• Pay Range: 120,000.00- 125,000.00
  *Internal Employee Referral Bonus Availab

Please note that employees in this role will work in a temperature-controlled environment with exposure to cold conditions for extended periods of time.

Job Summary

Overview

Fresh & Ready Foods is seeking a dynamic and results-driven Continuous Improvement Manager to lead efficiency transformation initiatives across all North region manufacturing locations. This role is critical to identifying and eliminating waste, improving operational performance, and embedding a culture of continuous improvement throughout food manufacturing and business operations.

Reporting to the Director of Continuous Improvement, you will be a hands-on leader who drives strategic change, mentors teams, and delivers measurable impact.

Key Responsibilities

Lean Strategy and Execution

• Develop and implement Lean transformation plans, including value stream mapping for food manufacturing processes.
• Lead Gemba walks and enhance visual management in both production and office environments.
• Drive leadership accountability for eliminating flow inhibitors and implementing continuous improvement initiatives.
• Coordinate Kaizen events and Lean Manufacturing projects across multiple sites.

Coaching and Culture Building

• Mentor site leadership to foster a culture of continuous improvement within food manufacturing operations.
• Provide Lean training and coaching to employees at all levels.
• Promote open communication and employee involvement in Lean efforts.

Operational Excellence

• Support standard work, 5S, and continuous flow in food production and office functions.
• Integrate Lean thinking into enterprise-level value stream management.
• Partner with Site Operations Leadership to develop annual strategic plans.
• Collaborate with new product development teams to ensure design for manufacturability and operational scalability.

Performance and Reporting

• Track and report Lean metrics and verified savings across Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, and Cash.
• Stay current with Lean methodologies and technologies through ongoing education and benchmarking.
• Serve as a resource for implementation challenges and drive progress on Lean plans.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
• 8+ years of experience in food manufacturing with a strong background in Continuous Improvement and Lean methodologies.
• Proven track record of leading successful Continuous Improvement initiatives in a food production environment.

Location Requirement

Must be located near one of the following facilities:

• Charlotte, NC
• Renton, WA
• Oak Creek, WI
• Middletown, PA

Desirable Characteristics

• Positive energy and a proactive change agent.
• Hands-on, results-driven, and forward-thinking.
• Confident, autonomous, and capable of working independently.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Frequent standing, walking, sitting, reaching, and communication.
• Occasional exposure to mechanical parts, cold environments, and loud noise levels.
• Reasonable accommodations are available for individuals with disabilities.

Travel

• Willingness to travel to facilities, customer sites, and supplier locations.
• Travel expectations up to 75 percent, depending on project activity.

Associates at Fresh & Ready Food Group are offered many fantastic benefits.

Full-time and part-time positions offer the following benefits to associates: Retirement Plan, Associate Shopping Program, Health and Wellness Programs, Discount Marketplace, Identity Theft Protection, Pet Insurance, Voluntary Benefits, including Critical Illness Insurance, Accident Insurance, Hospital Indemnity Insurance, Legal Services, and Choice Auto and Home Program

Full-time positions also offer the following benefits to associates: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance/AD, Disability Insurance, Commuter Benefits, Employee Assistance Program, Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. For positions in Washington State, Maryland, or to be performed Remotely, click here or copy/paste the link below for paid time off benefits information.

https://www.compass-usa.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2023_WageTransparency_FreshIdeas.pdf