Continuous Improvement Manager

Refresco • Joplin, MO

1d

About The Position

Reporting to the Plant Director, the Continuous Improvement (CI) Manager is
responsible for developing, coordinating, and sustaining CI initiatives within
the manufacturing plant. Partnering with the Plant Leadership team, the CI
Manager will drive the deployment of CI strategies across the facility. This
role involves leading improvement projects, training and developing employees to
lead similar initiatives, and fostering a Lean mindset throughout the plant. A
strong Lean background is essential, as the CI Manager will spend significant
time on the production floor, driving sustainable improvements and securing
buy-in at all levels.

Requirements

• Demonstrated success in implementing and driving cultural and operational improvements through structured change management.
• Hands-on experience deploying Lean methodologies, including Value Stream Mapping, Standard Work, and Visual Management, to improve efficiency and reduce waste.
• Skilled in planning, leading, and coaching Kaizen events to drive continuous improvement and operational excellence.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, and Windows) with the ability to quickly adapt to new software applications. Experience with SAP is highly preferred.
• Comprehensive understanding of SQF standards with a strong sense of responsibility for Food Safety and Food Quality. Must take immediate action when any Food Safety or Quality issue is identified.
• Willingness to adjust work hours or shifts as needed based on production and operational demands.
• Ability to teach, coach, and apply structured problem-solving methodologies such as 5-Why and Fishbone Analysis to identify and eliminate the root causes of issues.
• Proactive in identifying opportunities, making data-driven decisions, and executing improvements with a sense of urgency.
• Bachelor’s Degree required, preferably in Engineering, Business or Operations.
• 2 – 3 years’ experience in Continuous Improvement required.
• Strong leadership capabilities in a fast-paced production environment required.

Nice To Haves

• Previous experience in the food/beverage manufacturing industry preferred.
• Experience with SAP is highly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Adhere to and ensure compliance to all health and safety policies/procedures, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and PPE requirements.
• Adhere to and ensure compliance to food quality and food safety as per the standard(s) provided by corporate, customer, and/or governing bodies (ex. SQF).
• Develop and support the execution of improvement plans aligned with company strategy by collaborating with the Plant Leadership Team and Sr. Regional OPEX Manager.
• Lead, facilitate, and coach Kaizen events to drive sustainable improvements in safety, first-pass quality, direct labor efficiency, yield, and indirect labor optimization.
• Mentor and train employees in CI tools, including the 8 Wastes, Standard Work, SMED, 5S, and Centerlining, to build a culture of continuous improvement.
• Maintain a rolling 12-month pipeline of productivity initiatives and capital improvement opportunities.
• Facilitate regular planning meetings to validate cost savings, review project status, and develop contingency plans if initiatives are off track.
• Track and report cost savings, project sustainability, and employee engagement related to continuous improvement initiatives.
• Analyze plant financials, including P&L and other internal data tools, to identify cost-saving opportunities and prioritize high-impact areas for improvement.
• Lead the implementation and sustainment of the Refresco Management System (RMS), ensuring alignment with plant objectives.
• Identify, evaluate, and execute process improvement opportunities that enhance efficiency, reduce waste, and increase plant output.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure alignment, information sharing, and a unified approach to continuous improvement initiatives.
• Implement and promote best practices through the Best Practice Sharing process, fostering innovation and operational excellence.
• Define, monitor, and maintain key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure plant performance and drive accountability.
• Partner with plant leadership to enhance workplace safety by developing and executing strategies to reduce accidents, energy consumption, and material waste.

Benefits

• Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance
• Health Savings Accounts and Flexible Spending Accounts
• Life and AD&D Insurance, critical illness, hospital indemnity, and accident insurance
• Short-term disability and long-term disability
• Pet Insurance
• Legal Benefits
• 401(k) Savings Plan with Company Match
• 12 Paid Holidays
• Vacation Days and Paid Sick Time Off Days
• Well-being Benefit
• Discount and Total Reward Programs

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager