Continuous Improvement Manager

Summary

Continuous Improvement Manager will work with site leadership to lead the development, implementation and ongoing improvement of a sustainable Lean Management approach.  Our manufacturing organizations are committed to developing a sustainable continuous improvement culture using Lean principles. The successful development of this culture will enhance work processes and output, while delivering significant cost savings, improved customer service, quality and safety for the company.
This individual will oversee the definition, documentation and implementation of best-practice yogurt packaging technologies, machinery, and material specifications. Responsibilities will include teaching, mentoring, and execution of Lean strategy.  He/she will be responsible to communicate the goals and objectives of the specific Lean/CI activities and to provide a system for measuring results of Lean/CI activities on an ongoing basis.  In addition, he/she will work with the site leadership to ensure that CI improvements are rolled out quickly and effectively and that the improvements are sustained.  We seek a results-oriented leader.  This individual must be both a credible teacher and capable of influencing all levels of the organization
This role has a responsibility for ensuring both food safety and quality of Chobani product. 
 

Responsibilities

• Drive Lean training and implementation of a Lean toolkit to include: value stream management, lean diagnosis/strategy & objective setting, Kanban, SMED, team problem solving, Kaizen, etc.
• Develop and implement lean metrics and visual indicators to support line efficiencies
• Deliver KPI’s in support of the manufacturing strategy
• Lead and coach members of the management and continuous improvement teams, primarily through implementation of Lean principles and practices
• Conduct internal lean manufacturing assessments and develop improvement plans from assessments.
• Ensure controls and metrics are in place and sustained to monitor progress of the factories continuous improvement initiatives
• Drive Lean training and implementation of a Lean toolkit to include: value stream management, lean diagnosis/strategy & objective setting, Kanban, SMED, team problem solving, Kaizen, etc.
• Develop and implement lean metrics and visual indicators to support line efficiencies
• Conduct internal lean manufacturing assessments and develop improvement plans from assessments.
• Ensure controls and metrics are in place and sustained to monitor progress of the continuous improvement initiatives.
• Provide shift manager coverage as required to maintain positive associate relationships and manufacturing perspective
• Follow Chobani’s safety procedures and Good Manufacturing Practices

Requirements

• 5+ years of manufacturing experience in Lean Implementation
• Bachelor's degree in engineering, Business Administration or related area OR equivalent experience (9+ years).
• Black Belt certified and able to integrate the two disciplines of Lean and Six Sigma strongly preferred.
• Lean toolkit application skills (value stream mapping, 5S, Kaizen, Kanban, Error proofing, SMED, team problem solving, etc.)
• Knowledge of internal manufacturing and major business processes
• Significant change management experience
• Project management experience
• Strong business and financial acumen 
• Demonstrated cross-functional experience and ability to influence

About Us

Chobani is a food maker with a mission of making high-quality and nutritious food accessible to more people, while elevating our communities and making the world a healthier place. In short: making good food for all. In support of this mission, Chobani is a purpose-driven, people-first, food-and-wellness-focused company, and has been since its founding in 2005 by Hamdi Ulukaya, an immigrant to the U.S. The Company manufactures yogurt, oat milk, and creamers – Chobani yogurt is America's No.1 yogurt brand, made with natural ingredients without artificial preservatives. Following the 2023 acquisition of La Colombe, a leading coffee roaster with a shared commitment to quality, craftmanship and impact, the Company began selling cold-pressed espresso and lattes on tap at 32 cafes, as well as Ready to Drink (RTD) coffee beverages at retail.
 
Chobani uses food as a force for good in the world – putting humanity first in everything it does. The company’s philanthropic efforts prioritize giving back to its communities and beyond: working to eradicate child hunger, supporting immigrants, refugees and underrepresented people, honoring veterans, and protecting the planet. Chobani manufactures its products in New York, Idaho, Michigan and Australia, and its products are available throughout North America and distributed in Australia and other select markets.

For more information, please visit www.chobani.com and www.lacolombe.com, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.