scandinavia, we've grown into the world's leading specialist producer of plant-based oils, employing more than 4,000 people across the globe. We work with customers to make the products you love even better—our oils give chocolate its creaminess and croissants their crunch. Beyond food, we improve quality, health, and sustainability across industries.

About the Role

The Continuous Improvement Leader will provide oversight and leadership in continuous improvement efforts across all functions, starting with the consistent deployment of 5S methodology as a foundation, along with tools such as Gemba walks, value stream mapping, Kaizen, and Kanban. This role is responsible for working with the US Continuous Improvement Leader to develop and implement the other elements and pillars of TPM, including Safety and Environment, Process Quality Management, Initial Setup and Standard Work, Training and Education, Effective Maintenance, Autonomous Maintenance, Continuous Improvement, and Administrative Work.

The position will serve as the site leader for the implementation of the global operational excellence program. The candidate will create, update, and implement standard work through Acadia, including SOPs, OPLs, and checklists to drive improvement. Coaching management teams toward a successful continuous improvement program is essential. The role involves implementing proven best practices across the site through effective project management, mentoring, coaching, and facility hand-off, as well as facilitating change activity, including training workshops.

Responsibilities

• Champion AAK Manufacturing System strategy and provide hands-on support and training during implementation.
• Develop and maintain documentation around procedures and perform regular reviews to ensure all procedures are up to date.
• Lead the effort to implement best practices across the plant, ensuring adherence to the principles of Lean Six Sigma manufacturing.
• Assist and mentor plant management and 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 a TRACC by CCI software superuser 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 and Lean certified.
• Minimum of 7 years’ experience in various manufacturing/operations roles working in/with Lean Six Sigma manufacturing and familiarity with diverse manufacturing processes.
• Knowledge of production, quality control, cost management, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods is a plus.
• 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) starting on the date of hire.
• Health Savings Account with AAK annual 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 Pet Insurance, Identity Theft Protection, and Legal Insurance Plans.
• Discounts on travel, amusement parks, concerts, movies, and more.
• Celebrations, events, and activities on-site and in the community.
• 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

Possible Bonus: 10%