Continuous Improvement Manager

Location: Fort Gibson

Make a Difference in YOUR Career!
Our vision is both simple and ambitious: to put our drinks on every table.
We are the leading global independent beverage solutions provider. We serve a broad range of national and international retailers as well as Global, National and Emerging (GNE) brands. Our products are distributed worldwide from our production sites in Europe, North America, and Australia. Although our own branding may not appear on the labels of the beverages we produce, there is a good chance you are reading this while sipping one of our drinks.
Our ambition is to continually improve and it’s what keeps us at the top of our game.  We are solutions-based.  We are innovative.  We seek out new challenges and conquer them. This is our company ethos, but it’s our people’s too:  Refresco is at the cutting edge of a fast-moving industry because we have passionate people pushing the boundaries of what’s best.
Stop and think: how would YOU put our drinks on every table?
Summary

Description:

Reporting to the Plant Director, the Continuous Improvement (CI) Manager is responsible for developing, coordinating, and sustaining CI initiatives within the manufacturing plant. Partnering with the Plant Leadership team, the CI Manager will drive the deployment of CI strategies across the facility. This role involves leading improvement projects, training and developing employees to lead similar initiatives, and fostering a Lean mindset throughout the plant.

A strong Lean background is essential, as the CI Manager will spend significant time on the production floor, driving sustainable improvements and securing buy-in at all levels.

Essential Job Functions:

Adhere to and ensure compliance to all health and safety policies/procedures, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and PPE requirements.
Adhere to and ensure compliance to food quality and food safety as per the standard(s) provided by corporate, customer, and/or governing bodies (ex. SQF).
Develop and support the execution of improvement plans aligned with company strategy by collaborating with the Plant Leadership Team and Sr. Regional OPEX Manager.
Lead, facilitate, and coach Kaizen events to drive sustainable improvements in safety, first-pass quality, direct labor efficiency, yield, and indirect labor optimization.
Mentor and train employees in CI tools, including the 8 Wastes, Standard Work, SMED, 5S, and Centerlining, to build a culture of continuous improvement.
Maintain a rolling 12-month pipeline of productivity initiatives and capital improvement opportunities.
Facilitate regular planning meetings to validate cost savings, review project status, and develop contingency plans if initiatives are off track.
Track and report cost savings, project sustainability, and employee engagement related to continuous improvement initiatives.
Analyze plant financials, including P&L and other internal data tools, to identify cost-saving opportunities and prioritize high-impact areas for improvement.
Lead the implementation and sustainment of the Refresco Management System (RMS), ensuring alignment with plant objectives.
Identify, evaluate, and execute process improvement opportunities that enhance efficiency, reduce waste, and increase plant output.
Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure alignment, information sharing, and a unified approach to continuous improvement initiatives.
Implement and promote best practices through the Best Practice Sharing process, fostering innovation and operational excellence.
Define, monitor, and maintain key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure plant performance and drive accountability.
Partner with plant leadership to enhance workplace safety by developing and executing strategies to reduce accidents, energy consumption, and material waste.

Required Skills:

Demonstrated success in implementing and driving cultural and operational improvements through structured change management.
Hands-on experience deploying Lean methodologies, including Value Stream Mapping, Standard Work, and Visual Management, to improve efficiency and reduce waste.
Skilled in planning, leading, and coaching Kaizen events to drive continuous improvement and operational…