Continuous Improvement Lead

Business Unit Overview

Michael Foods, Inc. is a leader in the food processing and distribution industry with business in egg products, refrigerated grocery, and potato products. We offer exciting job possibilities throughout our organization where you can enhance your career, sharpen your talents, and make an impact. Join our company and be part of an innovative team that’s First in Food.

Michael Foods, Inc. located in Elizabeth, New Jersey has a proud history dating back to the founding of our country. Elizabeth is a great American city.

POSITION SUMMARY:

We are looking for a dynamic Continuous Improvement Lead to support the implementation and development of TPM, Lean methodologies, and Learning and Development in a food manufacturing environment. The Continuous Improvement Lead will support design and implementation of continuous improvement (CI) programs aligned with Michael Foods Execution System “MES” (MFI CI methodology). The ideal candidate has a strong background in manufacturing, a proven track record of implementing continuous improvement methodology, and excellent leadership skills to drive continuous improvement.

This position has the responsibility to comply with safety work rules at all times as well as an obligation to reinforce safety as a core value. Ensures that all policies, procedures and activities, related to Food Safety & Quality, are followed and complied with uniformly, in an effort to reduce product and process variability.

• TPM/Lean Implementation – Assist in deploying MES methodology to improve Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE).
• Support implementation of TPM Centers of Excellence (COE’s/Pillars) (Maintenance, Planned Maintenance, Focused Improvement).
• Help facilitate Lean Manufacturing methodology with a needs‑based mindset to eliminate waste, improve efficiency, and drive productivity.
• Participate in the execution of lean tools such as Value Stream Mapping, 5S, Kaizen, Six Sigma, FMEA, DMAIC, SMED, and RCO.
• Coordinate and support cross‑functional CI events to solve problems and implement sustainable solutions.
• Gather data for equipment utilization and capacity studies and provide recommendations.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and foster a results‑driven culture.
• Develop and deploy plant standards to drive reliability into the process.
• Provide support with MES methodology to build capability of Operations Leadership in the plant.
• Adhere to and support all Human and Food Safety programs, including safe work practices, GMPs, maintaining sanitary conditions and ensuring product quality.
• Establish norms and standards to drive improved performance, foster a culture of learning, teamwork, and accountability.
• Collaborate & Communicate – Communicate progress, challenges, and successes to key leaders and stakeholders and build strong relationships with stakeholders to ensure successful implementation of CI methodology.
• Digital Leadership – Support the use of Redzone and other digital platforms to enhance connectivity and performance tracking; support teams on data visualization and storytelling with tools such as Tableau; develop and maintain dashboards to track progress, enable data‑driven decision making, and communicate progress.
• Accountable for a safe and healthy workplace for everyone; adhere to all safety policies and procedures and incorporate safety and health in all jobs and tasks.
• Adhere to Quality work practices, follow GMPs, maintain sanitary conditions and ensure that product quality is maintained; report to management any conditions or practices that may adversely affect food safety and quality.

• Associates or Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business Administration, Industrial Management, or Operations preferred.
• Prior experience in a food processing environment.
• Equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered.

• Experience implementing TPM and Lean methodology.
• Excellent leadership and team building skills.
• Dynamic thinking and problem solving.
• Experience managing by influence and holding cross functional teams accountable.
• Strong computer skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, SAP.

The pay range for this position is $65,170 - $88,631 per year.