The Regional Continuous Improvement Manager will oversee continuous improvement planning and implementation of strategy to support overall performance improvement programs.  This includes advising plant leadership on strategic and tactical direction; coaching and mentoring manufacturing staff on continuous improvement methodology, tools, root-cause analysis and waste reduction to achieve sustainable and continued improvements in the areas of safety, quality, delivery, cost and growth; and coordinating training and development of all team members in understanding and capitalizing on continuous improvement behaviors, methodology and practices.

Accountabilities: Key responsibilities include: 

• Leads the regional continuous improvement process (e.g. behaviors, attitude and culture), working with staff and operations to develop, implement and sustain a continuous improvement program based upon lean principles that supports meeting plant goals and targets.

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``` - Supports operator technical training program through coordination with Training Lead and Operations.

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``` - Helps identifies opportunities and works closely with technical resources to help drive efficiencies and best practices.

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``` - Teaches and models root cause analysis, problem solving, actions to prevent recurrence, standard work and follow-up. Viewed as an expert in these areas and speaks with authority and confidence when engaging others.

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``` - Is a change agent that challenges existing processes that create waste and non-value-added work.

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``` - Coaches, guides and/or leads cross functional teams to achieve resolution of assigned projects.

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``` - Leads focused efforts aimed at breakthrough and incremental improvements in process, department and/or line-specific opportunities that meet and exceed plant operational performance metrics.

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``` - Monitors data and metrics to identify areas of waste and prioritize the development and implementation of solutions.

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``` - Teaches and models tools and concepts of Lean Thinking and Six Sigma, facilitates kaizen events.

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``` - Provides appropriate documentation and project update communication to Operations leadership. Collaborates with all departments and individuals affected by CI projects.

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``` - Shares best practices and build relationships across all BEF facilities, including external manufacturing.

Education:

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Management or a related field.

Qualifications:

• At least ten (10) years of relevant work experience in a manufacturing environment.

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``` - At least 5 years of experience leading facilitating Kaizen and Value Stream Mapping activities, and building accountability platforms for KPIs (key performance indicators).

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``` - At least 5 years of experience in delivering on manufacturing plant production goals, specifically involving the maintenance of food product quality, food safety and personnel safety as well as USDA and FDA regulatory requirements.

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``` - At least 5 years of experience using LEAN and Continuous Improvement principles within the consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry, including implementing LEAN strategy focused on Problem Solving, Waste Elimination and Process Optimization.

Position requires domestic travel up to 25% of the time to visit other plant facilities. Position allows for occasional telecommuting within commuting distance of reporting office in Lima, Ohio.