Continuous Improvement Manager; Manufacturing

Client:
Nationally Known Food Manufacturer/Distributer
Role:
Continuous Improvement Manager
Salary: $120,000-$140,000
Perm
Fully Onsite

Location:
Swedesboro, New Jersey

Bilingual in Spanish is highly preferred

Responsibilities:

• A leading food manufacturer is seeking a Continuous Improvement Manager to lead and sustain operational excellence initiatives within one of its key production facilities. This role is instrumental in driving process improvements, cost savings, and performance enhancements across manufacturing operations.

  The ideal candidate is both strategic and hands-on, with a strong background in Lean, Six Sigma, and change management methodologies. This position offers the opportunity to lead cross-functional initiatives, implement sustainable systems, and build a culture of continuous improvement.

• Lead and champion the facility’s Operational Excellence and Continuous Improvement initiatives

• Establish and monitor process controls to support operational consistency, efficiency, and adherence to food safety and quality standards

• Identify and resolve production, manufacturing, and maintenance challenges by analyzing performance data and driving root-cause problem-solving

• Implement digital tools and systems to streamline data collection and reduce manual paperwork

• Manage the plant cost-savings program
  , including ideation, prioritization, and tracking of key projects

• Oversee the development and enforcement of standard operating procedures (SOPs) and work practices

• Collaborate with Training teams to ensure job-based skill development is aligned with key operational goals

• Use Lean, Six Sigma, TPM
  , and other CI tools to drive efficiencies across all departments

• Mentor and develop a team of CI/process-focused professionals to support ongoing improvement initiatives

• Manage small-scale capital or equipment optimization projects aimed at increasing productivity

• Partner with cross-functional departments to align improvement efforts with company-wide objectives

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, Business, or related field

• 4–10 years of experience in manufacturing operations or continuous improvement roles

• Proven experience implementing Lean, Six Sigma, or TPM methodologies

• Strong understanding of GMPs, food safety
  , and quality systems in a regulated environment (e.g., SQF)

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word); experience with SAP is a plus

• Excellent communication, facilitation, and project management skills

• Ability to lead initiatives in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment

• Strong organizational and analytical skills with a focus on detail and accuracy

• Bilingual in English and Spanish is preferred