Director of Continuous Improvement

Summary

The Director of Continuous Improvement 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.

Responsibilities

• Accelerate Lean manufacturing and Six Sigma practices into the operation
• Actively participate, lead, and drive improvement and changes across the operations  
• Provide leadership and training for production management as well as all the employees of the plant and contained functions to implement a CI culture
• Work with leadership to establish effective implementation strategy as well as influencing operations planning and execution
• Create a safe working environment and comply to all regulatory requirements
• Efficiently manufacture products at the highest perceived value for our customers regarding quality and on-time delivery
• Ability to jump and help the operations in a leadership role as required
• Meet the organization's objectives and schedules 
• Develop facility operating system and integrate to all related functions with the facility leaders (hour by hour on the floor to facility wide operating metrics)
• Optimize operational throughput as well as improve YOY productivity
• Spend a significant amount of time leading complex systems level projects across the operations
• Decrease waste and product defects throughout the production process
• Match capacity to demand as well as work closely with the sales force to increase demand as well as incorporate feedback into the operations
• Must possess the interpersonal skills needed to communicate the organization's mission and strategies as well as organizational performance
• Responsible for all peer to subordinate supervisors, or staff members in all matters of Lean and Six Sigma
• Develop a practical training program that meet the needs of the business
• Provide coaching and operations support to leadership and employees

Requirements

⦁    Experience in the dairy (or food) industry with deep process knowledge
⦁    Must have start-up or turn around experience in factory operations
⦁    3-5 years director level experience leading continuous improvement initiatives
⦁    5 years of experience in operations including scheduling, planning, purchasing, maintenance, and logistics
⦁    Expert knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma required, I.E. pull systems (internal and external), Kanban, process mapping, standard work etc.)
⦁    A certified MBB is preferred
⦁    Extensive knowledge of MRP and ERP Systems
⦁    Must have a proven track record of driving positive changes and meeting challenging objectives
⦁    Demonstrated ability to implement, lead, and coach Lean manufacturing practices as well as Six Sigma programs
⦁    Analytical thinker with the ability to drill to root cause and arrive at rational solutions as well as bring along the team to these conclusions
⦁    Skills in planning, organizing, developing manufacturing operations budgets and identifying opportunities
⦁    Highly effective leader who can create a shared vision, energize others, challenge the status quo and drive change
⦁    BS/BA or Masters in Engineering preferred
⦁    MBA is a plus
⦁    APICS and/or CPIM certification a plus
⦁    Strong customer service mindset with ability to enhance internal/external customer relationships
 

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, we are a values-driven, people-first, food-and-wellness-focused company, and have been since Hamdi Ulukaya, an immigrant to the U.S., founded the company in 2005.  We produce yogurt, oatmilk, dairy- and plant-based creamers, ready-to-drink coffee and plant-based probiotic drinks. Chobani yogurt is America's No.1 yogurt brand, and it’s made with only natural ingredients without artificial preservatives.

 
Chobani uses food as a force for good in the world – putting humanity first in everything we do. Our philanthropic efforts prioritize giving back to our communities and beyond: working to eradicate child hunger, supporting immigrants, refugees and underrepresented people, honoring veterans, and protecting the planet. We manufacture our products in New York, Idaho, and Australia. Chobani products are available throughout North America and distributed in Australia and other select markets. For more information, please visit www.chobani.com and 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.