Continuous Improvement Manager

Refresco Careers•Modesto, CA

3d•$103,436 - $130,000•Onsite

About The Position

Make a Difference in YOUR Career! Our vision is both simple and ambitious: to put our drinks on every table. We are the leading global independent beverage solutions provider. We serve a broad range of national and international retailers as well as Global, National and Emerging (GNE) brands. Our products are distributed worldwide from our production sites in Europe, North America, and Australia. Although our own branding may not appear on the labels of the beverages we produce, there is a good chance you are reading this while sipping one of our drinks. Our ambition is to continually improve and it’s what keeps us at the top of our game. We are solutions-based. We are innovative. We seek out new challenges and conquer them. This is our company ethos, but it’s our people’s too: Refresco is at the cutting edge of a fast-moving industry because we have passionate people pushing the boundaries of what’s best. Stop and think: how would YOU put our drinks on every table? Position Description Reporting to the Sr. Regional Operations Excellence Manager, the Continuous Improvement (CI) Manager is responsible for developing, coordinating, and sustaining CI initiatives within the manufacturing plant. Partnering with the Plant Leadership team and Sr. Regional Operations Excellence Manager, 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.
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.
A strong self-driven work ethic, personal accountability, effective time management, and the ability to influence others are critical to success in this role.
Bachelor’s Degree required, preferably in Engineering, Business or Operations.
3-5 years’ experience in Continuous Improvement role required.
Strong leadership capabilities in a fast-paced production environment required.

Nice To Haves

Experience with SAP is highly preferred.
Previous experience in the food/beverage manufacturing industry preferred.
Ability to understand mechanical workings of equipment strongly 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, maintenance excellence, and indirect labor optimization.
Mentor and train employees at all levels in CI tools, including the 8 Wastes, Standard Work, SMED, 5S, 5 Whys/RCA/Fishbone, and Center lining, 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
15 Vacation Days and 5 Paid (Sick) Time Off
Days Well-being Benefit
Discount and Total Reward Programs