CI Manager

Job Summary

The CI Manager is responsible for driving sustainable Process Improvements in the facility by delivering breakthrough results in Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, and Morale. The CI Manager works closely with plant leadership, Regional CI, and department employees to achieve results. This position requires strong technical, Lean Manufacturing, and hands‑on leadership skills to drive cultural change in the plant.

• Leads, facilitates, and coaches full‑week Kaizen events to drive sustainable improvements
• Coach Point Kaizen facilitators through prework, the event, and sustainment
• Develop and execute improvement action plans with Plant CI team and CI Champions, improve centre lining, SMED, and other heatmaps, build an employee‑engaged work environment, and provide and teach CI tools to CI and non‑CI employees
• Perform theory of constraints analysis, identify the constraint, and implement practical solutions to improve throughput
• Establish and drive productivity pipeline roadmaps across departments and facility
• Track and analyze CI initiatives including driving the cost‑savings program to meet annual targets
• Use P&L and financial acumen to course‑correct CI plans based on weekly results and track lean activity effectiveness
• Understand and drive the use of SAP tools to meet plant needs
• Implement and coach HPS tools to improve all plant areas
• Build cultural Lean change throughout the plant
• Leverage resources and share best practices across multiple plants
• Facilitate and coach RCA tools and methodology to eliminate waste
• Work with customers, suppliers, and all levels of management staff
• Manage multiple projects concurrently
• Ensure continuous improvement initiatives are implemented and maintained

• Knowledge and experience with SAP
• Extensive technical skills and hands‑on experience in continuous improvement manufacturing activities
• Bias for action, change agent, challenging the status quo to drive operational excellence
• Strong will to drive change and influence without authority
• Excellent problem‑solving skills and autonomy
• Accurate, detail‑oriented and maintain the utmost confidentiality

• Effectively present information to employees, top management, public groups, and/or board of directors
• Analyze data and prioritize projects/focus areas for improvements
• Define problems, collect and calculate data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions
• Write routine reports and correspondence
• Interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, and/or schedule form
• Work well with others in stressful situations and meet deadlines
• Make sound decisions in a fast‑paced environment
• Drive change and sustain improvements
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite, Excel, and PowerPoint work environment
• Maintain harmonious working relations with employees and management from all departments and levels
• Communicate effectively with all employees and management

• Ability to use and reach throughout the day; hands, fingers, arms, stand, walk, climb and/or balance approximately
• Ability to see, hear, and talk
• Ability to work in light to moderate noise levels
• Ability to work across multiple shifts

• Bachelor’s degree preferred; equivalent professional experience considered
• 3–5 years of experience in continuous improvement within a manufacturing or industrial environment required
• Proven leadership experience required

Sponsorship for work authorization is not available for this position. It is the candidate’s responsibility to ensure they are legally authorized to work in the location to which they apply.

The pay range for this full‑time, salaried position is $85,788 - $128,682 per year. Individual base pay depends on work location and additional factors such as experience, job‑related skills, and relevant education or training. The position is eligible for a discretionary annual incentive based on company and individual performance. We offer a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, 401(k) and wellness benefits beginning on the first day of employment.

This information is provided per the relevant state and local pay transparency laws for the location in which this position will be performed. Base pay information is based on market location.

Maker’s Pride is an Equal Opportunity Employer.