Regional Manufacturing Excellence Manager

Perfetti Van Melle, USA•Erlanger, KY

About The Position

Perfetti Van Melle (makers of Mentos, Airheads, Dentyne, Trident and Bubblicious!) is one of the world's largest manufacturers and distributors of confectionery and chewing gum with global brands that are being enjoyed in more than 150 countries worldwide. We’re currently seeking a passionate and enthusiastic Regional Manufacturing Excellence Manager to join our growing team. The Regional Manufacturing Excellence Manager is responsible for leading the implementation of Perfetti Performance Excellence (PPE) program with the factories of the region. The role focuses on the development of the IWS program to deliver best in class results in line with the Region Vision. This role will guide and support site leaders, middle management, and core teams to implement all pillars and work processes to deliver expected site goals and results. This role will work closely with the NA Supply Chain Leadership Team and other key stakeholders within the business, such as Engineering, Quality, Finance and HR to drive cultural change to improve and sustain operational excellence and production performance KPIs in accordance with the Best Manufacturing Practices.  Additionally, is essential for creating a culture of continuous improvement and ensuring that PPE practices are effectively implemented and sustained within the organization.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Logistics, Technical, or similar disciplines and/or 5 years of relevant experience in the similar fields.
Minimum 5 years manufacturing or operations experience.
Ability to build relationships with stakeholders
Experience in implementing Continuous Improvement process, such as: IWS, WCM, TPM, Lean Supply Chain principles and tools and/or Six Sigma;
Excellent communication skills across all levels within the business
Strong ability to solve business problems in creative ways
Lean management system and selected Lean tool application
Managing and delivering results against large projects, involving senior managers, requiring complex change management.

Responsibilities

Implement IWS program with all pillars.
Manage the Program Master Plan in each one of the three sites looking for zero losses and total employment involvement.
Support BU NA Sites in development of PPE Roadmaps through project plan development, results tracking and leading and coaching site leaders through project execution.
Creating a culture of continuous improvement and ensuring that PPE practices are effectively implemented and sustained within the organization
Drives continuous improvement initiatives, such as process optimization and the implementation of new PPE tools and techniques to improve OEE and reduce waste
Organize regular meetings with key stakeholders to share project status updates, define next steps in order to raise the performance bar, review pans to deliver sustainable KPI/OEE improvements
Seeks to eliminate the sources of inefficiency and waste, leading to improved operational performance across a NA Plants
Serve as subject matter expert for IWS / CI Methodology, Tools and the implementation of Daily Management Systems to drive operational improvements across BU NA
Manages all activities for continuous improvement and performance enhancement using Lean methodologies and tools in order to accomplish BU NA business objectives.