The Regional Continuous Improvement Manager, Americas is focused on optimizing the business performance of Viskase Americas plants, with a strong emphasis on continuous improvement and cost-saving initiatives. Expectations in this role include achievement of improvement initiative savings within responsible plants and increased plant output and overall waste reduction. Our ideal candidate is collaborative, has a proven track record of lean manufacturing operational improvement and guiding investment in plants and equipment to drive overall savings.

Key Responsibilities:

Optimization and Continuous Improvement:

• Define, track, and execute continuous improvement tools.
• Lead improvement projects to enhance quality, reduce waste, and improve Overall Equipment Efficiency (OEE).

Organizational Savings Initiatives:

• Drive overall savings initiatives for Viskase Americas’ facilities.
• Standardize and transition local best practices, measurements, and processes across the organization.

Strategic Alignment:

• Align with organizational strategies to define and lead operational goals and actions.
• Support short-term and long-term initiatives to achieve strategic business goals.

Performance Metrics and Best Practices:

• Implement standardized Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to identify and disseminate best practices globally.
• Foster innovation and drive improvements in underperforming areas.

Operational Optimization:

• Optimize operational throughput, enhance consistency and quality, and reduce product waste.
• Collaborate with Product Management to rationalize product lines for plant profitability.

Training and Development

• Prepares presentations, conducts training events, leads Kaizen events.

Financial Review and Action Plans:

• Review monthly financial and operational results for responsible site(s).
• Develop action plans with site managers to drive improvement.

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Education and Requirements:

• Degree in Manufacturing, Engineering, or Business Administration preferred.
• Minimum 3 years of hands-on experience leading continuous improvement activities.
• 3-5 years of supervision/management in quality assurance, process engineering, or operations management preferred.
• Strong knowledge of lean manufacturing principles, ISO Certifications, TQM, 5S, etc.
• Knowledge of chemical safety and / or food safety in manufacturing environments.
• 25% travel to Americas Viskase sites, meeting with various stakeholders to understand present and future business needs.

Personal and Management Competencies:

• Ability to comprehend and impact all functions of the business.
• Strong leadership skills, ability to motivate and collaborate with a team.
• Financial acumen and understanding of the financial impact of continuous improvement.
• Ability to generate consensus, manage conflicts, and drive results.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• English fluency required, additional fluency in Spanish or Portuguese is desirable.

About Us

Viskase is a global powerhouse in the food packaging industry, renowned for delivering top-tier artificial casings and a comprehensive range of casings and nettings. With a remarkable legacy spanning over a century, Viskase has consistently revolutionized the meat processing sector. Notably, the company is responsible for manufacturing 30% of the world's hot dog casings, underscoring its dominant position in this market. What sets Viskase apart is its extensive global presence, boasting 11 manufacturing facilities and 9 sales offices strategically located in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Germany, France, Italy, Brazil, Poland, and the Philippines.

Viskase Companies Inc. provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities