Continuous Improvement Manager - Harvard, IL

VetJobs•Harvard, IL

14d•$66,000 - $110,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Continuous Improvement Manager is responsible for deploying and sustaining the Performance Excellence (PE) System at ADM’s Harvard Pet Nutrition location. The role connects tactical and operational work with strategic initiatives and participates in operational activities across hot extrusion, cold extrusion, dry blending, bakery, and packaging. The manager facilitates organizational change and builds working relationships and buy-in as the primary change facilitator for the PE System in a fast-paced, changing environment. This position also supports plant operations, including production schedules, preventive maintenance coordination, plant emergencies, and coverage for Department Superintendents as needed. The role requires a high degree of availability to support a 24/7 operation. The position is exempt and subject to successful completion of a background check.

Requirements

Demonstrate ADM Core Values.
Use a safety-first approach.
Have a track record of implementing organizational change to drive improvement.
Have experience as a leader within the company or be a developing leader.
Have a bachelor’s degree in engineering, a related discipline, or equivalent experience.
Have foundational experience in Continuous Improvement; be an ADM Performance Excellence, Lean, or TPM subject matter expert, or be willing and able to learn those skills.
Be able to lead by example using Continuous Improvement and Performance Excellence, Lean, or TPM methods.
Have excellent communication skills and the ability to guide, give feedback, coach, and mentor colleagues on engagement with Performance Excellence.
Have experience in a relevant industry or manufacturing environment.
Be willing and able to navigate complex HR environments at a large non-union facility.
Use independent judgment to solve problems and have strong organizational skills to manage multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and pursue continuous improvement and high expectations of direct reports.
Successfully complete a background check.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in engineering is preferred.
Experience with Continuous Improvement systems such as ADM Performance Excellence, Lean, or TPM is desired.

Responsibilities

Lead, participate in, and support ongoing safety engagement.
Serve as the site implementation leader and subject matter expert for Performance Excellence across the complex; lead and coach the site steering team and pillar teams.
Analyze safety, quality, production, and cost losses and apply Performance Excellence methods to correct them and sustain improvements.
Provide tools, resources, and training to department teams incorporating Performance Excellence methods into standard work.
Advise plant and department leaders on using Performance Excellence methods for continuous improvement and sustained results.
Drive health score improvements and increased Performance Excellence impacts, including revenue generation and savings, at the complex.
Maintain the Performance Excellence Wave Initiative to capture and record savings; track key initiatives and escalate or provide support when efforts fall behind schedule.
Maintain the Performance Excellence Hopper as the source of truth for plant priorities and work with Centers of Excellence to account for company priorities.
Pursue continuing education in Performance Excellence methods and make learning opportunities available to leaders, colleagues, and pillar teams.
Assist the Plant Manager in mentoring and developing Department Superintendents and Production Managers to adopt a continuous improvement mindset.
Monitor production schedules to support on-time shipment of finished products in accordance with customer expectations.
Coordinate preventive maintenance schedules to ensure equipment is maintained according to production and commercial needs.
Respond to plant emergencies.
Provide coverage for Department Superintendents as needed.
Maintain a high degree of availability to support a 24/7 operation.