Job Location: Robinson, ILHow will you fit in the big picture?The Sr Mgr Operations Excellence will lead the Robinson site Operations Excellence strategy and Integrated Continuous Improvement program for a 1,000-person manufacturing facility using TPM, Lean Manufacturing, and Six Sigma methodologies. This role partners with plant leadership to establish objectives, governance, performance standards, audits, and work plans aligned with site and company priorities. As a key change leader, you will drive improvement across safety, quality, service, cost, engagement, and operating performance through structured problem solving and a healthy improvement pipeline. This role leads 7 direct reports and 12 indirect reports, with the Process Leads, Labor & Scheduling, Learning and Development Pillar, and Training teams reporting into the role.
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.
- Lead and develop an organization of 7 direct reports and 12 indirect reports across Process Leads, Labor & Scheduling, the Learning and Development Pillar, and Training.
- 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.
- Lead deployment of Connected Worker solutions, including Augmentir, and advance Electronic Value Stream Mapping to strengthen digital work processes and frontline adoption.
- Proactively analyze operating trends using Excel, SAP S/4, and Power BI, translate insights into clear actions, and communicate measurable results to 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, including manufacturing experience and demonstrated leadership of continuous improvement or operational excellence initiatives.
- Proven results building Lean adoption and implementing digital work processes are required. Experience in high-speed consumer packaged goods manufacturing is highly preferred.
- Advanced Excel skills and strong SAP S/4 and Power BI capabilities are required;
- Experience with Augmentir Connected Worker, Electronic Value Stream Mapping, TPM, Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, change management, and performance analytics is preferred. Must be able to clearly articulate insights, actions, and measurable results.
Education: - Bachelor's degree in engineering or a related discipline strongly preferred, MBA a plus.
- Six Sigma Green Belt certification or above preferred.
Benefits and PerksAt 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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The anticipated base salary range for this role is $141,520 to $176,900 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
