Senior Manager, Manufacturing Excellence

ROLE DESCRIPTION

The Senior Manager of Manufacturing Excellence is responsible for leading and implementing initiatives to enhance manufacturing processes, increase efficiency, and ensure high-quality standards. This role involves developing strategies for process improvements, managing cross-functional teams, and fostering a culture of operational excellence.

Reports To:      VP of Supply Operations

Location:         Remote

Start Date:      ASAP

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Strategic Leadership:
• Develop and execute a comprehensive manufacturing excellence strategy aligned with the company’s goals.
• Identify and prioritize key areas for improvement across manufacturing operations.
• Process Improvement:
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives using methodologies such as Lean, Six Sigma, or Kaizen.
• Analyze manufacturing processes to identify bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and opportunities for optimization.
• Project Management:
• Oversee the planning, execution, and completion of manufacturing improvement projects.
• Ensure projects are completed on time, within scope, and on budget.
• Team Leadership:
• Manage and mentor a team of process improvement specialists and other staff.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability within the team.
• Performance Metrics:
• Develop and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess manufacturing efficiency and effectiveness.
• Implement and track corrective actions to address performance gaps.
• Stakeholder Collaboration:
• Work closely with other departments, including Quality, Engineering, and Supply Chain, to ensure alignment on manufacturing goals and initiatives.
• Communicate effectively with senior management and provide regular updates on progress and performance.
• Training and Development:
• Design and deliver training programs to enhance the skills and knowledge of manufacturing staff.
• Promote best practices and ensure adherence to industry standards and regulatory requirements.
• Change Management:
• Lead change management efforts to ensure smooth transitions during process improvements and organizational changes.
• Address resistance to change and build support for new initiatives

Skills & Qualifications

• Experience: Minimum of 8-10 years of experience in manufacturing operations, with at least 5 years in a leadership role focused on process improvement and operational excellence. Infant Formula manufacturing experience preferred. Experience in dairy spray drying and liquid manufacturing required.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, or a related field, or significant experience to offset educational requirements.
• Skills:

• Expertise in Lean, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies
• Proven track record of leading cross-functional teams and managing complex projects.
• Exceptional written, oral, interpersonal skills and the ability to effectively communicate
• Excellent Project Management and organizational abilities.
• Ability to drive change and foster a culture of continuous improvement
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Certifications

• Lean Six Sigma Black Belt or Master Black Belt certification preferred.
• PMP (Project Management Professional) certification a plus.

You will be eligible for a discretionary performance based annual cash bonus and to participate in our company’s equity program, plus our robust medical, dental, vision, retirement, and other benefits.