Continuous Improvement Manager

job purpose:

The Continuous Improvement Manager is pivotal in designing, implementing, and scaling the Operational Excellence framework atFairlife'sWebster greenfield facility.This roleis responsible forbuilding foundational systems, governance routines, and leadership capabilities that support plantstartup, stabilization, and long-term operational excellence.Acting as a key change agent, the position ensures alignment with enterprise CI standards while driving measurable improvements in safety, quality, delivery, cost, andpeopledevelopment.The ideal candidate will combine hands-on operationalexpertisewith strong system-building capability, the ability to execute in a fast-paced startup environment, and the leadership presencerequiredto build a culture of accountability and continuous improvement from the ground up.

responsibilities:

• Lead the design, implementation, and sustainment of the Daily Management System (Tier Cascade, Visual Management, Leader Standard Work) during startup and ramp-up

• Establish KPI governance structure and own the Webster Op-Ex scorecard

• Develop and execute the CI/Kaizen roadmap aligned with plant startup phases and annual operating objectives

• Manageandleadthe site CI/Op-Ex team, providing coaching, development planning, and performance feedback

• Facilitate structured problem-solving using A3, 8D, DMAIC, and other methodologies to address startup losses and process instability

• Lead Kaizen events targeting throughput, waste reduction, process stability, and labor productivity

• Partner with Production, Quality, Maintenance, Engineering, Supply Chain,Procurement,and Finance to ensure cross-functional alignment

• Collaborate with Finance tovalidatesavings, trackfinancial impact, and ensure ROI for CI initiatives

• Build frontline capability through structured training in Lean, problem solving, and daily management practices

• Identifyperformance gaps and drive disciplined countermeasure implementation

• Ensure improvements are standardized and sustained through documentation, training, and control plans

• Drive cultural transformation to embed ownership, accountability, and continuous improvement behaviors

• Advocate for the ContinuousImprovementvision and support enterprise alignment under the Director of CI.

skills/qualifications required:

• Strongexpertisein Daily Management Systems, tiered accountability, standard work,leader standard work,SMED, and structured problem solving

• Experience designing and deploying systems instartups, greenfield, or high-growth environments preferred

• Strong analytical and performance-driven mindset

• Strong leadership, coaching, and facilitation skills

• Excellent communication and presentation skills

• Ability tooperateeffectively in a dynamic, evolving environment

• Ability to gather, analyze, and translate data into actionable improvement plans

additionalskills/qualificationsrequiredfor Team Management:

• Demonstrated ability to build and develop high-performing teams

• Experience setting clear expectations and accountability structures

• Strong conflict resolution and decision-making skills

• Proven ability to foster a culture of ownership and continuous improvement

experience:

• Bachelor's Degreerequiredin engineering, business, or technical discipline

• 5-10 years of proven Lean, Six Sigma, and process improvement leadership experience

• Experience supporting plant startup, transformation, or major system deployment preferred

• Proventrack recordof delivering measurable operational and financial improvements

• Proficient in MS Office products (Project, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Visio)

• Experience withPowerBI, Tableau, or equivalent preferred

Workingconditions and physical requirements:

• 8-10 hours sitting/standing/walking

• Ability tolift upto 50lbs.

• Reaching/bending as needed

• Exposure to hazards is minimal

food safety requirements:

• Notify supervision of any repairs oradjustments that are requiredthat may affect product quality or food safety.

• Understand,observe, andcomply withthe handling and usage of the color-coded container policy while in the Production Areas.

• Perform all duties necessary to meet Company, Customer and/or Government requirements/standards as prioritized by the Company.

• Ability toinitiateaction to prevent the occurrence of nonconformities relating to Food Safety and the Quality of the product, processes, quality system, or safety system.

• Identifyand record any problems relating to Food Safety and the Quality of the ingredients, processes, quality system, or safety system.

• Control further processing or delivery of nonconformingproductsin terms of Food Safety and Quality issues until the deficiency or unsatisfactory condition has been corrected.

• In the event ofabsence, another employee with the same skill level will assume the duties and responsibilities asrequired.

position location:On-Site Position based in Webster, NY (No Remote Option)

reports to:Director of Continuous improvement

travelrequirements:10%.

exempt/nonexempt: Exempt