Continuous Improvement Manager - Protein

The Continuous Improvement Manager leads the development and execution of operational excellence initiatives across protein manufacturing operations. This role drives sustainable improvements in safety, quality, cost, delivery, and employee engagement through Lean, Six Sigma, and data-driven problem solving, while embedding a culture of continuous improvement on the plant floor.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Excellence & CI Strategy

• Develop and deploy continuous improvement strategies aligned with operational and business objectives.

• Lead Lean, Six Sigma, and Kaizen initiatives to improve yield, throughput, labor efficiency, and cost performance.

• Identify and prioritize improvement opportunities using KPI analysis, value stream mapping, and loss analysis.

Plant-Floor Execution

• Partner with Operations, Maintenance, FSQA, and Supply Chain to implement practical, sustainable process improvements.

• Facilitate Kaizen events, Gemba walks, and problem-solving sessions focused on safety, quality, and productivity.

• Standardize best practices across lines, shifts, and facilities.

Data, Metrics & Performance Management

• Establish and monitor KPIs related to OEE, yield, labor efficiency, downtime, and waste reduction.

• Drive root cause analysis using structured methodologies (A3, 5 Whys, Fishbone).

• Track CI project results and ensure realized financial and operational benefits.

Change Management & Culture

• Champion a continuous improvement mindset across all levels of the organization.

• Coach leaders and frontline teams on Lean tools, standard work, and problem-solving techniques.

• Support change management efforts to ensure adoption and sustainability of improvements.

Training & Capability Building

• Develop and deliver CI training for supervisors, managers, and hourly team members.

• Mentor CI champions and support leadership development related to operational excellence.

• Promote safety and food quality as foundational elements of all CI initiatives.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.

• 5+ years of experience in continuous improvement, operational excellence, or manufacturing operations within protein or food manufacturing.

• Strong working knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and CI tools.

• Proven experience leading cross-functional improvement projects in a high-volume, labor-intensive environment.

• Excellent facilitation, communication, and analytical skills.

Preferred

• Lean Six Sigma Black Belt or Green Belt certification.

• Experience in poultry, beef, pork, or further-processed protein operations.

• Familiarity with USDA-regulated manufacturing environments.

• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.

Physical & Work Environment

• Work performed in protein manufacturing facilities with exposure to cold temperatures, noise, and production floor conditions.

• Must be comfortable working on the plant floor and flexible to support off-shifts or weekends as needed.