Continuous Improvement Manager

Stratas Foods•Hillside, NJ

13h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Continuous Improvement (CI) Manager is responsible for creating a sustainable and growing culture of Continuous Improvement at Stratas Foods. The CI focus includes improving visibility to current state performance, applying structured problem solving (Guide Paths) to performance gaps, and implementing the Stratas Performance System (SPS) within each site. This role will drive improvement practices in two manufacturing facilities located in Hillside, NJ, and Englewood, NJ. The CI Manager will also support Corporate and Factory Continuous Improvement teams with the coordination and execution of day-to-day actions and long-term efforts related to the Stratas Performance System (SPS). This role reports to the SR. Manager of Continuous Improvement.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in business or a related field.
Minimum of 8+ years of previous continuous improvement experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
10+ years of experience in F&B Manufacturing or a similar industry.
High degree of proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, Power BI, ERP System(s), Downtime Reporting applications, and Maintenance Software.
Strong analytical, prioritizing, interpersonal, problem-solving, presentation, budgeting, project management, and planning skills.
Demonstrated excellent skills related to Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Visio, PowerPoint), Power BI, and ERP Systems.
Ability to solve complex problems through decision making, extensive research, analysis, and evaluation of multiple variables, with little or no guidance.
Excellent oral and written communication skills, with proven ability to work with all types of individuals from corporate to plant.
Experience challenging business units and other departments on their assumptions regarding plan execution, with a specific focus on end-to-end execution and impact on downstream processes/systems.
Ability to prioritize tasks, manage time effectively, and adapt to changing demands.
Strong organizational skills, dependability, and the ability to work independently or as part of a team.
Must demonstrate sound judgment, professionalism, and discretion.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree (MBA, Master’s) preferred.
7+ years previous CI experience (with Advanced degree).
7+ years managing multi-site leadership preferred.
Lean / Six Sigma Black Belt or Higher Certification preferred.
Project Management (PMP) Certification preferred.

Responsibilities

Serve as a plant change agent and leader for continuous improvement (Stratas Performance System / SPS) and projects.
Proactively identify and prioritize the biggest opportunities and drive them through to completion effectively and quickly.
Lead and embed a continuous improvement culture throughout designated Stratas facilities, developing continuous improvement skills, methodologies, and SPS culture.
Utilize independent thinking, judgment, and decision-making skills, along with strong project management and team mentoring.
Complete and lead projects from ideation to completion.
Support training teams with leadership and team member onboarding and ongoing trainings to establish and support the core culture and deploy SPS concepts.
Promote accountability by performing SPS audits to ensure tools are effectively used and behaviors are demonstrated.
Lead continuous improvement / Process improvement activities for 2-3 Stratas sites.
Travel to and supplement Stratas locations requiring Continuous Improvement, TPM, or Engineering assistance (up to 25% travel).
Work closely with cross-functional teams to identify, implement, and drive opportunities across Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, and People.
Provide expertise in Lean methodologies, including training, coaching, and practical application of tools like Skills Matrix, Kanban, Value Stream Maps, Agile, and A3 Problem Solving.
Prepare detailed workflow charts and diagrams describing processes and programs.
Conduct analysis of existing operations to propose fact-based opportunities and solutions.
Execute stakeholder communications and change plans across End-to-End value streams and administrative/transactional areas (IT, HR, Finance, Shared Services, etc.).
Collaborate with the SPS Leadership Steering Team to continually improve the SPS framework and share knowledge.
Recommend and implement improvements or modifications in sequence of operations, equipment utilization, and continuous improvement opportunities.
Review proposals from outside vendors for new or modernized production/processing equipment.
Perform other duties as assigned by plant management.
Collaborate closely with onsite teams and participate in onsite meetings to drive departmental objectives.