Operations Improvement Manager

Careers and Highline Warren•Council Bluffs, IA

11h

About The Position

The Operations Improvement Manager is responsible for analyzing operational processes to identify inefficiencies and leading initiatives that optimize workflows, reduce costs, and improve overall performance. The role develops metrics, ensures equipment readiness, and manages work assignments to meet production schedules. The manager supports troubleshooting, collaborates across departments, and drives continuous improvement using lean methodologies. Additional responsibilities include supervising and developing team members, partnering with HR on hiring, maintaining strong communication with leadership, ensuring quality through KPI monitoring, and upholding company policies, safety standards, and reliable attendance. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function. The Operations Improvement Manager analyzes current operational processes to identify inefficiencies and areas for improvement. Develop and implement strategies to optimize workflows, reduce costs, and enhance overall performance. This includes managing cross-functional project teams to ensure successful execution of process improvements. Recommend measures to improve production methods, equipment performance, and quality of product and coordinate with department heads to achieve organizational goals. Develop appropriate metrics to track and improve packaging and equipment performance. Regularly monitor project progress, prepare status reports for senior management, and make necessary adjustments to keep projects on track. Assign new work and projects to team members consistent with company and department goals and capabilities. Conduct project post-mortems and create a recommendations report to identify successful and unsuccessful project elements. Analyze production schedules and estimate hour requirements for completion of job assignments. Establish and adjust work assignments to meet production schedules. Assist supervisors and associates in diagnosing malfunctions in machinery and equipment. Work with associates at all levels of the company and across departments to resolve work requests, improve processes, and ensure good customer service. Supervise team members in a manner that enables growth and success through feedback, training, and encouragement. Establish performance expectations for team members and provide regular feedback. Work with human resources department to manage hiring process for direct reports; interview and select candidates for hire in compliance with company processes. Maintain an open and candid working relationship with immediate supervisor/manager in discussing matters of importance. Continually evaluate processes, make recommendations, and implement improvements to optimize efficiency. Establish and document standard operating procedures and ensure the team is adhering to them. Drive continuous improvement efforts to reduce costs or increase productivity without reducing effectiveness. Understand and apply lean manufacturing tools and methodology to lead team in continuous improvement activities. Perform quality controls and monitor production Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to ensure consistent, high-quality output. Adhere to established company values, practices, policies, and procedures at all times. Follow and support compliance with all applicable safety rules, laws, regulations, and standards. Use independent judgment to ensure that team members follow company policy and maintain a safe work environment by encouraging safe practices and promptly resolving violations, including initiating rewards and discipline as needed. Demonstrate regular and punctual attendance at the assigned work location. MARGINAL FUNCTIONS The individual may be asked to perform other duties as requested.

Requirements

Lead and inspire team members; must be able to relate to and build team working relationships.
Operate a computer and demonstrate PC proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
Effectively and professionally communicate with co-workers, team members, and internal or external customers.
Present information clearly and accurately.
Pay attention to details and pursue quality in accomplishing work duties and tasks.
Look for opportunities to reduce costs or increase productivity without reducing effectiveness.
Handle challenges skillfully, thoroughly, and effectively.
Independently take advantage of opportunities to improve or increase skills, abilities. and job knowledge.
Efficiently perform accurate mathematical calculations.
Make sure that work is delivered on time and of high quality.
Develop good work practices in order to get the job done.
Use equipment, resources, and time in an efficient and effective manner.
Use good judgment when making decisions.
Perform work in a safe manner at all times.
Be professional in all interactions and dealings with co-workers, internal/external customers, and vendors.
Bachelors Degree in business, operations, engineering or related field and 5 years of experience in operations management or continuous improvement roles (such as a plant supervisor, department manager, or other management/supervisory position including manufacturing, continuous improvement, and quality responsibilities), or a satisfactory combination of education and experience that demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the above duties.
Proven experience with process improvement methodologies such as Lean, Six Sigma, or Kaizen
Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data and transform it into actionable initiatives
Excellent project management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
Strong problem-solving skills with experience in conducting root cause analysis
Valid drivers license.

Nice To Haves

Significant combined experience in manufacturing, maintenance, and project management, preferred.

Responsibilities

Analyze current operational processes to identify inefficiencies and areas for improvement.
Develop and implement strategies to optimize workflows, reduce costs, and enhance overall performance.
Manage cross-functional project teams to ensure successful execution of process improvements.
Recommend measures to improve production methods, equipment performance, and quality of product and coordinate with department heads to achieve organizational goals.
Develop appropriate metrics to track and improve packaging and equipment performance.
Regularly monitor project progress, prepare status reports for senior management, and make necessary adjustments to keep projects on track.
Assign new work and projects to team members consistent with company and department goals and capabilities.
Conduct project post-mortems and create a recommendations report to identify successful and unsuccessful project elements.
Analyze production schedules and estimate hour requirements for completion of job assignments.
Establish and adjust work assignments to meet production schedules.
Assist supervisors and associates in diagnosing malfunctions in machinery and equipment.
Work with associates at all levels of the company and across departments to resolve work requests, improve processes, and ensure good customer service.
Supervise team members in a manner that enables growth and success through feedback, training, and encouragement.
Establish performance expectations for team members and provide regular feedback.
Work with human resources department to manage hiring process for direct reports; interview and select candidates for hire in compliance with company processes.
Maintain an open and candid working relationship with immediate supervisor/manager in discussing matters of importance.
Continually evaluate processes, make recommendations, and implement improvements to optimize efficiency.
Establish and document standard operating procedures and ensure the team is adhering to them.
Drive continuous improvement efforts to reduce costs or increase productivity without reducing effectiveness.
Understand and apply lean manufacturing tools and methodology to lead team in continuous improvement activities.
Perform quality controls and monitor production Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to ensure consistent, high-quality output.
Adhere to established company values, practices, policies, and procedures at all times.
Follow and support compliance with all applicable safety rules, laws, regulations, and standards.
Use independent judgment to ensure that team members follow company policy and maintain a safe work environment by encouraging safe practices and promptly resolving violations, including initiating rewards and discipline as needed.
Demonstrate regular and punctual attendance at the assigned work location.