Continuous Improvement Manager

Description

 We are a global leader in food & beverage ingredients. Pioneers at heart, we operate at the forefront of consumer trends to provide food & beverage manufacturers with products and ingredients that will delight their consumers. Making a positive impact on people and planet is all part of the delight. With a deep-rooted presence in the countries where our ingredients are grown, we are closer to farmers, enabling better quality, and more reliable, traceable and transparent supply. Supplying products and ingredients at scale is just the start. We add value through our unique, complementary portfolio of natural, delicious and nutritious products. With our fresh thinking, we help our customers unleash the sensory and functional attributes of cocoa, coffee, dairy, nuts and spices so they can create naturally good food & beverage products that meet consumer expectations. And whoever we’re with, whatever we’re doing, we always make it real. 

Position Summary:

ofi values in-person collaboration with colleagues – this is a fully onsite position where employees are expected to work their specific work schedule onsite.  

Reporting to the Plant Manager, the Continuous Improvement Manager will lead and collaborate with cross-functional, multidisciplinary teams for effective implementation of the Operational Excellence practices and methodologies. The position involves constant interaction and management of internal and external stakeholders. The Continuous Improvement Manager will plan and implement the lean manufacturing principles for improving safety, quality, and on-time delivery of products and processes. This role will plan for productivity improvement, waste elimination, process reengineering, and adaptation technology. In addition, this position will execute cost saving techniques/measures to achieve improvement in cost efficiencies and adherence to manufacturing budgets. The ideal candidate will have effectively demonstrated an ability to continuously deliver cost savings opportunities, build strategic practice and methodologies, establish better services, and demonstrate leadership. They will have exceptional communication skills with all internal and external stakeholders.

 What You’ll Do - Position Responsibilities:

• Help Operations Head to create and execute policies and programs to maximize yield, throughput, capacity and ensure high quality and low costs.  
• Responsible for deploying 2. OX Operational Excellence’ strategy leading to world-class value chain processes.
• Coach, prepare and provide daily, weekly, and monthly reviews and analysis of current processes using operational metrics and reports 
• Prepare data for weekly meetings and Monthly Operational Review Meetings.  
• Work with plant manager and other managers to deliver operational Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and cost performance
• Work with Quality Assurance Head to develop quality standards and deliver consistent product quality.
• Help in optimizing production planning and scheduling. 
• Develop and execute strategies with the Operations Head for operational success.
• Utilize KPIs to benchmark and drive continuous improvement strategies.
• Partner with plant manager and other key functional leaders in procurement, sourcing, logistics, maintenance, finance, etc. to ensure execution of key initiatives and strategies that drive quality, yield, throughput and manufacturing savings.
• Partner with leadership to drive improvement initiatives including annual operating plans, project development and analysis, key initiatives/programs that drive cost performance and operational excellence.  
• Set up cost control standards, waste reduction and production processes to maximize manufacturing performance.
• Set up, execute and enforce departmental goals and procedures as per directions of Operations Head.
• Conduct insightful ad hoc analyses to investigate ongoing or one-time operational issues.
• Create production tracking and quality control systems under the directions of Operations Head.
• Identify and ensure all critical/relevant production and quality data is being captured in ofi systems and work to develop the production and quality reports.
• Support the commercialization process and work with team to develop project timelines & communicate to all stakeholders.
• Develop a prioritization framework and communicate project priorities to cross-functional team members
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Perform other duties as assigned  

Experience You’ll Bring – Role Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, business or related field is required. Candidate may substitute five (5) years of relevant managerial experience in lieu of degree.
• Five (5) years of plant experience in food, Agri-service, pharmaceutical or chemical industry is required. Candidate substituting experience in lieu of degree must have a total of ten (10) years of relevant experience.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills are required.
• Experience with LEAN, TPM and Six Sigma is highly preferred.
• Experience in roles with cost-conscious focus, leading cost reductions projects is required
• The ability to build relationships with stakeholders to achieve a closer working relationship and openness is required.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively with technical and non-technical disciplines to Production personnel and executives, both internal and external, are required.
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office including Excel/Word/Power Point is required.
• Ability to function and multi-task in a manufacturing environment is required.

• This role is performed on site at a facility that regularly processes tree nuts. Employees in this position will routinely work in areas where tree nuts and related allergens are present and may be exposed by contact or in the air. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable qualified individuals to perform the essential functions of the role. 

Note: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employees may perform other related duties as required to meet the ongoing needs of the organization. 

ofi provides employees with a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that is designed to support your career, health, and future. A Rewarding Career Awaits!    

The pay for this role ranges from $107,000 - $130,000 annually and is based on position responsibilities and geographic location. Actual pay within this range may be determined based on the candidate's experience, qualifications, and/or other determining factors.  

Performance-based Bonuses: Discretionary bonus rewarding company performance as well as your contributions and impact.

Comprehensive and Affordable Benefits: Coverage for you (and your eligible dependents) with plans designed for peace of mind and savings for the future. 

A Culture of Well-being: Paid Volunteer time off, access to events, resources, and learning opportunities that inspire physical, social, emotional, and financial well-being for you and your family. 

Family Support: Paid parental leave, Fertility benefits and lactation support, including milk shipping for traveling employees. 

Additional Perks That Make a Difference:   

• Vacation time from Day 1 – Your time off starts accruing immediately, growing with your tenure. 
• Paid Sick Leave –   Rest, recover, and return strong – with paid sick leave on ofi. 
• Company Paid Holidays – ofi values work-life balance and the importance of celebrating life’s special moments. 
• 401K Match on Day 1 – Invest in your future with our competitive retirement savings program. 
• Career Growth and Learning – Join a company committed to developing talent, fostering innovation, and creating meaningful opportunities. 

ofi provides equality of opportunity for all persons with respect to hiring without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, veteran status, or sexual orientation. All employment will be decided on the basis of qualifications, merit and business need. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us for support at: 

US-Talent.Acquisition@ofi.com

At ofi, we celebrate our diversity. Olam Americas LLC is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace.