Continuous Improvement Manager

Continuous Improvement Manager

The Continuous Improvement Manager is responsible for leading and sustaining continuous improvement initiatives across the plant to improve safety, quality, service, and cost. This role identifies high‑impact improvement opportunities, leads cross‑functional projects using Lean and root cause methodologies, and partners with plant leadership to eliminate waste, reduce variation, and drive a culture of continuous improvement.

This position serves as a key resource for efficiency improvements, audit readiness, cost‑saving initiatives, and standard work execution while ensuring product integrity and compliance.

• Identify, prioritize, and lead continuous improvement projects that improve plant performance in safety, quality, throughput, and cost.
• Lead and coach cross‑functional teams using Lean, Six Sigma, and structured problem‑solving tools.
• Drive corrective and preventive action (CAPA) initiatives to eliminate recurring issues and prevent reoccurrence.
• Support and lead initiatives such as line efficiency improvements, scrap reduction, cost savings and waste reduction initiatives, CIP optimization, process improvements, audit gap closure, compliance improvements, equipment, process and facility improvement projects.
• Analyze plant performance data to identify trends, root causes, and improvement opportunities.
• Partner with Operations, Maintenance, Quality, and Supply Chain leaders to align CI efforts with business priorities.
• Standardize best practices and support deployment across departments.
• Support audit preparation, internal audits, and follow‑up actions.
• Coach leaders and frontline teams on CI tools, problem solving, and continuous improvement mindset.
• Track project progress, benefits, and savings and communicate results to leadership.

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations, Business, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• 3–5+ years’ experience in a manufacturing environment.
• 3+ years leading continuous improvement, Lean, or operational excellence initiatives.
• Working knowledge of Lean tools, root cause analysis, and structured problem solving.
• Experience leading cross‑functional teams and managing multiple projects.

• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt (or equivalent CI certification).
• Experience in food or beverage manufacturing.
• Familiarity with audits, CAPA programs, and compliance environments.
• Experience delivering measurable cost savings and efficiency improvements.
• Previous leadership or indirect people management experience.

• Strong analytical and data‑driven problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to influence without direct authority.
• Clear and effective communicator at all levels of the organization.
• Highly organized with strong follow‑through.
• Change management and coaching capability.
• Results‑oriented with a continuous improvement mindset.

• Paid Time Off for holidays, sick time, and vacation time.
• Paid parental and caregiver leaves.
• Medical, including virtual care options.
• Dental.
• Vision.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Health Savings Account with company match.
• Flexible Spending Accounts.
• Expanded mental wellbeing benefits including free counseling sessions for all team members and household family members.
• Family Building Benefits including enhanced fertility benefits for IVF and fertility preservation plus adoption, surrogacy, and doula reimbursements.
• Income protection including Life and AD&D, short and long‑term disability, critical illness, and an accident plan.
• Special discount programs including pet plans, prepaid legal services, identity theft, car rental, airport parking, etc.
• Tuition reimbursement, college savings plan and scholarship opportunities.

Los Angeles County applicants only. Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, the California Fair Chance Act, and any other applicable local and state laws.

Location:

PLAINFIELD.