Continuous Improvement Engineering Manager

Continuous Improvement Engineering Manager

Continuous Improvement Engineering Manager at Glanbia

Join this dynamic team focused on delivering better nutrition for every step of life’s journey !

The Opportunity

The Continuous Improvement Engineering Manager is responsible for leading and driving First Time Quality (FTQ) improvement initiatives at the West Haven facility through a robust, data-driven Corrective and Preventive Action (CAPA) process. This role serves as the site leader for continuous improvement activities, partnering closely with Operations, Quality, Engineering, R&D, Procurement, and Commercialization teams to identify root causes, eliminate waste, reduce Cost of Quality (COQ), improve process capability, and establish sustainable manufacturing practices.

The position will be accountable for improving manufacturing performance, reducing rework and quality holds, driving CAPA effectiveness, and embedding a culture of continuous improvement through structured problem-solving methodologies and operational excellence tools.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on manufacturing improvement leader who can drive FTQ improvement, reduce quality losses and rework, and lead sustainable operational excellence initiatives across the West Haven site. This person should be equally comfortable analyzing manufacturing data, leading cross-functional problem-solving teams, and influencing site leadership to implement change.

Essential Functions

First Time Quality (FTQ) Improvement

• Lead cross-functional investigations into quality issues, deviations, non-conformances, and recurring process failures.
• Ensure effective root cause analysis utilizing methodologies such as 5 Why, Fishbone, Fault Tree Analysis, and statistical analysis tools.
• Drive timely implementation and verification of corrective and preventive actions.
• Monitor CAPA effectiveness and identify systemic opportunities for improvement.
• Develop a data-driven approach to CAPA prioritization and execution.
• Lead initiatives to improve site FTQ performance and reduce product quality failures.
• Analyze manufacturing data, process capability, and specification alignment to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Drive reduction of recurring quality issues through sustainable process improvements.

Continuous Improvement & Operational Excellence

• Identify, prioritize, and execute continuous improvement projects focused on safety, quality, cost, delivery, and productivity.
• Utilize Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and Operational Excellence methodologies to reduce waste and process variability.
• Facilitate Kaizen events, value stream mapping exercises, and process optimization projects.
• Establish standardized work practices and support development of manufacturing best practices.
• Develop and maintain a prioritized site continuous improvement roadmap.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Quality, Operations, Engineering, Procurement, Supply Chain, and R&D teams.
• Facilitate review meetings to communicate improvement opportunities, project status, and CAPA progress.
• Influence stakeholders at all levels to support operational excellence objectives.
• Provide coaching and training on problem-solving, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement methodologies.

General

• Work with QA and plant management to ensure common objectives are agreed on and achieved (e.g. master cleaning protocols, microbiological quality and sanitation procedures).
• Work with Supply Chain to ensure that co-manufacturing outcomes meet Glanbia expectations.
• Set expectations to promote and grow a culture of safety as a non-negotiable.
• Either directly or indirectly ensure all necessary operator and management training is understood and achieved.
• Assist with the development of SOPs and educating operators on processes.
• Provide nutritional product oversight for quality, sensory, and functional properties.
• Work with Glanbia Quality team to provide effective quality assurance functions & resolutions and minimize quality complaints.
• Lead the communication effort within Technical Engineering.
• Grow and develop people’s skills and capabilities to build a strong global footprint.
• Provide process and project support to new…