Continuous Improvement Manager, Rockford

OVERVIEW

Perfetti Van Melle (makers of Mentos, Airheads, Dentyne, Trident and Bubblicious!) is one of the world's largest manufacturers and distributors of confectionery and chewing gum with global brands that are being enjoyed in more than 150 countries worldwide. We’re currently seeking an enthusiastic Continuous Improvement Manager to join our growing team.  

WHAT YOU WILL DO

The Continuous Improvement Manager coordinates the implementation of Lean/Six Sigma manufacturing principles through a Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) approach across the site to maximize operational efficiency and effectiveness while creating a continuous improvement culture.  They are the single point of contact for cross-functional coordination concerning site manufacturing improvement activities working in collaboration with the plant operations team.  Identify and execute principles.  Coordinate the execution of projects designed to drive Margin Improvement and Cost of Goods (COGS) reduction via material usage and yield, productivity, labor, organizational design and equipment utilization as well as total supply chain effectiveness. Additional duties include:
• Create and manage overall lean strategy in alignment with Operations & Maintenance as well as execution for the site including lean training, implementation of lean programs and processes such as Six Sigma, Kaizen events, SMED, 5S and Kanban.  Collaborate with site leadership and Operations alignment to provide recommendation on site cost reduction opportunities and lean priorities.
• Secure profitable growth through the implementation of Perfetti Performance Excellence (PPE) which is based on TPM – Implement with an organized approach in collaboration with key stakeholders.  Facilitate all needs to achieve the transformation (training, culture movement at all levels, budget, etc.).  Driving performance improvement, ownership, organizational effectiveness, processes, and systems.
• Utilize the Perfetti Management Operating System (PMOS) for visual management & escalation to collaborate with the site front line leadership team to address opportunities/issues – assist in building solutions that address root cause that will drive sustainable actions. 
• Lead site continuous improvement implementation activities including coordination of resources, collaboration with the engineering group, leading cross-functional decision-making teams concerning lean implementation project activities, developing execution plans for the implementation of lean concepts, creating standard operating procedures and maximizing the operational effectiveness of the supply chain.
• Identify COGS reduction opportunities throughout the supply chain.  Develop solutions in collaboration with stakeholders.  Facilitate the implementation of solutions to address these opportunities rendering results that reduce waste, improve yields and increase efficiency, and productivity, labor and equipment utilization at the site level.
• Develop and monitor site metrics including but not limited to OEE, Productivity, WOW, MCC, LCC, and Budget to drive improvement changes.
• Manage execution of small minor projects as appropriate to support lean implementation and productivity improvement at the site – Alignment with stakeholders is required taking into account impact to site metrics.
• Determine economic feasibility of proposed changes in manufacturing methods and equipment and prepare specific recommendations ensuring alignment of activities with the site future vision for PMOS / PPE.  Prepare input in conjunction with preparation of capital projects.
• Collaborate for decision-making with all stakeholders to transform site culture and ways of working through Lean and Continuous Improvement activities.  Responsible to provide tools & training that support TPM based principles which will ensure continued growth in our PPE journey.
• Participate in the Site Leadership Team and CI community, building strategy for the site that incorporates elements to achieve Best in Class results and global consistency.  Engaging with peers to allow for healthy transformation of our team as well as the facility.

WHAT WE NEED FROM YOU

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Technical, Sciences, Mathematics or similar disciplines.  In lieu of Bachelor’s Degree, 4 years of relevant experience in the similar fields.
• Five or more years’ experience in a manufacturing environment under multiple supply roles such as Shift Management, Industrial Engineering, and Site Logistics.
• Experience in project management with specific experience in project execution such as implementation of SMED, lean organizational designs and 5S while utilizing lean tools like value stream mapping.
• Strong numerate, analytical, communication and influencing.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Flexible schedule (weekend