Continuous Improvement Manager

fairlife•Webster, NY

5h•Onsite

About The Position

The Continuous Improvement Manager is pivotal in designing, implementing, and scaling the Operational Excellence framework at Fairlife’s Webster greenfield facility. This role is responsible for building foundational systems, governance routines, and leadership capabilities that support plant startup, stabilization, and long-term operational excellence. Acting as a key change agent, the position ensures alignment with enterprise CI standards while driving measurable improvements in safety, quality, delivery, cost, and people development. The ideal candidate will combine hands-on operational expertise with strong system-building capability, the ability to execute in a fast-paced startup environment, and the leadership presence required to build a culture of accountability and continuous improvement from the ground up.

Requirements

Strong expertise in Daily Management Systems, tiered accountability, standard work, leader standard work, SMED, and structured problem solving
Strong analytical and performance-driven mindset
Strong leadership, coaching, and facilitation skills
Excellent communication and presentation skills
Ability to operate effectively in a dynamic, evolving environment
Ability to gather, analyze, and translate data into actionable improvement plans
Demonstrated ability to build and develop high-performing teams
Experience setting clear expectations and accountability structures
Strong conflict resolution and decision-making skills
Proven ability to foster a culture of ownership and continuous improvement
Bachelor’s Degree required in engineering, business, or technical discipline
5–10 years of proven Lean, Six Sigma, and process improvement leadership experience
Proven track record of delivering measurable operational and financial improvements
Proficient in MS Office products (Project, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Visio)
8–10 hours sitting/standing/walking
Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
Reaching/bending as needed
Notify supervision of any repairs or adjustments that are required that may affect product quality or food safety.
Understand, observe, and comply with the handling and usage of the color-coded container policy while in the Production Areas.
Perform all duties necessary to meet Company, Customer and/or Government requirements/standards as prioritized by the Company.
Ability to initiate action to prevent the occurrence of nonconformities relating to Food Safety and the Quality of the product, processes, quality system, or safety system.
Identify and record any problems relating to Food Safety and the Quality of the ingredients, processes, quality system, or safety system.
Control further processing or delivery of nonconforming products in terms of Food Safety and Quality issues until the deficiency or unsatisfactory condition has been corrected.

Nice To Haves

Experience designing and deploying systems in startups, greenfield, or high-growth environments preferred
Experience supporting plant startup, transformation, or major system deployment preferred
Experience with PowerBI, Tableau, or equivalent preferred

Responsibilities

Lead the design, implementation, and sustainment of the Daily Management System (Tier Cascade, Visual Management, Leader Standard Work) during startup and ramp-up
Establish KPI governance structure and own the Webster Op-Ex scorecard
Develop and execute the CI/Kaizen roadmap aligned with plant startup phases and annual operating objectives
Manage and lead the site CI/Op-Ex team, providing coaching, development planning, and performance feedback
Facilitate structured problem-solving using A3, 8D, DMAIC, and other methodologies to address startup losses and process instability
Lead Kaizen events targeting throughput, waste reduction, process stability, and labor productivity
Partner with Production, Quality, Maintenance, Engineering, Supply Chain, Procurement, and Finance to ensure cross-functional alignment
Collaborate with Finance to validate savings, track financial impact, and ensure ROI for CI initiatives
Build frontline capability through structured training in Lean, problem solving, and daily management practices
Identify performance gaps and drive disciplined countermeasure implementation
Ensure improvements are standardized and sustained through documentation, training, and control plans
Drive cultural transformation to embed ownership, accountability, and continuous improvement behaviors
Advocate for the Continuous Improvement vision and support enterprise alignment under the Director of CI.