Continuous Improvement OPEX Manager

gategroup•New York, NY

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Continuous Improvement OPEX Manager analyzes material and information flows across regional operations units to identify opportunities to improve productivity, material consumption, operating expenses, quality, safety, and space utilization. The role supports and drives continuous process improvements using Lean Manufacturing principles to maximize departmental efficiencies, minimize waste, and improve safety. It quantifies the impact of process and workflow improvements, documents improvement proposals, and works with unit management and associates to implement changes. The manager trains and builds Lean Manufacturing capability throughout the organization, performs diagnostics on major cost drivers, guides unit management on improvement initiatives, and participates in performance management and change processes. The role also presents progress and plans to company executives, liaises with corporate and area Continuous Improvement resources, shares best practices across sites, coaches other Continuous Improvement Managers, and leads training and presentations. Lean tools and techniques include 8 Waste (muda), Just in Time (takt-flow-pull), Value Stream Mapping, Kanban, problem solving, FIFO, 5S, workplace organization, and layout changes when needed. The position is full-time and exempt, based at 30 Inip Dr, Inwood, NY 11096, with travel up to 50% of the time. It reports directly to the Director, OPEX, Area, and has one direct report. The stated salary range is $85,000–$95,000.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Business Economics, Science, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.
At least four years of experience in Lean Manufacturing or related experience as an Industrial Engineer.
At least two years of supervisory experience in a high-volume manufacturing, food production, restaurant, or catering environment.
Experience leading projects and people across organizations and maintaining mandatory standards to ensure product and process safety and improve product quality.
Experience analyzing operations and cost drivers, material and information flows, productivity, material consumption, and operating expenses.
Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office products such as Excel.
Ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
Strong and effective leadership skills and excellent time management skills.
Ability to handle multiple tasks while maintaining focus on priorities.
Strong organizational, analytical, and leadership skills.
Ability to innovate and make operational changes to improve the work environment and unit performance.
Ability to work effectively with diverse work groups and all levels of the operation.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Ability to obtain ServSafe Certification.

Nice To Haves

Experience with Lean Manufacturing techniques, including Just in Time (takt-flow-pull), 5S and workplace organization, value stream mapping, and Kanban.
6-Sigma or Lean Manufacturing Certification.
ServSafe Certification.
Exposure to AutoCAD.
Proficiency in Spanish.

Responsibilities

Analyze material and information flows and identify opportunities to improve productivity, material consumption, operating expenses, quality, safety, and space utilization.
Quantify the effects of improved processes, workflows, and other operational improvement opportunities.
Document improvement proposals and communicate with unit management and leadership about implementation.
Support management and associates through the overall change process and actively practice change management.
Train and build Lean Manufacturing capability at all levels of the organization and provide Lean expertise training.
Maintain the relevance and availability of GG-Production System road maps and blueprints.
Participate in cross-fertilization with other sites and areas.
Perform diagnostics on major cost drivers, including material, labor, and OOC.
Plan and guide unit management in productivity, material waste, safety, and quality improvement initiatives.
Participate in the unit’s performance management system and dialogue.
Present progress and plans to company executives and liaise with corporate and area Continuous Improvement resources.
Propose and maintain company best practices and benchmarking initiatives; coach other Continuous Improvement Managers and lead training and presentation sessions.
Develop and maintain related training materials, working with team members to identify improvements, additions, corrections, or clarifications.
Apply Lean Manufacturing tools and techniques, including 8 Waste (muda), Just in Time (takt-flow-pull), Value Stream Mapping, Kanban, problem solving, FIFO, 5S, workplace organization, and layout changes when necessary.