Job Information
Freshrealm LLC Continuous Improvement Leader - East Coast in Linden, New Jersey
Starting pay for this position is $96,200.00/year.
FreshRealm is currently in a high-growth state, and our culture of ACTIONS drives our team members forward to maximize their potential. We are a team of hardworking, passionate leaders who persevere through challenges, collaborate with one another to problem solve and achieve desired outcomes, and work to bring out the best in our employees as we service our customers. At FreshRealm, we welcome individuals from all backgrounds and abilities to apply and make employment decisions based on merit.
GENERAL JOB DESCRIPTION
The goal / responsibility of the Continuous Improvement (CI) Manager is to help create a sustainable and growing culture of Continuous Improvement at FreshRealm. CI is currently focused on: Improving visibility to current state performance, applying structured problem solving (A3 behaviors) to performance gaps and implementation of FreshRealm Business System (FRBS) within each site. The successful individual will be responsible for driving the improvement practice within 2-3 of our manufacturing sites. This role will report to our VP of Continuous Improvement. The position can be remote but requires up to 50% travel based on location.
MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Assist sites and functional leadership in the development of an FRBS Roadmap (i.e., how to use the FRBS tools to drive sustainable improvement into all parts of our business and making it a way of life). Be an integral part of FreshRealm’s team that designs and creates the infrastructure to make the FRBS a benchmark in the industry.
Lead, facilitate and co-facilitate targeted, kaizen events, improvement workshops and projects that are tied to our Strategy Deployment (SD) and Key Performance Indicators (KPI) to drive significant sustainable business results across the organization by leveraging Lean tools, people skills, and change management processes. Ensure successful kaizen events by installing and ensuring compliance to the kaizen process (includes; (1) planning of kaizens through a funnel process tied to SD, KPIs, and business needs, (2) kaizen execution and (3) sustainment of kaizens)
Work closely with cross functional teams to proactively identify gaps and systematic opportunity for improvement (OFI) for the assigned plants and define and drive them through to completion as effectively and quickly as possible utilizing lean toolsets.
Partner with all functions at the site to identify and create world class processes throughout the organization and define process capabilities, assess gaps and develop gap closure plans.
Train and lead effective A3 problem solving methods from plant leadership to line associates.
Build and Deliver breakthrough levels of improvement in process capability, reengineer business processes to reduce cost and increase productivity, and attain world-class levels of quality.
Define and implement process improvements on key initiatives that result in significant improvements in service delivery, increasing organizational effectiveness.
Mentor, influence and develop potential lean practitioner candidates through their Kaizen events and projects driving business change
Engage the plant teams in setting specific goals around Lean initiatives. This includes working with leadership to drive lean daily management in key areas of Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost and People.
Facilitate, train, and coach team members in the use of the Business System tools (Lean Six Sigma tools).
Identify and share best practices across the organization; incorporate benchmarks and best practices from other FreshRealm locations.
Partner with Finance to incorporate kaizen and project savings into long-range financial plans and operating budgets
QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE JOB
Skills and Requirements
Prior experience with deploying lean methods in operations and functions.
Experience leading and developing training, processes and systems using kaizens, A3 Problem solving, X Matrix, daily management and lean toolsets.
Ability to create, lead, manage, and coordinate multiple kaizens and projects simultaneously
Ability to work both as a member of a team, a team leader or as a Kaizen event leader
Lead and participated in developing and managing KPIs preferred.
Very customer focused with a strong ability to influence and communicate effectively at all levels of the organization from senior site management to hourly employees.
Active, aggressive, externally focused and future-oriented
Independent worker, capable of operating in a fast-moving, ever changing environment and able to effectively deal with difficult situations.
Possess strong functional experience and commercial business acumen
Excellent training, consulting and change management skills
Keen listener, open-minded, and have strong interpersonal skills and the intellectual horsepower to establish deep client relationships all levels
Quick study who can rapidly adapt to FreshRealm’s culture and gain the confidence of the organization.
Visibly demonstrates a sense of urgency and strong personal ownership to business performance
Hands-on and detail-oriented but also able to see the big picture.
Experience / Education
7+ years of relevant business experience
Bachelor’s degree, preferably in a related discipline. MBA is a plus.
Manufacturing sector with directly related experience in a business to business environment.
High degree of proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, Power BI, ERP System(s),
Green Belt or higher certification preferred
Project Management (PMP) certification preferred
Food manufacturing experience a plus
What We Offer
Comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees including medical, dental, vision, pet insurance and legal insurance
401(k) with company match that is immediately vested
Life and ADD insurance
Opportunities for career growth with a dynamic company that is changing the landscape of fresh meals.
Unlimited paid time off
Our Values at Work
We believe that ACTIONS speak louder than words and our company values align to those ACTIONS.
In Our Daily Work, This Looks Like
ACCOUNTABILITY: Set clear objectives and prioritize your tasks Hold yourself and your teams accountable for meeting deadlines Learn from your mistakes and use it as a learning opportunity to improve next time
CHALLENGE WITH CURIOSITY: We challenge and engage with each other through curiosity and a drive to innovate and transform. This encourages us to learn from one another, be open-minded to other perspectives and possibilities, and continuously improve and problem-solve with intensity. We persevere through challenges, observe patterns, and pay attention to the details to make connections others may overlook, allowing us to exceed expectations.
TRANSPARENCY & HONESTY: Maintain open and consistent communication. Admit mistakes and take ownership Document decisions to help avoid misunderstandings
INNOVATION: Work with the end-user in mind and create solutions that will add value Question existing norms, assumptions, and best practices Experiment and take calculated, data-driven risks
OBJECTIVITY: Utilize data and make data-driven decisions at every opportunity
NIMBLENESS: Utilize time management to help stay focused and on task with urgency es and make adjustments accordingly Delegate and trust others to handle specific responsibilities with resources and support
SUCCESS THROUGH OUR CUSTOMERS: Know your audience and the type of work they expect to receive as the end-result of a project, initiative, or task Seek feedback at different stages to ensure you’re on the right track Foster collaboration among cross-functional teams to ensure you’re providing the best experience and service to our consumers
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