Manager, Operations Excellence

Ardent Mills

1d•Remote

About The Position

The Manager, Operations Excellence, plays a critical role in advancing the Ardent Mills Operational Excellence program (ROOT) by establishing standards, driving governance, and leading a team of CI practitioners. This role provides strategic direction, partners with leaders across the organization, and accelerates performance through structured improvement initiatives. Job Description: Establish and maintain ROOT, the Ardent Mills Operational Excellence program, embedding standards of execution, behaviors, and KPIs across program components. Govern and maintain CI standards, toolkits, templates, and training materials to ensure consistent adoption and sustainment. Lead, coach, and develop a team of Continuous Improvement practitioners, providing day-to-day guidance and performance feedback. Execute a prioritized pipeline of operational excellence initiatives across sites and functions to drive cost savings and waste reduction. Develop and deliver Continuous Improvement training using Lean Six Sigma, TPM, and related methodologies. Partner with leadership to set performance expectations and influence outcomes through collaboration and shared accountability. Partner with Change Management to drive business engagement, adoption, and sustained improvement results. Travel required up to 50%

Requirements

Bachelor's degree preferred, with 8+ years of relevant experience in manufacturing and 5+ years in CI-focused roles.
Demonstrated expertise in continuous improvement tools and methodologies used to implement a Continuous Improvement Culture
Successful experience applying Lean and Six Sigma tools to get results (value stream mapping, 5S, Kaizen, Kanban, Error proofing, SMED, team problem solving, etc.)
Six Sigma Black Belt Certification (or obtain certification)
Ability to coach and develop both individuals and teams
Self-starter with a high degree of energy and passion; ability to effectively multi-task and prioritize
Ability to professionally communicate and work cooperatively with others both verbally and in writing. The ability to simplify and communicate broadly at all levels is a must- as is the willingness to work with and train others.
Excellent computer skills including Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Visio and Outlook.

Nice To Haves

3-5 years of experience leading cross functional teams without formal authority
Knowledge of facilitation and organizational change management (a plus)
Food manufacturing experience

Responsibilities

Establish and maintain ROOT, the Ardent Mills Operational Excellence program, embedding standards of execution, behaviors, and KPIs across program components.
Govern and maintain CI standards, toolkits, templates, and training materials to ensure consistent adoption and sustainment.
Lead, coach, and develop a team of Continuous Improvement practitioners, providing day-to-day guidance and performance feedback.
Execute a prioritized pipeline of operational excellence initiatives across sites and functions to drive cost savings and waste reduction.
Develop and deliver Continuous Improvement training using Lean Six Sigma, TPM, and related methodologies.
Partner with leadership to set performance expectations and influence outcomes through collaboration and shared accountability.
Partner with Change Management to drive business engagement, adoption, and sustained improvement results.