Director of Continuous Improvement

Director of Continuous Improvement – Commercial Baking OperationsTotal Compensation: To $150K Base + Up to 15% BonusRobust relocation package | "Cadillac" benefits | Strong 401(k) match | Pension | Vehicle/Travel AllowanceWe are seeking a Director of Continuous Improvement to drive Lean-based operational excellence across a multi-site network. This is a high-impact leadership role responsible for embedding a culture of continuous improvement across safety, quality, productivity, and reliability. The ideal candidate is hands-on, collaborative, and energized by measurable results in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.The OpportunityReporting to executive leadership, this individual will design and deploy CI strategy across multiple food producing facilities, ensuring alignment with business objectives and customer expectations. You will work side-by-side with plant leadership teams to reduce waste, increase throughput, improve engagement, and elevate operational performance.Domestic travel (mid-west US) up to 70% is required to support facilities.Key ResponsibilitiesLean Strategy & DeploymentDesign and execute enterprise-wide CI strategies aligned with operational goalsLead implementation of Lean tools including Value Stream Mapping, Kaizen, 5S, SMED, Root Cause Analysis, and standardized workEstablish KPIs, benchmarks, and performance dashboards to sustain improvementsFacilitate structured improvement events with measurable outcomesOperational & Data-Driven ExcellenceConduct process capability studies and equipment utilization analysesLeverage analytics tools (Excel, Redzone, SAP) to enable real-time decision makingLead loss tree analysis, downtime reduction, and waste elimination initiativesEnsure CI efforts align with safety standards, GMPs, and food quality requirementsDigital & Workforce EngagementServe as company-wide leader for Redzone connected workforce platform deploymentCoach sites on Redzone utilization to drive engagement, visibility, and accountabilityMaintain and refine dashboards that highlight wins and flag opportunitiesLeadership & CultureMentor and coach CI leads, engineers, and plant leadership in Lean principlesInfluence cross-functional teams across Operations, Maintenance, Quality, HR, and SafetyPromote a shop-floor-focused culture centered on empowerment and ownershipModel servant leadership and reinforce a strong safety cultureQualifications7+ years of progressive manufacturing leadership focused on CI or operational excellenceProven success leading Lean initiatives in multi-site, high-speed food manufacturingExperience in commercial baking or FMCG environments strongly preferredDemonstrated ability to lead organizational change and deliver measurable business resultsLean certification and/or Six Sigma preferredStrong financial and operational acumen with data-driven decision-making expertiseProficiency in Microsoft Office, SAP, and statistical analysis toolsExceptional executive-level communication and presentation skillsAbility to influence without direct authorityThis role is ideal for a results-driven Lean leader who thrives in dynamic environments and enjoys building capability while delivering sustainable operational impact.