What are the responsibilities and job description for the Continuous Improvement Manager (Manufacturing) position at Vaco by Highspring?
Client: Nationally Known Food Manufacturer/Distributer
Role: Continuous Improvement Manager
Salary: $120,000-$140,000
Perm
Fully Onsite
Location: Swedesboro, New Jersey
**Bilingual in Spanish is highly preferred
Responsibilities:
A leading food manufacturer is seeking a Continuous Improvement Manager to lead and sustain operational excellence initiatives within one of its key production facilities. This role is instrumental in driving process improvements, cost savings, and performance enhancements across manufacturing operations.
The ideal candidate is both strategic and hands-on, with a strong background in Lean, Six Sigma, and change management methodologies. This position offers the opportunity to lead cross-functional initiatives, implement sustainable systems, and build a culture of continuous improvement.
Key ResponsibilitiesLead and champion the facility's Operational Excellence and Continuous Improvement initiatives
Establish and monitor process controls to support operational consistency, efficiency, and adherence to food safety and quality standards
Identify and resolve production, manufacturing, and maintenance challenges by analyzing performance data and driving root-cause problem-solving
Implement digital tools and systems to streamline data collection and reduce manual paperwork
Manage the plant cost-savings program, including ideation, prioritization, and tracking of key projects
Oversee the development and enforcement of standard operating procedures (SOPs) and work practices
Collaborate with Training teams to ensure job-based skill development is aligned with key operational goals
Use Lean, Six Sigma, TPM, and other CI tools to drive efficiencies across all departments
Mentor and develop a team of CI/process-focused professionals to support ongoing improvement initiatives
Manage small-scale capital or equipment optimization projects aimed at increasing productivity
Partner with cross-functional departments to align improvement efforts with company-wide objectives
- Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations, Business, or related field
4-10 years of experience in manufacturing operations or continuous improvement roles
Proven experience implementing Lean, Six Sigma, or TPM methodologies
Strong understanding of GMPs, food safety, and quality systems in a regulated environment (e.g., SQF)
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word); experience with SAP is a plus
Excellent communication, facilitation, and project management skills
Ability to lead initiatives in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment
Strong organizational and analytical skills with a focus on detail and accuracy
Bilingual in English and Spanish is preferred
Vaco by Highspring values a diverse workplace and strongly encourages women, people of color, LGBTQ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply.
Vaco by Highspring is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race (including but not limited to traits historically associated with race such as hair texture and hair style), color, sex (includes pregnancy or related conditions), religion or creed, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, status as a veteran, union membership, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, political affiliation, or any other protected characteristics as required by federal, state or local law.
Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries are committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact HR@vaco.com .
Vaco by Highspring also wants all applicants to know their rights that workplace discrimination is illegal.
By submitting to this position, you agree that you will be giving Vaco by Highspring the exclusive right to present your as a candidate for the foregoing employment opportunity. You further agree that you have represented information about yourself accurately and have not affirmatively misrepresented your qualifications. You also agree to maintain as confidential, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any information you learn from Vaco by Highspring about the position and you will limit disclosure of information about the position only to the extent necessary to perform any obligations in furtherance of your application. In exchange, Vaco by Highspring agrees to exercise reasonable efforts to represent you through all solicitation, job screening and resume dispersal.
Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries ("we," "our," or "Vaco by Highspring") respects your privacy and are committed to providing transparent notice of our policies.
- California residents may access Vaco by Highspring HR Notice at Collection for California Applicants and Employees here.
- Virginia residents may access our state specific policies here.
- Residents of all other states may access our policies here.
- Canadian residents may access our policies in English here and in French here.
- Residents of countries governed by GDPR may access our policies here.
Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco by Highspring depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to:
- the individual's skill sets, experience and training;
- licensure and certification requirements;
- office location and other geographic considerations;
- other business and organizational needs.
With that said, as required by local law, Vaco by Highspring believes that the following salary range referenced above reasonably estimates the base compensation for an individual hired into this position in geographies that require salary range disclosure. The individual may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses.
Salary : $120,000 - $140,000