Job Location: Robinson, ILHow will you fit in the big picture? The Sr Mgr Operations Excellence will lead the continuous improvement vision and roadmap for the Robinson site, driving measurable progress in safety, quality, cost, customer service, and employee engagement. This role partners with plant leadership and teams across the operation to strengthen Hershey Lean, build capability, and embed scalable, sustainable ways of working. As a key change leader, you will connect site priorities to broader business goals, provide clear updates on progress and risk, and help shape a high-performing, zero-loss culture.
What will you do? • Lead the Robinson site Operations Excellence strategy and Integrated Continuous Improvement program using TPM, Lean Manufacturing, and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Partner with plant leadership to establish objectives, governance, performance standards, audits, and work plans aligned with site and company priorities.
• Drive improvement across safety, quality, service, cost, engagement, and operating performance through structured problem solving and a healthy improvement pipeline.
• Coach and develop leaders, Process Leads, line-centric teams, and employees across shifts to strengthen capability, ownership, and consistent use of CI tools.
• Guide line deployment, pillar development, Focus Teams, capability progression, and the sustainability of Hershey Lean across the site.
• Monitor performance and financial impact against multi-year glidepaths, identify major risks or roadblocks, and communicate clear updates to senior stakeholders.
• Coordinate with central teams and Operations Excellence leaders across the network to share knowledge and support consistent, scalable implementation.
Minimum Education & RequirementsExperience: 7+ years of relevant experience in an automated manufacturing environment, including demonstrated leadership of continuous improvement or operational excellence initiatives. Experience with TPM, Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, change management, capability building, and performance analytics is strongly preferred.
Education: Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related discipline strongly preferred. Six Sigma Green Belt certification or above preferred; MBA a plus.
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 that support your 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.
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