Description
The Continuous Improvement Manager will play a critical role in transforming Central Home Brands into a world class leader of manufacturing, performance, and efficiencies. Reporting to the Sanford, NC Plant Manager, the Continuous Improvement Manager is responsible for leading, directing, and managing continuous improvement across all locations to advance business performance and improve cost, quality, and efficiency performance. They will lead multidisciplinary teams through improvement processes that require data collection, analysis, evaluation, planning, execution, and follow up. In addition, the Continuous Improvement Manager will lead and coach problem solving with standard tools and processes.
Key Responsibilities

• Create and maintain the Master Plan of detailed improvement initiatives across the site that includes resource requirements, cost savings definition, time-bound goals and expectations, and lead through the projects outlined in the plan
• Spearhead multidisciplinary teams through comprehensive improvement processes, emphasizing hands-on problem-solving, data analysis, strategic planning, and meticulous follow-up
• Implement and champion continuous improvement tools and methodologies such as lean principles, business process optimization, metrics management, and standard operating procedures. Be open to teach, coach, and adapt to the team to ensure successful adoption
• Drive breakthrough results in critical operational metrics, supporting TRIR, Fill Rate, Net Productivity, Cost Per Unit, Efficiency, and Labor utilization through rigorous analysis, recommendation, implementation, and technical support
• Establish and maintain operational performance systems, fostering a culture of zero loss PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) to ensure both short and long-term targets are met consistently
• Collaborate closely with operational leaders to align improvement efforts with the organization’s strategic roadmap, leveraging operational technology solutions effectively
• Support the execution of the manufacturing roadmap in line with the Central to Home vision, including deep understanding of operational technology solutions (SAP/ERP, CMMS, QMS, safety, data analytics and visualization, process development and implementation, training systems, etc.)
• Seasoned leader with a proven track record of driving manufacturing excellence in complex supply chain environments that are in transition from a manual, labor intensive process to a more automated environment via breakthrough ideas and process.

Ideal Candidate Attributes

• Minimum of 5-7 years of experience as a manufacturing excellence leader, preferably with a FMCG business.
• A history of driving step-change improvements in manufacturing organizations
• Exceptional leadership qualities, including strong coaching skills, the ability to inspire teams, and influence stakeholders
• Proven success as a change agent, with a results-driven mindset and a passion for driving operational excellence
• Experience in data analytics and interpretation, utilization of information to drive a business case, gap analysis, root cause analysis, project management and the desire to problem solve on the floor in the manufacturing plant
• Ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams and engage the team through expertise, coaching, and leadership
• Demonstrated experience in at least one other Supply Chain discipline such as Logistics, Warehousing and Distribution, Production and Manufacturing Planning, Engineering, or Procurement
• Experience in a manufacturing environment is preferred, with demonstrated experience leading a manufacturing plant to operational excellence
• Bachelor’s degree preferred

Competencies Required

• Business Acumen
• Executing for Results
• Leading Teams
• Building Relationships and Using Influence

Working Conditions

• Office and Manufacturing / Distribution environment
• Some travel required

Benefits Package & Employee Programs

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Free Life and Disability Insurance
• Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
• 401k with 3% company match and annual employer discretionary contribution
• Paid vacation, holidays and sick time
• Employee Assistance Program
• Access to thousands of free online courses
• Discounts on cell phones, movie tickets, gym memberships, and more!
• Education Assistance (both college degrees and professional certifications)
• Referral Program with cash bonus
• Access to on-demand pay
• Paid parental leave

Central Garden & Pet Company (NASDAQ: CENT) (NASDAQ: CENTA) understands that home is central to life and has proudly nurtured happy and healthy homes for over 40 years. With fiscal 2023 net sales of $3.3 billion, Central is on a mission to lead the future of the Pet and Garden industries. The Company’s innovative and trusted products are dedicated to helping lawns grow greener, gardens bloom bigger, pets live healthier and communities grow stronger. Central is home to a leading portfolio of more than 65 high-quality brands including Amdro, Aqueon, Cadet, Farnam, Ferry-Morse, Four Paws, Kaytee, K&H, Nylabone and Pennington, strong manufacturing and distribution capabilities and a passionate, entrepreneurial growth culture. Central is based in Walnut Creek, California and has 6,700 employees across North America and Europe. Visit www.central.com to learn more.
We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law.