Continuous Improvement (KHMS) Manager

Job Description

The Continuous Improvement (KHMS) Manager is responsible for leading a team and driving strategic initiatives within the Kraft Heinz Management System (KHMS), as well as overseeing the digital transformation. Reporting to the Plant Director, this role collaborates with various functional groups to develop and deploy strategies that align with the company's Annual Operating Plan (AOP) and 5-Year Strategic Plan. Key responsibilities for this position include coaching and developing manufacturing team members at all levels of the organization to ensure the delivery of a unified KHMS solution that incorporates all pillars across the facility. 

Key Responsibilities of the Role 

• Strategic Development and Implementation: Design and execute a comprehensive KHMS strategy aimed at establishing a new standard way of working across the manufacturing complex, ensuring alignment with corporate objectives and fostering a culture of continuous improvement to support POD and BU strategic priorities. 

• Continuous Improvement Leadership: Champion the adoption of continuous improvement methodologies across the manufacturing network, driving initiatives that enhance operational efficiency, product quality, and overall organizational maturity levels. 

• Training and Capability Building: Develop and deliver robust training programs for employees at all levels, focusing on standardized processes, tools, and methodologies to build a skilled workforce adept in KHMS principles and practices along with other Management Operating System (MOS) and Lean/Six Sigma processes. 

• Integration with Digital Transformation: Collaborate with IT and digital transformation teams to integrate KHMS tools and technologies into daily operations, leveraging data analytics and automation to enhance decision-making and operational performance. 

• Annual Operating Plan Development and Execution: Lead the development and execution of the annual operating plan to drive productivity within the manufacturing complex ensuring that KHMS initiatives are aligned with strategic goals and contribute to overall operational success. 

• Performance Monitoring and Reporting: Establish a systematic approach for measuring, analyzing, and reporting on key performance indicators (KPIs) related to KHMS initiatives. Utilize these insights to drive continuous improvement efforts and ensure alignment with production and safety goals within the manufacturing complex  

• Cross Collaboration: Partner with BU lead and Pod leads and collaborate with functional groups, pillar owners, digital team, and global KHMS to share best practices ,  develop enhancements to Pillar content and assessment criteria and support strategy development.  

• Cost Reduction and Process Improvement: Identify and implement cost reduction opportunities, coordinate major initiatives across the Supply Chain, and eliminate waste. 

• Quality and Safety Continuous Improvement and Best Practice Sharing: Assist with QRMP implementation, operational standards, and lean methodologies like 5S to reduce quality and safety risk. 

• Budgeting Management: Develop and manage the department's operating budget. 

• System Ownership and Coordination: Own and manage the Priority One system, coordinate KHMS progression using TRACC. 

• Leadership Development and Engagement: Implement engagement strategies and leadership development for direct reports to grow capabilities and talent. 

Qualifications: 

• Bachelor's degree required, preferably in Industrial Engineering or a related discipline or equivalent along with 3-5 years of experience in a manufacturing environment and 2+ years of experience leading Continuous Improvement (CI) projects or transformation projects is required. 

• Green Belt Certification is required; Black Belt Certification is preferred. 

• Strategic Planning & Thinking:   Ability to champion continuous improvement and lead cross-functional teams towards achieving operational excellence. Ability to develop and implement comprehensive strategies that align with organizational goals and drive capacity expansion and transformation initiatives. 

• Transformational Leadership: Proven ability to drive transformational change, achieve operational excellence, and foster a culture of continuous improvement and employee engagement. 

• Leadership & Team Development: Demonstrated ability to motivate, coach, and empower team members, fostering a positive and collaborative work environment, with experience mana