Continuous Improvement Manager

Summary

Chobani seeks a Continuous Improvement Manager to work with site leadership to lead the ongoing improvement of one of our production platforms at the South Edmeston facility.  This leader will be responsible for improving the operational equipment effectiveness (OEE) for their assigned platform, scoping and executing improvement initiatives to reduce waste and production costs, as well as providing support for our 24-7 manufacturing facility to ensure sustainable execution of new initiatives. 

The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of Lean/Six Sigma methodologies, be data-driven, as well as show the ability to influence without authority and drive results. 

We are looking for an ambitious, analytical and results driven person to join our team and improve our manufacturing facility.  We like to keep it simple. And to execute fast. Your ability to simplify will be highly appreciated, as will your ability to focus on results for the company and collaboratively work in a dynamic team environment.  

Responsibilities

• Lead platform improvement team and develop a strategy to improve assigned production lines capability.   
• Scope and lead cost savings projects to reduce overall production costs and waste for the platform and report out on this progress regularly.  
• Develop KPIs for cost savings projects and improvement teams to show measurable improvement towards the overarching business goals. 
• Partner with engineering, maintenance, people team, operations, processing and more to support reduction of overall availability losses and cost savings initiatives. 
• Improve reliability of existing equipment, as well as identify and provide support to new equipment for step change performance as part of a production improvement team. 
• Lead and support root cause analysis and problem-solving efforts for production issues, and utilize data driven problem solving approaches to provide targeted results. 
• Support the development of internal standard operating procedures and training, to improve response time to downtime issues on the factory floor and support improvement sustainability. 
• Scope and execute regular Kaizen events to facilitate platform improvements, waste reduction, and cost savings.  Guide and coach members of all levels, primarily through implementation of Lean principles and practices and assist in building a culture of continuous improvement at the site. 
• Work with production staff across all shifts, building and maintaining close communications and working relationships to provide support and direction on CI initiatives.  
• Deliver weekly report out to Leadership on the progress of all improvement and cost savings initiatives. 
• Follow all GMP, Safety and Food Quality practices. 

Requirements

• Minimum of 3-5 years of manufacturing experience leading cross functional teams without formal authority, and working in a fast-paced manufacturing environment, and experience with change management strategies and processes.  
• Successful experience applying Lean and Six Sigma tools to get results (value stream mapping, 5S, Kaizen, Kanban, Error proofing, SMED, team problem solving, etc.).  Green or Black Belt preferred. 
• Ability to professionally communicate and work cooperatively with others both verbally and in writing.  The ability to simplify and communicate broadly at all levels is a must- as is the willingness to work with and train others. 
• Project management experience, with an understanding of the mechanics of managing a portfolio/dashboard 
• Strong MS Office skills (great command of Excel).  Experience with Minitab and other statistical software and SAP a plus. 
• Basic understanding of business operations and P&L structure/framework 
• Bachelor's degree preferred - Engineering or Project/Program Management 

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.

Chobani is an equal opportunity employer. Chobani will not discriminate against any applicant for employment on any basis including, but not limited to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, military and/or veteran status, marital status, predisposing genetic characteristics and genetic information, or any other classification protected by federal, state, and local laws.