Continuous Improvement OPEX Manager

gategroup•New York, NY

3d•$85,000 - $95,000

About The Position

The Continuous Improvement OPEX Manager analyzes material and information flows for regional operations units to identify opportunities to improve productivity, material consumption, operating expenses, quality, safety, and space utilization. The role quantifies the effects of process and workflow improvements, documents proposals, and works with unit management and associates to implement changes. It supports and drives continuous process improvement using Lean Manufacturing principles to improve departmental efficiency, reduce waste, and enhance safety. The manager develops Lean Manufacturing capability at all organizational levels, provides expertise and training, and maintains relevant production-system road maps and blueprints. The role performs diagnostics on major cost drivers, guides improvement initiatives, participates in performance management, and presents progress and plans to company executives. It also shares best practices, benchmarks initiatives, coaches other Continuous Improvement Managers, and contributes to training materials. The position has area/region geographic responsibility, reports directly to the Director, OPEX, Area, and has one direct report. Travel may be up to 50% of the time. The work environment is a normal office environment.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Business Economics, Science, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.
At least 4 years of experience in Lean Manufacturing or related experience as an Industrial Engineer.
At least 2 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 for product and process safety and product quality.
Experience analyzing operations and cost drivers, material and information flows, productivity, material consumption, and operating expenses.
Ability to work autonomously and analytically.
Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office products and Excel.
Ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
Strong and effective leadership skills.
Excellent time-management skills and ability to manage multiple tasks while maintaining focus on priorities.
Strong organizational, analytical, and leadership skills.
Ability to develop innovative operational changes to improve the work environment and unit performance.
Ability to work effectively with diverse work groups and all levels of operations.
Ability to obtain ServSafe Certification.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.

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 identified opportunities.
Prepare documented improvement proposals and communicate them to unit management and leadership for implementation.
Support management and associates through the change process and actively practice change management.
Train employees at all organizational levels in Lean Manufacturing and build organizational capability.
Ensure the relevance and availability of production-system road maps and blueprints.
Participate in cross-site and cross-area sharing of practices and improvements.
Diagnose major cost drivers, including material, labor, and other operating costs (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.
Provide Lean expertise training and help identify improvements, additions, corrections, and clarifications to training materials.
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 needed.