OverviewThe Continuous Improvement Lead is a key operational leader responsible for making Run-To-Target (RTT) a core way of working across plant operations. RTT is PepsiCo's continuous improvement system that blends coaching, standard work, and loss elimination to drive sustainable performance. In this role, you will own the deployment, sustainment, and evolution of RTT-ensuring it is fully embedded into the Integrated Work System (IWS), frontline routines, and leadership behaviors.
This is a high-visibility, high-impact role that strengthens operational capability, builds accountability, and shapes plant culture. The Continuous Improvement Lead partners closely with the Plant Director, plant leadership teams, Pod RTT Lead, and frontline teams to deliver today's results while building tomorrow's capability. This role is also a strong development feeder for future Plant Director opportunities.
ResponsibilitiesRTT Deployment & Sustainment
- Lead the end-to-end deployment, expansion, and ongoing sustainment of RTT across the plant
- Embed RTT into daily, weekly, and monthly operating routines (Line Structure Teams, Shift DDS, Plant DDS)
- Maintain RTT processes within the IWS framework to ensure rigor, consistency, and effectiveness
Operational Excellence & Accountability
- Partner with the Plant Director to drive disciplined execution of RTT processes
- Establish clear ownership for RTT behaviors and outcomes across leadership and frontline teams
- Identify execution gaps and coach teams to close performance and capability gaps
Capability Building & Coaching
- Build RTT capability across frontline team members, team leaders, and plant leadership
- Coach teams to use data, standards, and structured problem-solving to eliminate losses
- Ensure frontline voices are activated through structured forums and routines
Culture & Ways of Working
- Model and reinforce a culture of continuous improvement, ownership, and transparency
- Establish and sustain "one best way" RTT execution within the plant
- Partner with the Pod RTT Lead to ensure alignment across the pod and national network
Program Evolution & Enterprise Alignment
- Lead ongoing refinement of RTT to improve effectiveness, simplicity, and scalability
- Share learnings and best practices across plants
- Support enterprise efforts to standardize RTT nationally
Compensation and Benefits:
- The expected compensation range for this position is between $73,400 - $122,850.
- Location, confirmed job-related skills, experience, and education will be considered in setting actual starting salary. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range during the hiring process.
- Bonus based on performance and eligibility target payout is 8% of annual salary paid out annually.
- Paid time off subject to eligibility, including paid parental leave, vacation, sick, and bereavement.
- In addition to salary, PepsiCo offers a comprehensive benefits package to support our employees and their families, subject to elections and eligibility: Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, Health, and Dependent Care Reimbursement Accounts, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Insurance (Accident, Group Legal, Life), Defined Contribution Retirement Plan.
Qualifications- 3+ years of experience in a manufacturing or production environment
- Strong understanding of safety, quality, and operational standards
- Ability to lead and influence without formal authority
- Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills
- Willingness to take accountability for shift or line performance
- Experience as a lead operator, team lead, or similar frontline leadership role
- Experience with daily management systems (DDS, tier meetings, etc.)
- Knowledge of continuous improvement, IWS, or Lean concepts
- Demonstrated coaching ability and skill in giving actionable feedback
Preferred
- Bachelor's degree in Industrial, Mechanical, Chemical, Electrical Engineering, or related field
- Experience in manufacturing, operations, process improvement, or operational excellence
- Strong understanding of production processes and performance metrics
- Experience in beverage, food, or CPG manufacturing
- Bottling, canning, or BIB line experience
- Technical or engineering background
- Indefinite right to work in the U.S. and a valid driver's license
Leadership & People Skills
- Strong leadership presence with the ability to drive change
- Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills
- Skilled in coaching, facilitation, and team-based decision making
- Ability to give and receive constructive feedback that leads to measurable improvement
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