Continuous Improvement Leader - Clinton, IA

Position Summary

The Continuous Improvement Leader is charged with leading diverse teams to identify and solve opportunities within the manufacturing process which improve various metrics, including personal safety, process safety, food safety, cost, efficiency, and throughput and profitability. This is a plant-based role with regular presence on the production floor.

• Process Optimization:
  Analyze existing starch and Fibersol production processes to identify inefficiencies, bottlenecks, and waste. Implement improvement initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma, and other CI methodologies.
• Project Leadership:
  Lead and manage CI projects from concept to completion, ensuring alignment with business goals and measurable outcomes in yield, throughput, and cost reduction.
• Data Analysis:
  Collect and interpret process data to drive decision-making and validate improvement opportunities. Develop dashboards and KPIs to monitor performance.
• Standardization:
  Develop, document, and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) and best practices to ensure consistency and sustainability of improvements.
• Collaboration:
  
  Partner with Production, Quality, Maintenance, Engineering, and Supply Chain teams to align improvement initiatives with broader operational goals.
• Training &
  
  Coaching:
  
  Build CI capability within the team by training employees in Lean tools, problem-solving techniques, and performance management systems.
• Safety & Quality:
  Ensure all improvement initiatives maintain or enhance product quality, food safety, and employee safety standards.
• Reporting:
  Provide regular updates on CI initiatives, including performance metrics, project status, and financial impacts.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication, facilitation, and leadership abilities.
• Proficiency with data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, Power BI).
• Ability to influence and engage employees at all organizational levels.
• Knowledge of safety, quality, and environmental standards in food manufacturing.
• Demonstrated success in building/transforming CI within a manufacturing department.
• Excellent communication skills – both oral and written, listening and teamwork skills.

• A bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Physical Science, or equivalent work experience.

• 2+ years of experience in a production environment of food processing or similar industry.

The total compensation package for this position will also include an annual bonus.

• Physical wellness – medical/Rx, dental, vision and on-site wellness center access or gym reimbursement (as applicable).
• Financial wellness – flexible spending accounts, health savings account, 401(k) with matching contributions and cash balance plan, discounted employee stock purchasing program, life insurance, disability, workers’ compensation, legal assistance, identity theft protection.
• Mental and social wellness – Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and Colleague Giving Programs (ADM Cares).

• Paid time off including paid holidays.
• Adoption assistance and paid maternity and parental leave.
• Tuition assistance.
• Company-sponsored training and development resources, such as Linked In Learning, language training and mentoring programs.

We welcome everyone to apply. We are committed to ensuring all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment regardless of race, color, ethnicity, disability, religion, national origin, language, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, sexual orientation, age, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

At ADM, we unlock the power of nature to provide access to nutrition worldwide. With industry-advancing innovations, a complete portfolio of ingredients and solutions to meet any taste, and a commitment to sustainability, we give customers an edge in solving the nutritional challenges of today and tomorrow. We’re a global leader in human and animal nutrition and the world’s premier agricultural origination and processing company.

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