$125,000–$150,000 Per Year
Best Practices, Budgeting, Business Analysis, Business Operations, Business Processes, Business Strategy, Business Support, Capital Project, Change Management, Communication Skills, Continuous Improvement, Corrective Action, Cross-Functional, Culinary Operations, Customer Relations, Customer Satisfaction, Customer Support/Service, Data Analysis, Decision Support, Documentation, Establish Priorities, Finance, Financial Operations, Green Business, Human Resources, Improvement Metrics, Leadership, Lean Six Sigma, Manufacturing, Operational Audit, Operational Improvement, Operational Strategy, Operations Processes, Organizational Development/Management, Performance Analysis, Performance Management, Performance Metrics, Problem Solving Skills, Process Analysis, Process Improvement, Product Demonstration, Program Evaluation, Progress Reports, Project Development, Project Execution, Project Planning, Project/Program Coordination, Project/Program Management, Reporting Dashboards, Risk Analysis, Root Cause Analysis, Safety Compliance, Safety/Work Safety, Strategic Planning, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Operations, System Operations, Team Lead/Manager, Time Management, Trend Analysis, Value Stream Mapping
SUMMARY
The Continuous Improvement & Project Manager is responsible for leading strategic initiatives that drive operational excellence, process optimization, organizational effectiveness, and successful program execution across the organization. This role serves as a catalyst for continuous improvement by identifying opportunities to enhance productivity, quality, safety, compliance, customer satisfaction, and financial performance while ensuring key projects are delivered on time, within scope, and aligned with business objectives.
Working cross-functionally with Operations, Culinary, Supply Chain, Quality, Manufacturing, Finance, Human Resources, and other functional teams, the position leads the planning, execution, and implementation of business improvement initiatives, operational transformations, new program launches, menu rollouts, service enhancements, capital projects, and client-facing initiatives.
The role combines project management discipline with continuous improvement methodologies to deliver sustainable business results, improve organizational capabilities, and support the Company's strategic priorities.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS, RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES
Continuous Improvement & Operational Excellence
- Identify, prioritize, and lead continuous improvement initiatives that enhance operational efficiency, quality, safety, service, and cost performance.
- Analyze business processes, workflows, and performance metrics to identify improvement opportunities and root causes of operational challenges.
- Utilize Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, and other process improvement methodologies to drive measurable and sustainable results.
- Facilitate process mapping, value stream analysis, root cause investigations, and corrective action planning.
- Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure project effectiveness and operational performance.
- Partner with business leaders to standardize best practices and drive consistency across locations, functions, and operations.
- Support change management efforts to ensure successful adoption of new processes, systems, and operational practices.
Project Management & Execution
- Lead cross-functional projects from initiation through implementation, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities and stakeholder expectations.
- Develop comprehensive project plans, timelines, milestones, risk assessments, communication plans, and resource requirements.
- Coordinate project activities across multiple departments and business units to ensure timely execution and successful outcomes.
- Manage project scope, budget, schedules, risks, dependencies, and deliverables.
- Provide regular project status updates and executive-level reporting on progress, challenges, risks, and results.
- Facilitate project meetings, stakeholder reviews, and decision-making sessions.
- Ensure effective project governance, documentation, and post-implementation evaluation.
Program Launches & Business Initiatives
- Coordinate and support the successful rollout of new products, menus, services, operational programs, and business initiatives.
- Partner with Culinary, Operations, Supply Chain, Quality, and Commercial teams to ensure readiness and execution of new initiatives.
- Develop implementation plans, training materials, operational documentation, and deployment strategies.
- Monitor launch performance and identify opportunities for refinement and continuous improvement.
Data Analysis & Performance Management
- Collect, analyze, and interpret operational and project-related data to support informed decision-making.
- Develop dashboards, reports, and presentations that communicate performance trends, project outcomes, and improvement opportunities.
- Utilize data-driven insights to recommend solutions and support business strategy.
- Track financial and operational benefits associated with improvement initiatives and projects.
Collaboration & Leadership
- Build strong partnerships with leaders and stakeholders across the organization to drive alignment and accountability.
- Influence and facilitate change through effective communication, relationship building, and problem-solving.
- Lead cross-functional teams without direct authority while fostering collaboration and engagement.
- Promote a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and operational excellence.
Additional Duties
- Support client visits, facility tours, audits, and culinary demonstrations as needed.
- Perform other related duties as assigned by Culinary Services leadership.
This role offers a salary range of $125,000 - $150,000 annually, based on skills, experience, and location. Employees also receive a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, 401(k) with company match, and time off.