Continuous Improvement Manager

About the RoleThe Continuous Improvement Manager will be responsible for driving process optimization, operational excellence, and product innovation across food manufacturing operations. This role partners closely with Manufacturing, Quality, and R&D teams to define production standards, improve efficiency, and support new product development.Key ActivitiesDevelop and implement standardized manufacturing practices to ensure consistency, efficiency, and quality across operations.Establish, track, and analyze KPIs to monitor performance and identify improvement opportunities across production and support functions.Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions to resolve process deviations and maintain continuous compliance with food safety standardsManage improvement and innovation projects that enhance product quality, cost efficiency, and overall operational performance.Collaborate with scientists and R&D to develop and scale new food products from concept to commercialization.Engage with customers to understand product requirements, process expectations, and opportunities for continuous improvement.Oversee a team of 20–30 employees, fostering a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.Partner with Manufacturing and Quality Managers to drive alignment between production objectives and business goals.Lead cross-functional collaboration with R&D, QA, and Supply Chain to ensure seamless execution of new initiatives and operational improvements.Ensure adherence to regulatory and internal quality systems (e.g., HACCP, SQF, GMP).Use data-driven analysis to identify efficiency gaps, track key performance trends, and implement sustainable improvement plans.Promote Lean, Six Sigma, and other continuous improvement methodologies to strengthen manufacturing performance.Preferred SkillsProven ability to develop and implement KPIs, lead improvement projects, and drive measurable operational results.Excellent leadership, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills.Experience partnering with R&D and customers on new product development and process optimization.Education and Experience5–7+ years of experience in food manufacturing, process improvement, or operations management. Demonstrated success leading teams and implementing continuous improvement strategies within a regulated food production environment.Strong understanding of food manufacturing processes, quality systems, and food safety standards (HACCP, SQF, GMP, GFSI, etc.)