Associate Manager, Continuous Improvement

Unilever • Jonesboro, AR

9d • $88,600 - $133,000

About The Position

The Jonesboro factory is a fast-paced, dynamic environment where success is driven by collaboration and the Unilever Manufacturing System (UMS). Our site produces leading beauty and wellbeing brands, including Nexxus, TRESemmé, Dove, Axe, and Vaseline, delighting millions of consumers every day. We are committed to developing leaders who thrive in challenging, cross-functional roles and drive continuous improvement across the business. Key Responsibilities The Associate Manager of Continuous Improvement at the Jonesboro Factory is accountable for leading and sustaining a culture of continuous improvement through the Unilever Manufacturing System (UMS). This role drives operational excellence by eliminating losses and waste, improving efficiency, and ensuring the stability and reliability of technical packaging equipment. As the leader of the Focused Improvement (FI) Pillar, you will embed World Class Manufacturing (WCM) principles, champion continuous improvement, and guide the site’s transition from reactive problem-solving to a proactive approach—delivering world-class performance in safety, quality, and productivity.

Requirements

• Degree in Mechanical/Industrial Engineering or related STEM discipline.
• 3+ years of related work experience in manufacturing engineering environment.
• Must demonstrate a flair for improvement in engineering and technical skills
• 2+ years of related work experience (WCM/TPM principles), Six Sigma, confident in applying problem solving tools (5W+1H, 4M, 5 Whys) in manufacturing setting.
• Attention to detail, bias for action, accountability, written and verbal communication skills, data collection and analysis, problem solving, decision-making, teamwork, and judgement

Nice To Haves

• Experience in automation and controls (Allen Bradley), digital solutions, and statistical process controls.
• Master’s degree in engineering related discipline.
• PMP, Lean Six Sigma, or related certification(s).

Responsibilities

• Lead Continuous Improvement: Drive FI methodology to deliver factory results, focusing on loss prioritization and elimination.
• Develop UMS Capability: Coach Pillar leaders on UMS methodology, ensuring mastery of concepts through training and practical application.
• Data-Driven Problem Solving: Collect and analyze complex data to identify loss patterns, perform root cause analysis, and implement sustainable countermeasures.
• Technical Leadership: Act as a technical partner to Operations teams (Focus techs, TMOs, Area leads), Engineering, and other Pillars, supporting R2S (Run to Standard) and reducing OLE losses.
• Cross-Pillar Collaboration: Partner with Cost Deployment, Quality, and Safety Pillars to align improvement roadmaps and deliver integrated solutions.
• Strategic Focus: Set the roadmap for proactive loss management and support other pillars in solving complex problems as the site advances on its improvement journey.
• Benchmark with other sites and bring best practices to North America and the Jonesboro factory.

Benefits

• Unilever employees are eligible to participate in our benefits plan. Should the employee choose to participate, they can choose from a range of benefits to include, but is not limited to, health insurance (including prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage), retirement savings benefits, life insurance and disability benefits, parental leave, sick leave, paid vacation and holidays, as well as access to numerous voluntary benefits. Any coverages for health insurance and retirement benefits will be in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans and associated governing plan documents.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees