Job Summary
At Danone, Manufacturing the best products and supplying them to meet demand is a key driver for our plant teams. We are currently looking to hire a IWS / Continuous Improvement Manager based in our Jacksonville, Florida beverage manufacturing facility.
About The Job The IWS (Integrated Work Systems) / Continuous Improvement Manager will report into the Plant Director and will lead the continuous improvement program for the site. The IWS Manager will be responsible for driving a culture of continuous improvement and driving operational excellence to all areas of the site. This includes defining the IWS strategy for the site in execution of Danone’s IWS program, coaching site leaders in execution of IWS programs, and being a hands‑on servant leader to enable change management in the plant. This role serves as a change agent and systems thinker, enabling a zero‑loss culture while also advancing the digitization and simplification of key work systems. The IWS Manager/ Continuous Improvement Manager must be a change catalyst with strong communication and time management skills and have the ability to quickly flow between strategic thinking and tactical coaching and execution.
Key Responsibilities Lead IWS Strategy & Deployment
Owns and manages the overall IWS Program Masterplan in the site ensuring effectiveness of change management, adoption of systems and culture, integration across pillars and functions, and delivery of all result areas
Facilitates the phased implementation of IWS Pillars (HSE/Quality/AM/PM/FI/E&T/Org) across all departments
Develop and manage IWS governance routines and reporting structures
Facilitate the development of action plans to variances as identified through the audit process
Champion the digital integration of IWS tools and systems, replacing manual paper‑based processes with intuitive, tech‑enabled solutions
Capability Building & Coaching
Acts as an internal partner for the site to lead, define, develop, and coach IWS activities to drive improvement in all result areas and KPI’s across all levels, from front line employees to site leadership
Coach pillar owners, area leaders, and line teams on IWS tools and methodologies
Facilitates training sessions and workshops to develop deep system understanding and ownership
Coaches and facilitates the site strategic planning process in collaboration with the site leadership team and ensures consistent adherence to the process including monthly scorecard reporting and gap analysis
Coach and mentor site resources – CI engineers and Operational Excellence leaders – in CI activities
Daily Management Systems
Ensure robust execution of DMS at all levels
Drives the visual management, loss identification, and problem‑solving routines that support run‑to‑target behaviors
Conducts regular and periodic audits and health checks of the Site CI Program and each pillar Loss Elimination and Continuous Improvement
Identifies key opportunities for process improvement and partners with process owners to lead activities to deliver sustainable and repeatable change and improve business results
Lead site‑wide loss analysis processes to identify and prioritize chronic and sporadic losses
Supports, mentors, and at times leads teams on problem‑solving efforts to improve safety, quality, and eliminate waste/cost at the local level through root cause analysis, Kaizen, and other CI events
Owns and manages the Focused Improvement Pillar in the site defining the problem‑solving capability, tools, and strategy across the site as well as coaching the execution and implementing countermeasures and driving action plans to resolution
Track and report improvement project results and ROI to ensure delivery of business goals
Identifies and leverages best practices across the plant and shares broadly across the network CI team to improve standards and guidelines for company TPM implementation
Simplify complex systems and documentation into clear, scalable standards that enhance frontline ownership and understanding
Cultural Transformation & Engagement
Champion a zero‑loss mindset and drive behavioral change aligned with IWS principles
Embed systems that promote employee engagement, empowerment, and structured problem solving
Enable high levels of team engagement by embedding digital and simplified systems that make work easier and more empowering
Metrics and Performance
Develops and prepares metrics and reports to drive action and change through the CI program
Monitor IWS KPIs and report progress to site and regional leadership
Continually assess system maturity and develop plans to close capability gaps
Manage the site productivity process and pipeline to deliver savings vs. commitment
Collaborate with IT, automation and engineering teams to implement user‑friendly digital platforms (e.g., dashboards, mobile reporting tools, real‑time KPI visibility)
Physical Demands
Ability to travel to all areas in the facility.
Ability to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as required.
Ability to respond to audible and visual alarms.
Ability to communicate verbally and in written form.
Must be able to distinguish colors accurately.
Required to lift and / or move up to 50 pounds.
Work Environment
Work is performed in a manufacturing environment with exposure to moderate noise and temperature variations.
Work schedules could include nights, weekends and/or holidays to provide the ability to support a 24/7 manufacturing environment as business needs dictate.
Engagement in our Integrated Work Systems Ensure adherence to plant standards and procedures (including but not limited to GMP, AIB, FDA, IWS, Quality, Safety, Finance, ISO, HOPE, Danone Behaviors, Daily Direction Setting, Driving OE). As a fundamental piece of the organization, your responsibility is to participate and own the implementation and deployment of IWS system and its pillars (Leadership foundation, Daily Direction Setting, Driving OE; Autonomous Maintenance; planned Maintenance; Focused Improvement; Education and Training; Environmental, Health and Safety; Quality; Organization; Supply Network; Early Equipment Management) with the objective of owning your space, owning your performance (Safety, Quality, Cost, Delivery, Mobilization, Nature) and owning your continuous improvement.
Compensation & Benefits Danone North America additionally offers a performance‑based bonus and has a strong benefits package including Medical, Dental, Vision, Prescription Drug Coverage, 401k Plan, Wellness Program, Life Insurance, Tuition Reimbursement, Flexible Time Off, and Paid Parental Bonding Leave, among other benefit plan options.
About You Education & Experience
A high school diploma or GED is required. A Bachelor’s degree in an engineering or science discipline is preferred. A combination of education and experience that constitutes the level of knowledge skills and abilities needed for this role will be considered in lieu of degree completion.
Minimum of 5 years continuous improvement experience in a manufacturing environment, preferably within a food, beverage or CPG manufacturing environment, required. Prior experience with IWS (integrated work systems) is preferred.
Must have TPM experience and knowledge and practical application of AM, PM, FI, Education & Training systems and tools, required.
Experience leading problem solving and process improvement efforts, required.
Lean or Six Sigma certification is a plus.
Knowledge
Knowledge of IWS/ CI / Lean / TPM tools
Knowledge of principles and methods for process improvement
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, leadership, production methods, and coordination of people and resources
Skills
Strong project and program management skills
Facilitation and communication skills for problem solving events, productivity ideation, etc…
Excellent multi-tasking, organization, and time-management skills
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems
Sound business acumen with corresponding analytical and judgment skills
Power BI, SmartSheet, and other MES (manufacturing Execution Systems), preferred
Influential skills others without positional authority, required.
Abilities
Strong customer focus with ability to foster effective cross-functional partnerships
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events)
Strong interpersonal, facilitation, communication, and influencing skills
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences
The ability to communicate information and ideas to all levels of the organization from operators and mechanics to executive leadership
The ability to flow between strategic and tactical problems quickly
The ability to drive changes in an organization
The ability to demonstrate process sustainability methodology in all areas of standards implementation
Ability to support a 24/7 manufacturing environment as business needs dictate. Work schedules could include days, nights, and weekends as needed.
About us Danone U.S. is part of Danone North America, a purpose-driven company and an industry leader in the food and beverage category. You’ll work with some of the best‑known food and beverage brands in the world. Our strong portfolio of brands includes Activia®, DanActive®, Danimals®, Dannon®, evian®, Follow Your Heart®, Happy Family® Organics, International Delight®, Light + Fit®, Nutricia ®, Oikos®, Silk®, So Delicious® Dairy Free, STōK® Cold Brew Coffee ®, Too Good & Co™, and YoCrunch®.
With approximately 5,000 employees and 13 production locations across the U.S., Danone North America's mission is to bring health through food to as many people as possible.
You’ll be part of one of the largest Certified B Corps™ in the world, working to make sure our company creates real value for people and the planet. Come join our movement for a healthier world One Planet. One Health BY YOU.
Danone North America is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer. It is our policy to give equal employment opportunities to all qualified persons without regard to legally protected characteristics, or any other consideration made unlawful by applicable federal, state/provincial and/or local law. For our EEO policy statement and your EEO rights under law click here.
California Data Privacy Law
#J-18808-Ljbffr
About The Job The IWS (Integrated Work Systems) / Continuous Improvement Manager will report into the Plant Director and will lead the continuous improvement program for the site. The IWS Manager will be responsible for driving a culture of continuous improvement and driving operational excellence to all areas of the site. This includes defining the IWS strategy for the site in execution of Danone’s IWS program, coaching site leaders in execution of IWS programs, and being a hands‑on servant leader to enable change management in the plant. This role serves as a change agent and systems thinker, enabling a zero‑loss culture while also advancing the digitization and simplification of key work systems. The IWS Manager/ Continuous Improvement Manager must be a change catalyst with strong communication and time management skills and have the ability to quickly flow between strategic thinking and tactical coaching and execution.
Key Responsibilities Lead IWS Strategy & Deployment
Owns and manages the overall IWS Program Masterplan in the site ensuring effectiveness of change management, adoption of systems and culture, integration across pillars and functions, and delivery of all result areas
Facilitates the phased implementation of IWS Pillars (HSE/Quality/AM/PM/FI/E&T/Org) across all departments
Develop and manage IWS governance routines and reporting structures
Facilitate the development of action plans to variances as identified through the audit process
Champion the digital integration of IWS tools and systems, replacing manual paper‑based processes with intuitive, tech‑enabled solutions
Capability Building & Coaching
Acts as an internal partner for the site to lead, define, develop, and coach IWS activities to drive improvement in all result areas and KPI’s across all levels, from front line employees to site leadership
Coach pillar owners, area leaders, and line teams on IWS tools and methodologies
Facilitates training sessions and workshops to develop deep system understanding and ownership
Coaches and facilitates the site strategic planning process in collaboration with the site leadership team and ensures consistent adherence to the process including monthly scorecard reporting and gap analysis
Coach and mentor site resources – CI engineers and Operational Excellence leaders – in CI activities
Daily Management Systems
Ensure robust execution of DMS at all levels
Drives the visual management, loss identification, and problem‑solving routines that support run‑to‑target behaviors
Conducts regular and periodic audits and health checks of the Site CI Program and each pillar Loss Elimination and Continuous Improvement
Identifies key opportunities for process improvement and partners with process owners to lead activities to deliver sustainable and repeatable change and improve business results
Lead site‑wide loss analysis processes to identify and prioritize chronic and sporadic losses
Supports, mentors, and at times leads teams on problem‑solving efforts to improve safety, quality, and eliminate waste/cost at the local level through root cause analysis, Kaizen, and other CI events
Owns and manages the Focused Improvement Pillar in the site defining the problem‑solving capability, tools, and strategy across the site as well as coaching the execution and implementing countermeasures and driving action plans to resolution
Track and report improvement project results and ROI to ensure delivery of business goals
Identifies and leverages best practices across the plant and shares broadly across the network CI team to improve standards and guidelines for company TPM implementation
Simplify complex systems and documentation into clear, scalable standards that enhance frontline ownership and understanding
Cultural Transformation & Engagement
Champion a zero‑loss mindset and drive behavioral change aligned with IWS principles
Embed systems that promote employee engagement, empowerment, and structured problem solving
Enable high levels of team engagement by embedding digital and simplified systems that make work easier and more empowering
Metrics and Performance
Develops and prepares metrics and reports to drive action and change through the CI program
Monitor IWS KPIs and report progress to site and regional leadership
Continually assess system maturity and develop plans to close capability gaps
Manage the site productivity process and pipeline to deliver savings vs. commitment
Collaborate with IT, automation and engineering teams to implement user‑friendly digital platforms (e.g., dashboards, mobile reporting tools, real‑time KPI visibility)
Physical Demands
Ability to travel to all areas in the facility.
Ability to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as required.
Ability to respond to audible and visual alarms.
Ability to communicate verbally and in written form.
Must be able to distinguish colors accurately.
Required to lift and / or move up to 50 pounds.
Work Environment
Work is performed in a manufacturing environment with exposure to moderate noise and temperature variations.
Work schedules could include nights, weekends and/or holidays to provide the ability to support a 24/7 manufacturing environment as business needs dictate.
Engagement in our Integrated Work Systems Ensure adherence to plant standards and procedures (including but not limited to GMP, AIB, FDA, IWS, Quality, Safety, Finance, ISO, HOPE, Danone Behaviors, Daily Direction Setting, Driving OE). As a fundamental piece of the organization, your responsibility is to participate and own the implementation and deployment of IWS system and its pillars (Leadership foundation, Daily Direction Setting, Driving OE; Autonomous Maintenance; planned Maintenance; Focused Improvement; Education and Training; Environmental, Health and Safety; Quality; Organization; Supply Network; Early Equipment Management) with the objective of owning your space, owning your performance (Safety, Quality, Cost, Delivery, Mobilization, Nature) and owning your continuous improvement.
Compensation & Benefits Danone North America additionally offers a performance‑based bonus and has a strong benefits package including Medical, Dental, Vision, Prescription Drug Coverage, 401k Plan, Wellness Program, Life Insurance, Tuition Reimbursement, Flexible Time Off, and Paid Parental Bonding Leave, among other benefit plan options.
About You Education & Experience
A high school diploma or GED is required. A Bachelor’s degree in an engineering or science discipline is preferred. A combination of education and experience that constitutes the level of knowledge skills and abilities needed for this role will be considered in lieu of degree completion.
Minimum of 5 years continuous improvement experience in a manufacturing environment, preferably within a food, beverage or CPG manufacturing environment, required. Prior experience with IWS (integrated work systems) is preferred.
Must have TPM experience and knowledge and practical application of AM, PM, FI, Education & Training systems and tools, required.
Experience leading problem solving and process improvement efforts, required.
Lean or Six Sigma certification is a plus.
Knowledge
Knowledge of IWS/ CI / Lean / TPM tools
Knowledge of principles and methods for process improvement
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, leadership, production methods, and coordination of people and resources
Skills
Strong project and program management skills
Facilitation and communication skills for problem solving events, productivity ideation, etc…
Excellent multi-tasking, organization, and time-management skills
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems
Sound business acumen with corresponding analytical and judgment skills
Power BI, SmartSheet, and other MES (manufacturing Execution Systems), preferred
Influential skills others without positional authority, required.
Abilities
Strong customer focus with ability to foster effective cross-functional partnerships
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events)
Strong interpersonal, facilitation, communication, and influencing skills
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences
The ability to communicate information and ideas to all levels of the organization from operators and mechanics to executive leadership
The ability to flow between strategic and tactical problems quickly
The ability to drive changes in an organization
The ability to demonstrate process sustainability methodology in all areas of standards implementation
Ability to support a 24/7 manufacturing environment as business needs dictate. Work schedules could include days, nights, and weekends as needed.
About us Danone U.S. is part of Danone North America, a purpose-driven company and an industry leader in the food and beverage category. You’ll work with some of the best‑known food and beverage brands in the world. Our strong portfolio of brands includes Activia®, DanActive®, Danimals®, Dannon®, evian®, Follow Your Heart®, Happy Family® Organics, International Delight®, Light + Fit®, Nutricia ®, Oikos®, Silk®, So Delicious® Dairy Free, STōK® Cold Brew Coffee ®, Too Good & Co™, and YoCrunch®.
With approximately 5,000 employees and 13 production locations across the U.S., Danone North America's mission is to bring health through food to as many people as possible.
You’ll be part of one of the largest Certified B Corps™ in the world, working to make sure our company creates real value for people and the planet. Come join our movement for a healthier world One Planet. One Health BY YOU.
Danone North America is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer. It is our policy to give equal employment opportunities to all qualified persons without regard to legally protected characteristics, or any other consideration made unlawful by applicable federal, state/provincial and/or local law. For our EEO policy statement and your EEO rights under law click here.
California Data Privacy Law
#J-18808-Ljbffr