Continuous Improvement Leader - Clinton, IA
ADM, Clinton, IA, United States
This is an exempt level position. The Continuous Improvement Leader is charged with leading diverse teams to identify and solve opportunities within the manufacturing process which improve various metrics, including personal safety, process safety, food safety, cost, efficiency, and throughput, and profitability. This is a plant-based role with regular presence on the production floor.
Job Responsibilities
Process Optimization: Analyze existing starch and Fibersol production processes to identify inefficiencies, bottlenecks, and waste. Implement improvement initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma, and other CI methodologies. Project Leadership: Lead and manage CI projects from concept to completion, ensuring alignment with business goals and measurable outcomes in yield, throughput, and cost reduction. Data Analysis: Collect and interpret process data to drive decision-making and validate improvement opportunities. Develop dashboards and KPIs to monitor performance. Standardization: Develop, document, and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) and best practices to ensure consistency and sustainability of improvements. Collaboration: Partner with Production, Quality, Maintenance, Engineering, and Supply Chain teams to align improvement initiatives with broader operational goals. Training & Coaching: Build CI capability within the team by training employees in Lean tools, problem-solving techniques, and performance management systems. Safety & Quality: Ensure all improvement initiatives maintain or enhance product quality, food safety, and employee safety standards. Reporting: Provide regular updates on CI initiatives, including performance metrics, project status, and financial impacts. Required Skills
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Excellent communication, facilitation, and leadership abilities. Proficiency with data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, Power BI). Ability to influence and engage employees at all organizational levels. Knowledge of safety, quality, and environmental standards in food manufacturing. Demonstrated success in building/transforming CI within a manufacturing department. Excellent communication skills – both oral and written, listening and teamwork skills. Education Requirements
A bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Physical Science, or equivalent work experience. Required Experience
2+ years of experience in a production environment of food processing or similar industry. Excited about this role but don’t think you meet every requirement listed? We encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this role or another one of our openings. ADM requires the successful completion of a background check. Base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Hourly and salaried non-exempt employees will also be paid overtime pay when working qualifying overtime hours. If hired, employees will be in an “at-will position” and the Company reserves the right to modify base pay (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors. The pay range for this position is expected to be between: $70,400.00 - $131,600.00 Salaried Incentive Plan
The total compensation package for this position will also include annual bonus. Benefits and Perks
Physical wellness – medical/Rx, dental, vision and on-site wellness center access or gym reimbursement (as applicable). Financial wellness – flexible spending accounts, health savings account, 401(k) with matching contributions and cash balance plan, discounted employee stock purchasing program, life insurance, disability, workers’ compensation, legal assistance, identity theft protection. Mental and social wellness – Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and Colleague Giving Programs (ADM Cares). Additional Benefits
Paid time off including paid holidays. Adoption assistance and paid maternity and parental leave. Tuition assistance. Company-sponsored training and development resources, such as LinkedIn Learning, language training and mentoring programs. #IncludingYou
Diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging are cornerstones of ADM’s efforts to continue innovating, driving growth, and delivering outstanding performance. We are committed to attracting and retaining a diverse workforce and create welcoming, truly inclusive work environments — environments that enable every ADM colleague to feel comfortable on the job, make meaningful contributions to our success, and grow their career. We respect and value the unique backgrounds and experiences that each person can bring to ADM because we know that diversity of perspectives makes us better, together. We welcome everyone to apply. We are committed to ensuring all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment regardless of race, color, ethnicity, disability, religion, national origin, language, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, sexual orientation, age, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. About ADM
At ADM, we unlock the power of nature to provide access to nutrition worldwide. With industry-advancing innovations, a complete portfolio of ingredients and solutions to meet any taste, and a commitment to sustainability, we give customers an edge in solving the nutritional challenges of today and tomorrow. We’re a global leader in human and animal nutrition and the world’s premier agricultural origination and processing company. Our breadth, depth, insights, facilities and logistical expertise give us unparalleled capabilities to meet needs for food, beverages, health and wellness, and more. From the seed of the idea to the outcome of the solution, we enrich the quality of life the world over. Learn more at www.adm.com.
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Process Optimization: Analyze existing starch and Fibersol production processes to identify inefficiencies, bottlenecks, and waste. Implement improvement initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma, and other CI methodologies. Project Leadership: Lead and manage CI projects from concept to completion, ensuring alignment with business goals and measurable outcomes in yield, throughput, and cost reduction. Data Analysis: Collect and interpret process data to drive decision-making and validate improvement opportunities. Develop dashboards and KPIs to monitor performance. Standardization: Develop, document, and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) and best practices to ensure consistency and sustainability of improvements. Collaboration: Partner with Production, Quality, Maintenance, Engineering, and Supply Chain teams to align improvement initiatives with broader operational goals. Training & Coaching: Build CI capability within the team by training employees in Lean tools, problem-solving techniques, and performance management systems. Safety & Quality: Ensure all improvement initiatives maintain or enhance product quality, food safety, and employee safety standards. Reporting: Provide regular updates on CI initiatives, including performance metrics, project status, and financial impacts. Required Skills
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Excellent communication, facilitation, and leadership abilities. Proficiency with data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, Power BI). Ability to influence and engage employees at all organizational levels. Knowledge of safety, quality, and environmental standards in food manufacturing. Demonstrated success in building/transforming CI within a manufacturing department. Excellent communication skills – both oral and written, listening and teamwork skills. Education Requirements
A bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Physical Science, or equivalent work experience. Required Experience
2+ years of experience in a production environment of food processing or similar industry. Excited about this role but don’t think you meet every requirement listed? We encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this role or another one of our openings. ADM requires the successful completion of a background check. Base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Hourly and salaried non-exempt employees will also be paid overtime pay when working qualifying overtime hours. If hired, employees will be in an “at-will position” and the Company reserves the right to modify base pay (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors. The pay range for this position is expected to be between: $70,400.00 - $131,600.00 Salaried Incentive Plan
The total compensation package for this position will also include annual bonus. Benefits and Perks
Physical wellness – medical/Rx, dental, vision and on-site wellness center access or gym reimbursement (as applicable). Financial wellness – flexible spending accounts, health savings account, 401(k) with matching contributions and cash balance plan, discounted employee stock purchasing program, life insurance, disability, workers’ compensation, legal assistance, identity theft protection. Mental and social wellness – Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and Colleague Giving Programs (ADM Cares). Additional Benefits
Paid time off including paid holidays. Adoption assistance and paid maternity and parental leave. Tuition assistance. Company-sponsored training and development resources, such as LinkedIn Learning, language training and mentoring programs. #IncludingYou
Diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging are cornerstones of ADM’s efforts to continue innovating, driving growth, and delivering outstanding performance. We are committed to attracting and retaining a diverse workforce and create welcoming, truly inclusive work environments — environments that enable every ADM colleague to feel comfortable on the job, make meaningful contributions to our success, and grow their career. We respect and value the unique backgrounds and experiences that each person can bring to ADM because we know that diversity of perspectives makes us better, together. We welcome everyone to apply. We are committed to ensuring all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment regardless of race, color, ethnicity, disability, religion, national origin, language, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, sexual orientation, age, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. About ADM
At ADM, we unlock the power of nature to provide access to nutrition worldwide. With industry-advancing innovations, a complete portfolio of ingredients and solutions to meet any taste, and a commitment to sustainability, we give customers an edge in solving the nutritional challenges of today and tomorrow. We’re a global leader in human and animal nutrition and the world’s premier agricultural origination and processing company. Our breadth, depth, insights, facilities and logistical expertise give us unparalleled capabilities to meet needs for food, beverages, health and wellness, and more. From the seed of the idea to the outcome of the solution, we enrich the quality of life the world over. Learn more at www.adm.com.
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