Associate Manager, Continuous Improvement

This position will lead their assigned facility in the development and implementation of a long term strategic plan to involve every plant team member in the pursuit of a lean manufacturing environment that lowers overall production costs.

This is a Salary Exempt position.

• Implement the facility's corporate standard CI strategy to deliver significant productivity savings that lower the total plant cost of production and improve the safety within those plans.
• Develop and implement the facility's plan to engage every employee, salaried and hourly, in the CI process. Use fact‑based analysis to prioritize process improvement opportunities within the facility and inform management of progress of improvements.
• Establish and manage CI metrics for each department within the facility, and monitor/manage performance against these metrics. Identify and/or provide training on lean manufacturing techniques as needed. Facilitate hourly CI events as needed.
• Participate as a member of the team: develop, communicate, and implement team concepts, programs, and policies; coordinate work to ensure best practices with all team members; attend appropriate team meetings; foster strong cohesiveness regarding major issues; and work to resolve issues and reinforce actions needed to achieve organizational synergy.
• Be familiar with Simmons' established operating systems (e.g., quality, security, office environment, company policies, LEAN) and understand the responsibility to maintain familiarity with the systems and communicate concerns and improvement ideas.

Performs other duties as necessary in support of business objectives:
This position description is intended to guide the activities of the person in this position and is not intended to limit the thinking and creativity of the person as to the work of this function nor is it intended that this describe all the work that may be required of the person in this position.

Enters and locates information on a computer; visually verifies information, often in small print; communicates with customers, vendors, or employees via telephone, in person, and/or electronic mail; may present information to small or large groups; must be able to work in various temperatures; move about in a manufacturing environment and surrounding property; may travel via car or plane to various work locations.

As required by visiting facility.

10% limited travel to and from multiple facilities.

1–3+ years’ experience in manufacturing, operations, continuous improvement, or engineering discipline; 1+ years’ experience in food processing or manufacturing management; strong organizational and problem‑solving skills; must be proficient in Microsoft Office.

Lean Six Sigma training and certifications; understanding of Lean principles, systems, and tools.

Minimum:
Bachelor’s degree in related field or 2 years of prior management‑level experience. Preferred: N/A.

We value military experience and welcome veterans to join our team.

Equal Opportunity Employer.

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.