Continuous Improvement Manager
Alphia, Pittsburg, CA, United States
Job Purpose
The Continuous Improvement Manager is responsible for implementation and management of Lean Sigma manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives throughout all Alphia facilities. The individual will serve as the Lean Sigma subject matter expert and will specifically be responsible for project management/facilitation. The Continuous Improvement Lead will be interacting with employees at all levels within the business. The role will report directly to the VP of Engineering and Continuous Improvement.
Description of Essential Duties
Lead and manage a Lean Six Sigma Project Portfolio to drive business improvements while meeting corporate financial objectives.
Drive the continuous improvement journey through Lean Six Sigma based process improvement initiatives.
Deliver primarily Lean training to drive process improvements in manufacturing environments.
Measure and report progress on an ongoing basis using a balanced scorecard.
Apply a thorough understanding and demonstrated execution of the Continuous Improvement process, build strong relationships with cross‑functional teams, and lead with limited authority.
Provide oversight of the Continuous Improvement (CI) project portfolio and work with CI teams to strengthen the pipeline through strategy deployment, KPI awareness, and Value Stream Mapping activities.
Act as the corporate champion for CI, driving problem solving and a zero‑waste cultural change.
Assist the organization in driving process improvements and cost‑savings projects to completion and support project teams as the Lean Six Sigma mentor and trainer.
Take initiative to apply expertise to address critical business issues and focus on developing long‑term solutions.
Drive a culture of setting robust controls and properly hand them off to process owners.
Accelerate large‑scale Lean cultural change to reduce waste in everything we do.
Participate with cross‑functional teams to make improvements to products and processes, ensuring the highest quality products are delivered to the customer.
Identify projects to generate a projects‑based strategy.
Act as the lead trainer for internal Lean Six Sigma training courses for the organization.
Maintain and improve upon the CI training curriculum including both Lean and Six Sigma training tools.
Assist in standardizing and sharing Best‑in‑Class continuous improvement practices throughout the organization.
Mentor and coach Black Belts, Green Belts, Lean Professionals and other members of the project teams.
Qualification Requirements
4‑year technical degree in science, statistics, engineering, or quality preferred.
3‑5 years related experience in a manufacturing, industrial, packaging, processing or operations environment. Experience in food or consumer products goods (CPG) preferred.
3‑5 years process improvement experience in manufacturing using formal Lean & Six Sigma tools.
Six Sigma Black Belt or Master Black Belt through an accredited organization.
Change Agent – strong leadership and teaming capabilities with the ability to operate independently and affect change across functions.
Experience in manufacturing plants and processes.
Demonstrated proficiency in Lean Tools: 5S, JIT, VSM, SMED, Kaizen, Error Proofing, Line Balancing, Process Flow, Kanban, A3, etc.
Self‑motivated and able to show leadership, team, and individual contributor accomplishments.
Passion for driving change in a complex, manufacturing environment.
Proven track record of developing, training, and coaching CI organizations.
Ability to communicate with senior levels of the organization.
Strong verbal/written communication and interpersonal skills.
Strong computer skills – Windows based programs and Minitab.
Requires ~75% travel.
Physical Demands
The employee is required to talk and hear. The employee is frequently required to sit and use their hands and fingers, to handle or feel, to manipulate keys on a keyboard and view data on a computer screen. The employee is occasionally required to stand, climb stairs, walk, and reach with arms and hands. Vision abilities required by this job include close vision. Some travel and overnight stays required.
Work Environment
Occasional extended work hours may be required.
Moderate noise (business office with computers and printers, light traffic, plant background noise). The job is performed under a generally hazard‑free environment.
Position may also be eligible as “work from home” and must be able to sustain a high‑speed stable internet connection. Home office must be secured from unauthorized visitors.
Alphia is an equal‑opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
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Description of Essential Duties
Lead and manage a Lean Six Sigma Project Portfolio to drive business improvements while meeting corporate financial objectives.
Drive the continuous improvement journey through Lean Six Sigma based process improvement initiatives.
Deliver primarily Lean training to drive process improvements in manufacturing environments.
Measure and report progress on an ongoing basis using a balanced scorecard.
Apply a thorough understanding and demonstrated execution of the Continuous Improvement process, build strong relationships with cross‑functional teams, and lead with limited authority.
Provide oversight of the Continuous Improvement (CI) project portfolio and work with CI teams to strengthen the pipeline through strategy deployment, KPI awareness, and Value Stream Mapping activities.
Act as the corporate champion for CI, driving problem solving and a zero‑waste cultural change.
Assist the organization in driving process improvements and cost‑savings projects to completion and support project teams as the Lean Six Sigma mentor and trainer.
Take initiative to apply expertise to address critical business issues and focus on developing long‑term solutions.
Drive a culture of setting robust controls and properly hand them off to process owners.
Accelerate large‑scale Lean cultural change to reduce waste in everything we do.
Participate with cross‑functional teams to make improvements to products and processes, ensuring the highest quality products are delivered to the customer.
Identify projects to generate a projects‑based strategy.
Act as the lead trainer for internal Lean Six Sigma training courses for the organization.
Maintain and improve upon the CI training curriculum including both Lean and Six Sigma training tools.
Assist in standardizing and sharing Best‑in‑Class continuous improvement practices throughout the organization.
Mentor and coach Black Belts, Green Belts, Lean Professionals and other members of the project teams.
Qualification Requirements
4‑year technical degree in science, statistics, engineering, or quality preferred.
3‑5 years related experience in a manufacturing, industrial, packaging, processing or operations environment. Experience in food or consumer products goods (CPG) preferred.
3‑5 years process improvement experience in manufacturing using formal Lean & Six Sigma tools.
Six Sigma Black Belt or Master Black Belt through an accredited organization.
Change Agent – strong leadership and teaming capabilities with the ability to operate independently and affect change across functions.
Experience in manufacturing plants and processes.
Demonstrated proficiency in Lean Tools: 5S, JIT, VSM, SMED, Kaizen, Error Proofing, Line Balancing, Process Flow, Kanban, A3, etc.
Self‑motivated and able to show leadership, team, and individual contributor accomplishments.
Passion for driving change in a complex, manufacturing environment.
Proven track record of developing, training, and coaching CI organizations.
Ability to communicate with senior levels of the organization.
Strong verbal/written communication and interpersonal skills.
Strong computer skills – Windows based programs and Minitab.
Requires ~75% travel.
Physical Demands
The employee is required to talk and hear. The employee is frequently required to sit and use their hands and fingers, to handle or feel, to manipulate keys on a keyboard and view data on a computer screen. The employee is occasionally required to stand, climb stairs, walk, and reach with arms and hands. Vision abilities required by this job include close vision. Some travel and overnight stays required.
Work Environment
Occasional extended work hours may be required.
Moderate noise (business office with computers and printers, light traffic, plant background noise). The job is performed under a generally hazard‑free environment.
Position may also be eligible as “work from home” and must be able to sustain a high‑speed stable internet connection. Home office must be secured from unauthorized visitors.
Alphia is an equal‑opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
#J-18808-Ljbffr