Sr. Continuous Improvement Manager - Phoenix Plant

As the Sr. Continuous Improvement Manager at Shearer's Snacks, your primary responsibilities will include developing and implementing continuous improvement work processes, leading Kaizen activities, managing performance metrics, and collaborating with leadership to drive Lean/CI initiatives. You'll oversee the health checks of CI work processes and support engineering initiatives while coaching cross-functional teams.

To qualify for the Sr. Continuous Improvement Manager role at Shearer's Snacks, you need at least 10 years of manufacturing plant leadership experience in a consumer product facility. A four-year degree in engineering, operations management, or a related field is essential, along with mastery of CI tools such as Kaizen and Six Sigma, strong analytical skills, and proven leadership abilities.

Ideal candidates for the Sr. Continuous Improvement Manager position at Shearer's Snacks will have extensive experience in manufacturing leadership, particularly with hands-on experience in implementing lean principles and continuous improvement strategies. Familiarity with food production processes and cross-functional team leadership will set you up for success in this role.

At Shearer's Snacks, we are deeply committed to continuous improvement initiatives. This is evident through the development of a CI Master Plan, facilitation of Kaizen events, and consistent performance tracking. We encourage an organizational culture that prioritizes efficiency and innovation, making it a collaborative effort across all teams involved.

Employees at Shearer’s Snacks enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision coverage, life insurance, retirement savings plan with employer match, and various other plans designed to support your well-being. Additionally, the company promotes volunteer opportunities within the community, fostering a strong sense of teamwork and social responsibility.

In prioritizing continuous improvement projects, it's essential to assess the potential impact on efficiency and productivity. I typically start by evaluating the current state of operations, gathering data on key performance indicators, and identifying areas with the most significant improvement opportunities. Engaging with cross-functional teams to understand their challenges and goals also helps in aligning project priorities with the company's overall objectives.

I have extensive experience with Kaizen methodologies through various implementations in my previous roles. Kaizen focuses on continuous and incremental improvements across all areas of the manufacturing process. My approach involves facilitating workshops, engaging employees at all levels for ideas, and setting clear performance metrics to measure the improvements made, ensuring sustainable gains in productivity.

Motivating my team is crucial for the success of continuous improvement initiatives. I focus on creating an open environment where team members feel valued for their contributions. I celebrate small wins to build momentum, provide opportunities for professional growth, and ensure there's clear communication regarding project goals and expected outcomes, all of which foster a sense of ownership and accountability.

To measure the success of continuous improvement projects, I utilize performance indicators such as productivity rates, waste reduction, and cost savings. Additionally, conducting regular reviews and obtaining feedback from team members allows us to assess both qualitative and quantitative improvements effectively. Documenting these successes also creates a benchmark for future projects.

I have achieved several certifications in Lean Six Sigma and have applied its principles extensively in my work. My experience involves leading cross-departmental teams to streamline operations, reduce variability, and improve overall quality. By utilizing tools like DMAIC, I have successfully guided numerous projects from initial data collection through implementation and review.

Data analysis is a cornerstone of successful continuous improvement efforts. It allows us to identify trends, pinpoint root causes of inefficiencies, and evaluate the effectiveness of implemented changes. By relying on data-driven insights, we can prioritize actions that yield the most significant impact, ensuring resources are allocated properly to achieve strategic goals.

In one challenging project, we faced significant delays in production timelines due to equipment malfunction and inefficiencies in workflow. I led a team through a thorough analysis, implemented a series of Kaizen events, and revised our standard work practices. The outcome was a 30% reduction in cycle time and improved equipment reliability, showcasing the power of focused continuous improvement efforts.

To ensure effective communication with leadership, I establish regular updates and reports on project progress, successes, and challenges. I also utilize visual management tools to illustrate key metrics and outcomes. By fostering open lines of communication, I maintain alignment with leadership’s strategic vision, enabling us to make informed decisions and adjustments as necessary.

Training is vital in continuous improvement as it empowers employees with the necessary skills and knowledge to engage in CI initiatives actively. I prioritize training sessions that cover the fundamentals of lean principles, data analysis, and problem-solving techniques, which not only enhances the team’s capability but also boosts morale and encourages innovation.

One of the biggest challenges facing continuous improvement in manufacturing today is resistance to change, often stemming from a lack of understanding or fear of the unknown. Addressing this challenge requires persistent communication, education, and demonstration of the tangible benefits of CI initiatives. Creating a culture that embraces change is essential for driving ongoing improvements.