Summary

The CI Manager leads continuous and sustainable improvement efforts in the manufacturing plants by mentoring team members in lean production principles and techniques and facilitating the development of a culture of standards and continuous day-to-day improvement and an organization filled with problem solvers. The CI Manager will partner with the Plant Manager to teach and guide employees, at all levels, through the Plan-Do-Check-Adjust improvement/learning cycle and bring simplicity to a system of complexity.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

A TYPICAL DAY

• Lead the development/implementation of continuous improvement efforts for the local Manufacturing organization and sharing of best practices with other plants/industries.
• Gain knowledge of manufacturing principles and technical specifications to support facilities competencies.
• Select, train, and mentor CI Coordinator and Process Improvement Coordinators to become future leaders with the CI mindset.
• Design and deliver training material for CI training and the right application of tools/methodologies
• Partner with the leadership team to lead the development, documentation and implementation of standard work and process mapping to eliminate Non-Value-Added work
• Develop current and future state Value Stream Maps and coaches teams through quarterly, monthly and weekly plans to move towards future state.
• Lead the development and evaluation of process capability, process control plans, analysis of out-of-control conditions and process audits.
• Lead the development of methods and practices to reduce manufacturing variation.
• Lead the development of comprehensive plant performance metrics.
• Partner with plant leadership to implement cost savings and reduction of waste projects
• Work through the leadership team to prioritize improvement activities and close gaps.
• Develop, maintain and improve visual controls to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Facilitate the daily accountability process through the Management Operating System.
• Be a leadership example through Gemba walks and front-line engagement.
• Ensure problems are being solved at the right level, and the right people are involved in the process that supports a collaborative team environment.
• Teach and facilitate Root Cause Analysis at all levels.
• Prepare periodic presentations of projects to leadership team
• Recognize and addresses individual or group behaviors that limit continuous improvement.
• Teach others (up and down) the value the importance of continuous improvement.
• In this individual’s absence, CI Coordinator can cover their duties and responsibilities.
• Collaborates and partners with other CI Managers to share best practices, maintain standards and assist corporate initiatives.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

CI Coordinator (exempt) and Process Improvement Coordinators (exempt)

Qualifications and Skills

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree (B. A.) from four-year college or university; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Four years related manufacturing experience and/or training.
• Formal training/certification in Lean and Six Sigma with at least 3 years of related experience.

SKILLS

• Experienced Lean and Six Sigma trainer and mentor
• Detailed knowledge of lean manufacturing techniques – i.e. value stream mapping, one-piece flow, problem solving, etc.
• Detailed knowledge of Six Sigma concepts and tools as they relate to minimizing process/product variability
• Thorough understanding of problem-solving methodologies used in determining root cause and formulating corrective action(s)
• Excellent teaching/coaching skills
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships and work effectively with people at all organizational levels, from the shop floor up to and including senior-level leadership.
• Demonstrated ability to lead through influence and collaboration, not authority.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Experience leading MOS implementations would be a distinct advantage
• Excellent project management skills

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Bilingual, English/Spanish preferred.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTERATIONS

Certification in Lean and Six Sigma preferred

BENEFITS

When you work at Amy’s you become part of the Amy’s family and we believe in taking care of each other. Our benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage and a matching retirement savings plan. Our Free Family Health Center offers bilingual services for our employees and their families.

ABOUT US

We are a family owned, proudly independent organic food company and Certified B Corporation® whose purpose is to make it easy and enjoyable for everyone to eat well. Amy’s is committed to cooking authentic great tasting food with high quality, meticulously sourced organic ingredients and making them convenient for consumers.

Working at one of our Plant Kitchens is an opportunity to join the Amy’s family and take pride in working hard at something that matters. Build a career in manufacturing and make a difference!

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)