Continuous Improvement Manager

JOB SUMMARY: Continuous Improvement Managers focus on the implementation of business improvement projects that positively impact accuracy, waste reduction, and enhance business processes. Continuous Improvement Managers coordinate discovery, planning, and execution of projects in a variety of business environments. They drive change management activities to support adoption of new tools and processes, working closely with internal stakeholders to ensure alignment.

Continuous Improvement Managers have strong project coordination skills, cross-functional communication, and a solid understanding of techniques to improve business practices. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker who enjoys working with people to understand and remove barriers to success. Frequent travel is required as projects may take place anywhere in the Northgate enterprise.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The essential duties and responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to, the following:

Practices "Going to Gemba" by immersing self in the place where the work happens

Maintains extreme approachability, practicing "go see," "ask why," and "show respect," genuinely valuing the perspective of frontline associates

Identifies continuous improvement opportunities in alignment with the company's strategic goals

Collaborates with leadership across operating areas to align and execute change management practices that reflect Northgate's associate-first culture

Simplifies complexity by modifying processes and designing CI tools and materials

Assembles cross-functional project teams; uses discretion to check readiness and adjust roll-out plans

Exercises independent judgement, analyzes workflows and recommends strategic processes changes

Directly supervises CI project resources including direct and indirect team members

Sets targets, leads and supports projects, evaluating first-cause opportunities to limit change

Evaluates the performance of project team members and directs scheduling as appropriate

Develops and publishes scorecard to ensure adoption and measure effectiveness

Uses a range of methodologies such as Six Sigma, Lean, 5s, and Kaizen to drive process improvements

Develops strategies to embed Continuous Improvement as a cultural pillar at Northgate Markets

Interacts with Service Support engineers to ensure best practices and benefits are captured

Designs standard operating practices, training documents, and sustainability measurements

REQUIREMENTS AND CONDITIONS:

Education/Experience

• College degree or equivalent work experience required
• Experience with implementation of projects requiring change management, preferably involving technology or advanced processes
• Continuous Improvement or direct leadership experience in retail, manufacturing, or supply chain roles
• Advanced degree, such as MBA, or four-year degree with engineering focus preferred

Certificates/Licenses/Registrations

• Valid Driver's License
• Six Sigma, Lean Management, Toyota Production Systems, Project Management Professional, or similar certification (or willingness to obtain one shortly after assuming role)

Skills Required

• Bilingual (English & Spanish)
• Inquisitive mindset, desire and ability to interact with frontline associates
• Excellent communication skills and collaborative, team-oriented mindset
• Strong planning, risk management, and issue resolution capabilities
• Strong critical thinking and decision-making skills
• Strong, demonstrated planning and personal time management skills
• Intermediate knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Word, and Power Point
• Strong interpersonal skills with managing conflict, influencing others, and change management
• Familiarity with return on investment, discounted cash flow analysis, and similar financial evaluation concepts preferred

Salary : $95,316 to $121,528

Physical Demands and Work Conditions

The physical demands and work conditions described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Some requirements may be modified to accommodate individuals with disabilities:

• The employee must frequently walk, talk, or hear, and reach with the hands and arms; occasionally, the employee must crouch or kneel
• The employee must occasionally exert or lift up to 50 pounds and exert or lift moderate amounts of weight
• Successful performance requires specific vision abilities that include close vision and the ability to adjust focus
• The job requires the ability to travel frequently and stand for long periods of time
• This position is headquartered in the Northgate Gonzalez Market Support Center. As such, this position is defined as full-time and on-site. Any remote work or work performed outside of the project location must be authorized by the supervisor
• The work environment includes retail, distribution, manufacturing, and office-type settings. The noise level in the work environment will vary

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER NOTICE

The job duties, elements, responsibilities, skills, functions, experience,…