Location: Edgerton, KSHow Will You Fit in the Big Picture? The Manager, Continuous Improvement will help create a zero-loss culture across assigned manufacturing operations by developing and implementing process improvements, strengthening operator capability, and improving the consistency and quality of service and execution. This role manages teams within a defined discipline and translates business priorities into tactical and operational plans that address cross-team issues, reduce rework, and improve performance.
As a leader in Hershey Lean, this manager will guide process mapping, workflow redesign, daily management systems, and data-driven problem solving. The role will support the implementation of Redzone and related standards, maintain visibility to line-loss data, and lead continuous improvement projects from ideation through execution. Success requires practical judgment, strong stakeholder partnership, and the ability to solve difficult or undefined problems through data analysis and corrective action
What Will You Do? - Lead teams responsible for day-to-day process execution, service delivery, and continuous improvement within an assigned manufacturing area.
- Set clear goals, roles, decision rights, performance expectations, and accountability for team members.
- Review performance against established metrics and standards, identify gaps, and implement corrective actions that improve service quality and operational consistency.
- Drive daily problem solving and data-driven planning for targeted manufacturing operations, using line-loss data to prioritize the most significant opportunities.
- Coach plant leadership and front-line teams on daily management systems and execution standards using Redzone, S/4, Hershey Lean, and associated tools and practices.
- Develop and implement improvements from loss diagnostics and ideation through process changes and capital projects.
- Coordinate process mapping and workflow redesign across teams, ensuring solutions are practical and aligned with customer and stakeholder needs.
- Support financial valuation for the continuous improvement pipeline, capital projects, new item costing, and related initiatives.
- Partner with stakeholders to clarify service delivery requirements, manage expectations, resolve cross-team issues, and sustain improvements.
- Establish training programs for front-line operators on Hershey Lean standards and build team capability through coaching, feedback, and development.
- Promote alignment across sites by sharing standards, practices, and continuous improvement learnings.
Minimum Requirements Experience: - 5+ years of relevant experience.
- Experience working in an automated manufacturing environment preferred.
- Demonstrated experience leading teams and driving process, system, or operational improvements.
- Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Lean Six Sigma tools, and Total Productive Maintenance preferred.
- Experience developing and facilitating training programs preferred.
- Experience collecting, analyzing, and translating data into practical action plans.
- Demonstrated change management, problem-solving, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
- Ability to work independently, take ownership, and address complex or undefined operational problems.
- Experience with Redzone, OSI PI, Power Apps, Power BI, Microsoft 365, or similar digital manufacturing and analytics tools preferred.
- Ability to travel up to 25%.
Education: - Bachelor's degree required.
Benefits and Perks At Hershey, we offer competitive pay and a comprehensive total rewards package designed to support your wellbeing, financial security, and life outside of work.
- Health & Wellbeing: Medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus wellness programs supporting physical and mental health.
- Financial Security: Competitive pay, annual incentive opportunities, and a 401(k) with company match.
- Time Off & Flexibility: Paid time off, company holidays, and flexible ways of working where applicable.
- Growth & Development: Career development programs, learning opportunities, and internal mobility.
Benefits may vary based on role, location, and eligibility.
The anticipated base salary range for this role is $111,040 to $138,800 per year. The actual base salary offered will depend on a variety of job-related factors, including, but not limited to, experience, skill set, education, and training. In addition to a market-competitive base salary, our Total Rewards package includes performance-based incentives and a comprehensive, competitive benefits package designed to support overall physical, mental, and financial well-being (as applicable). Learn more about Hershey's benefits and all the resources Hershey provides to support our employees' physical, emotional, and financial well-being by visiting the Hershey Digital Employee Experience at www.askHRbenefits.hersheys.com
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