Manager Continuous Improvement - Technician Capability

CONAGRA•Chicago, IL

11d•Hybrid

About The Position

Reporting to the Director, Reliability Center of Excellence (COE), you will lead and support the implementation and continuous improvement of enterprise maintenance systems, standards, and capabilities across manufacturing operations. You will drive preventive and predictive maintenance excellence, support work management and spare parts strategies, enable design‑for‑reliability for new capital equipment, and own the enterprise Maintenance Technician Capability Development Program. You will guide manufacturing sites in building and sustaining a formal technician capability framework, monitor progress and performance, identify skill gaps, and provide clear, data‑driven insights and recommendations to leadership.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or equivalent experience.
10+ years of experience in maintenance roles within a manufacturing environment.
Maintenance management experience strongly preferred.
Extensive manufacturing equipment and parts knowledge.
Experience with TPM, Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, and 5S.
Extensive experience developing preventive and predictive maintenance plans.
Experience with major predictive maintenance technologies.
Experience implementing and managing Technician training programs.
Experience working with Amatrol and SACA Technician training programs.
Working knowledge of SAP for Work Management.
Working knowledge of SAP for MRO storeroom and materials management.
Advanced Excel skills for data analysis.
Working knowledge of SharePoint and TEAMS.
Proficiency using PowerPoint to create and deliver presentations.
Comfortable training and presenting to groups of all sizes and organizational levels.

Responsibilities

Lead and support manufacturing sites to develop and continuously improve preventive and predictive maintenance plans and execution of work management.
Complete maintenance assessments at manufacturing sites, identify opportunities, and lead the design and execution of improvement action plans.
Own and maintain one or more enterprise maintenance systems or standards, including documentation, training, assessments, and KPI’s.
Lead or support maintenance readiness activities for new capital equipment and design‑for‑reliability efforts.
Provide direction and guidance to the Reliability COE and the OLT regarding Technician Capability programs at manufacturing sites.
Monitor performance, identify improvement opportunities, hold sites accountable, and lead improvement activities.
Understand the current state of Technician Capability training programs at all manufacturing sites.
Lead all manufacturing sites to implement and sustain Technician Capability program standards, systems, and best practices.
Collaborate with manufacturing sites to understand Technician skill gaps and assist with improvement activities.
Create and maintain Technician Capability program documentation, including standards, flow charts, and OPL’s.
Calculate and publish Technician Capability management program KPI’s.
Lead a monthly Technician Capability management meeting inclusive of all manufacturing sites.
Plan and lead training events as necessary.
Collaborate with external Technician Capability management partners, including Amatrol, SACA, and VOLT.
Provide strategic guidance on training options including on‑site, local tech college, and on‑line delivery.
Work with HR and Legal resources on training funding and grant opportunities.
Provide support via TEAMS or on‑site as required.
Serve as a thought and technology leader in Technician Capability management.
Attend and actively participate in Reliability COE and Engineering meetings and events as required.