Founded in 2009 and headquartered in Downers Grove, IL we are a world-class contract manufacturer producing wholesome baked goods, snacks and packaged foods for many of the world’s leading food companies. As one of the largest and fastest growing food co-manufacturing companies in the US, we are the proud owner and operator of over 35 facilities globally. Our nearly 10,000 employee-strong organization is leading the way and setting new standards for quality, safety, flexibility and efficiency while feeding families around the globe.
Hearthside’s exceptional growth stems from its ability to address real-world problems for customers of all shapes and sizes, and by our resolute commitment to our belief that there are no great companies without great culture. Our culture of personal empowerment enables growth, learning, and continuous improvement every day!
We are steadfast in our ambition to be the indispensable and most trusted partner to our customers and need your help to do it! Join Hearthside and enjoy a competitive package, outstanding benefits and a diverse work environment.
Job Summary:
The CI Manager is responsible for driving sustainable Process Improvements in the facility by delivering breakthrough results in Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, and Morale. The CI Manager works closely with plant leadership, Regional CI, and department employees to achieve results. This position requires strong technical, Lean Manufacturing, and hands-on leadership skills to drive cultural change in the plant.
Job Duties: Duties may include, but are not limited to the following:
Leads, facilitates, and coaches full week Kaizen events to drive sustainable improvements
Coach Point Kaizen facilitators through prework, the event, and sustainment
Works closely with Plant CI team and CI Champions to:

• Develop and execute improvement action plans
• Executes and improves Center lining, SMED, and other various heatmaps to drive improvement within the facility
• Build an employee engaged work environment
• Provide and teach CI tools to CI and Non-CI employees

Ability to perform theory of constraints analysis, identify the constraint, and implement practical and effective solutions to improving throughput
Establishes and drives productivity pipeline roadmaps across departments and facility
Tracks and analyzes the CI initiatives including driving the cost savings program for the site to meet annual cost savings target.
Working knowledge of P&L/financial acumen to course correct CI plans based on weekly financial and P&L results as needed, identify cost savings, and to track effectiveness of lean activities
Understands and drives the use of SAP tools to understand the needs of the plant
Responsible for implementing and coaching HPS tools to improve all areas of plants
Build cultural Lean change throughout the plant
Leverage resources and share best practices across multiple plants when possible
Facilitate and coach RCA tools and methodology to drive waste out of the process
Work with customers, suppliers and all levels of management staff
Responsible for managing multiple projects concurrently
Ensure the facility implements and maintains Continuous Improvement initiatives
Required Competencies & Knowledge:
Knowledge and experience with SAP
The CI Manager should possess extensive technical skills and hands-on experience in continuous improvement manufacturing activities
Bias for action, change agent, challenging the status quo to drive to operations excellence
Strong will to drive change and influence without authority
Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work with autonomy.
Must be accurate, detail-oriented and maintain the utmost confidentiality.
Ability To:
Ability to effectively present information to employees, top management, public groups and/or board of directors.
Ability to define problems, collect and calculate data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions.
Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram and/or schedule form.
Ability to work well with others in stressful situations and meet deadlines as necessary.
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, while at the same time making sound decisions.
Must have a strong will to drive change and sustain. Proficiency In:
MS Office Suite, Excel, and PP Work Environment:
Maintain harmonious working relations with employees from all departments.
Maintain harmonious working relations with management from all levels.
Communicate effectively with all employees and management. Physical Requirements:
Ability to use and reach throughout the day; hands, fingers, arms, stand, walk, climb and/or balance approximately.
Ability to see, hear and talk.
Ability to work in light to moderate noise levels.
Ability to work across multiple shifts
Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor’s Degree required, preferably in Engineering, Business or Operations.
Bakeries a strong plus
2 (two) – 3 (three) years’ experience in the Continuous Improvement
1 (one) – 2 (two) years’ in a manufacturing environment, preferred
Hearthside is an Equal Opportunity Employer.