Overview
fairlife, LLC is a Chicago-based nutrition company that creates great-tasting, nutrition-rich and dairy products to nourish consumers. With over $3B in annual retail sales, fairlife's portfolio includes fairlife ultra-filtered milk, Core Power High Protein Shakes, and fairlife nutrition plan. A wholly owned subsidiary of The Coca-Cola Company, fairlife has been recognized by Fast Company and Nielsen for its innovation. For more information, visit fairlife.com. Job purpose
The Manager of Continuous Improvement plays a critical role in the development and implementation of the Continuous Improvement / Operational Excellence framework within fairlife sites. This role focuses on improving safety, quality, productivity, and overall financial performance through training, coaching, and application of Lean / Op-Ex tools and techniques. The position ensures alignment with organizational goals and acts as a change agent for operational transformation and efficiency. The ideal candidate will have extensive hands-on experience with Lean tools and principles and the ability to influence cultural change and continuous improvement through leadership and collaboration. Responsibilities
Drive the implementation of the Operational Excellence framework and roadmap across fairlife to achieve measurable performance improvements. Collaborate with leadership teams to implement lean tools and principles within the Operational Excellence framework. Train employees on the framework and application of Lean tools. Provide leadership, training, and mentoring for employees at all levels on Lean / Continuous Improvement / Operational Excellence. Manage and lead local Continuous Improvement team providing coaching and support to ensure successful execution of initiatives. Foster the professional growth of team members through development plans, training, and regular performance feedback. Drive cultural change and discipline to sustain a continuous improvement environment. Develop and deliver tailored training programs for employees at all levels, ensuring multi-level engagement. Define and track metrics for goal achievement, identify gaps, and propose solutions to improve outcomes. Plan and assist in executing problem-solving tools and Kaizen events that deliver significant process improvements. Present key performance insights and recommendations to stakeholders to aid decision-making. Manage the process for selecting, scoping, and completing focus improvement initiatives. Manage the Op-Ex Scorecard and develop CI/Kaizen roadmaps aligned with company goals. Work with finance teams to track and present financial outcomes, ensuring ROI for Operational Excellence initiatives. Provide ongoing coaching and support for Operational Excellence deployment in cross-functional teams. Advocate for Operational Excellence branding within fairlife and across sites to foster alignment and engagement. Skills/qualifications
Strong expertise in lean principles and tools including daily management, tier meetings cascade, problem solving, standard work, SMED, 6S, etc. Strong leadership and team management skills with experience overseeing a team to achieve objectives. Strong analytical and process-driven focus. Strong communication, presentation (verbal/written), and coaching abilities. Excellent organizational, time management, and project management skills. Proven ability to build strong working relationships and lead others. Ability to gather and analyze data and draw logical conclusions. Ability to handle ambiguity and work in a fast-paced environment. Demonstrated ability to build and manage high-performing teams. Experience in setting clear goals and expectations for direct reports. Strong conflict resolution and decision-making skills. Proven ability to foster a culture of accountability and continuous improvement. Experience
Bachelor's Degree required in engineering, business, or technical discipline from an accredited college or university. 5 - 10 years of proven project management and process improvement skills including root cause analysis, Lean and Six Sigma methodologies; certifications are a plus. Experience in process improvement implementation. Proven ability in strategy development, planning, and budgeting. Proficient in MS Office products (Project, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Visio). Proficient in basic data analysis with Power BI, Tableau, or equivalent; experience training others in Lean/Six Sigma tools is a plus. Working conditions and physical requirements
8-10 hours sitting/standing/walking. Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. Reaching/bending as needed. Exposure to hazards is minimal. Food safety requirements
Notify supervision of repairs or adjustments that may affect product quality or food safety. Comply with color-coded container policy in Production Areas. Meet Company, Customer and Government requirements/standards as prioritized by the Company. Initiate action to prevent nonconformities relating to Food Safety and Quality of products, processes, quality system, or safety system. Identify and record problems related to Food Safety and Quality. Control further processing or delivery of nonconforming products until deficiencies are corrected. In case of absence, a qualified employee will assume duties as required. Position location: 100% on-site in Coopersville, MI (Not a remote position) Reports to: Director of Continuous Improvement Travel requirements: 10% - 25% as needed Exempt/nonexempt: Exempt Compensation andEEO
Base pay range: $120,000—$130,000 USD. Base pay offered may vary depending on geography, knowledge, skills, and experience. A full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits is offered. fairlife, LLC is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by law. Reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities will be provided unless doing so would impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and would like to request accommodation, please email careers@fairlife.com. For recruitment agencies: fairlife primarily handles recruitment internally through its Talent Acquisition team. Most roles are filled via applications on the careers site or direct outreach. We rarely engage external agencies and only those on an approved vendor list. Unsolicited resumes from agencies not authorized will be considered direct applications and no placement fees will be paid.
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fairlife, LLC is a Chicago-based nutrition company that creates great-tasting, nutrition-rich and dairy products to nourish consumers. With over $3B in annual retail sales, fairlife's portfolio includes fairlife ultra-filtered milk, Core Power High Protein Shakes, and fairlife nutrition plan. A wholly owned subsidiary of The Coca-Cola Company, fairlife has been recognized by Fast Company and Nielsen for its innovation. For more information, visit fairlife.com. Job purpose
The Manager of Continuous Improvement plays a critical role in the development and implementation of the Continuous Improvement / Operational Excellence framework within fairlife sites. This role focuses on improving safety, quality, productivity, and overall financial performance through training, coaching, and application of Lean / Op-Ex tools and techniques. The position ensures alignment with organizational goals and acts as a change agent for operational transformation and efficiency. The ideal candidate will have extensive hands-on experience with Lean tools and principles and the ability to influence cultural change and continuous improvement through leadership and collaboration. Responsibilities
Drive the implementation of the Operational Excellence framework and roadmap across fairlife to achieve measurable performance improvements. Collaborate with leadership teams to implement lean tools and principles within the Operational Excellence framework. Train employees on the framework and application of Lean tools. Provide leadership, training, and mentoring for employees at all levels on Lean / Continuous Improvement / Operational Excellence. Manage and lead local Continuous Improvement team providing coaching and support to ensure successful execution of initiatives. Foster the professional growth of team members through development plans, training, and regular performance feedback. Drive cultural change and discipline to sustain a continuous improvement environment. Develop and deliver tailored training programs for employees at all levels, ensuring multi-level engagement. Define and track metrics for goal achievement, identify gaps, and propose solutions to improve outcomes. Plan and assist in executing problem-solving tools and Kaizen events that deliver significant process improvements. Present key performance insights and recommendations to stakeholders to aid decision-making. Manage the process for selecting, scoping, and completing focus improvement initiatives. Manage the Op-Ex Scorecard and develop CI/Kaizen roadmaps aligned with company goals. Work with finance teams to track and present financial outcomes, ensuring ROI for Operational Excellence initiatives. Provide ongoing coaching and support for Operational Excellence deployment in cross-functional teams. Advocate for Operational Excellence branding within fairlife and across sites to foster alignment and engagement. Skills/qualifications
Strong expertise in lean principles and tools including daily management, tier meetings cascade, problem solving, standard work, SMED, 6S, etc. Strong leadership and team management skills with experience overseeing a team to achieve objectives. Strong analytical and process-driven focus. Strong communication, presentation (verbal/written), and coaching abilities. Excellent organizational, time management, and project management skills. Proven ability to build strong working relationships and lead others. Ability to gather and analyze data and draw logical conclusions. Ability to handle ambiguity and work in a fast-paced environment. Demonstrated ability to build and manage high-performing teams. Experience in setting clear goals and expectations for direct reports. Strong conflict resolution and decision-making skills. Proven ability to foster a culture of accountability and continuous improvement. Experience
Bachelor's Degree required in engineering, business, or technical discipline from an accredited college or university. 5 - 10 years of proven project management and process improvement skills including root cause analysis, Lean and Six Sigma methodologies; certifications are a plus. Experience in process improvement implementation. Proven ability in strategy development, planning, and budgeting. Proficient in MS Office products (Project, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Visio). Proficient in basic data analysis with Power BI, Tableau, or equivalent; experience training others in Lean/Six Sigma tools is a plus. Working conditions and physical requirements
8-10 hours sitting/standing/walking. Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. Reaching/bending as needed. Exposure to hazards is minimal. Food safety requirements
Notify supervision of repairs or adjustments that may affect product quality or food safety. Comply with color-coded container policy in Production Areas. Meet Company, Customer and Government requirements/standards as prioritized by the Company. Initiate action to prevent nonconformities relating to Food Safety and Quality of products, processes, quality system, or safety system. Identify and record problems related to Food Safety and Quality. Control further processing or delivery of nonconforming products until deficiencies are corrected. In case of absence, a qualified employee will assume duties as required. Position location: 100% on-site in Coopersville, MI (Not a remote position) Reports to: Director of Continuous Improvement Travel requirements: 10% - 25% as needed Exempt/nonexempt: Exempt Compensation andEEO
Base pay range: $120,000—$130,000 USD. Base pay offered may vary depending on geography, knowledge, skills, and experience. A full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits is offered. fairlife, LLC is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by law. Reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities will be provided unless doing so would impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and would like to request accommodation, please email careers@fairlife.com. For recruitment agencies: fairlife primarily handles recruitment internally through its Talent Acquisition team. Most roles are filled via applications on the careers site or direct outreach. We rarely engage external agencies and only those on an approved vendor list. Unsolicited resumes from agencies not authorized will be considered direct applications and no placement fees will be paid.
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