Director of Continuous Improvement

Carolina Beverage • Cold Spring, MN

15h • Onsite

About The Position

This position is responsible for establishing strategies and leading the plant’s continuous improvement initiatives. The role provides leadership, planning, technical direction, communication, and coaching to ensure the safe production of high-quality products that meet customer requirements in the most cost-effective manner.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Business, or related field preferred; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 7-10+ years of progressive experience in a high-speed manufacturing/production environment required, including 3-5+ years leading continuous improvement/Lean initiatives and coaching teams.
• Prior people leadership and cross-functional project leadership required.
• Lean Six Sigma Black Belt preferred (Green Belt minimum).
• Strong working knowledge of Lean tools (Kaizen, VSM, standard work, 5S, visual management), problem solving (A3/8D), and performance systems (OEE, KPI dashboards, root cause analysis).
• ERP/MES and data analytics experience a plus.
• Demonstrated ability to lead change and build a continuous improvement culture.
• Strong strategic thinking and ability to translate business goals into a CI roadmap and prioritized project portfolio.
• Excellent coaching/facilitation skills (Kaizen, problem solving, leader standard work) with the ability to influence at all levels.
• Advanced analytical and process engineering mindset with strong written and verbal communication.
• Proven project/program management skills, strong organizational skills, and attention to detail.
• Thorough knowledge of manufacturing operations, safety expectations, and quality systems; ability to work effectively across departments and drive sustained results.

Nice To Haves

• ERP/MES and data analytics experience a plus.

Responsibilities

• Promote and lead a strong continuous improvement culture by defining, measuring, analyzing, improving, and controlling processes and equipment while empowering employees.
• Build organizational capability by training and educating the organization and implementing continuous improvement methodologies, including but not limited to Six Sigma, 5S, Kaizen events, Lean, OEE, and related approaches.
• Provide oversight for discrete categories of OEE, including tracking downtime results, improving data integrity, and developing data-driven improvement plans.
• Support safety as a top priority through training, job design, ergonomics, and regulatory compliance.
• Ensure product quality by establishing and managing systems that promote “right-first-time” performance and embedding this philosophy within continuous improvement activities.
• Lead plant-wide problem solving and prioritize improvement opportunities to increase throughput.
• Develop and maintain standard work for each step in the production process.
• Identify and recommend opportunities to improve production performance through new equipment, enhanced training, improved maintenance practices, and related initiatives.
• Develop, govern, and maintain an internal corrective action program to close gaps that may occur in the production process.
• Provide support on the production floor, as needed, to facilitate implementation and sustainment of improvements.
• Partner with management and employees to develop, standardize, and sustain procedures that improve product throughput.
• Collaborate with employees across all departments to identify and eliminate potential sources of error within production processes.
• Adhere to and comply with Good Manufacturing Practices as outlined in the Employee Handbook.
• Perform all aspects of the position to the highest quality standards.
• Report any nonconformances to the immediate supervisor promptly.
• Maintain knowledge of applicable quality standards and expectations. If clarification is needed, consult the immediate supervisor before proceeding.
• Demonstrate knowledge of all safety requirements applicable to the position prior to initiating any task.
• Comply with all company safety rules and established procedures.
• Take personal responsibility for individual safety and the safety of others by identifying, correcting, and/or assisting with correction of hazards.
• Use company resources efficiently by applying conservation best practices in accordance with company policy and Good Manufacturing Practices as outlined in the Employee Handbook.
• Report waste or poor conservation practices to the immediate supervisor promptly.
• Continuously seek improved practices and processes and communicate recommendations to the immediate supervisor.

Benefits

• Competitive medical, HSA and FSA plans, dental, and vision coverage options for you and your family.
• Paid Time Off
• Paid holidays
• 401(k) with company match
• Bonuses
• Employee Assistance Program
• Life insurance, AD&D insurance, and short- and long-term disability coverage.
• Free Uniforms
• Referral Bonuses

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director