CI Manager

Maker's Pride; Carol Stream (IL); On-site; USD 97,000 - 146,000; Full time

Job summary

Maker's Pride seeks a CI Manager to drive sustainable process improvements across Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost and Morale. The role partners with plant leadership, Regional CI, and CI Champions to deliver results and foster a hands-on Lean culture.

Responsibilities include leading Kaizen events, coaching facilitators, building action plans, and using SAP and HPS tools to improve throughput and cost savings while engaging employees across shifts.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree preferred or equivalent work experience.
• 2–3 years' experience in Continuous Improvement; 1–2 years in manufacturing preferred.
• Sponsorship for work authorization not available; able to work legally in the location.

Responsibilities

• Leads and coaches Kaizen events to drive sustainable improvements.
• Develops and executes improvement action plans across the plant.
• Applies theory of constraints analysis to improve throughput and tracks cost savings.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Continuous Improvement

Problem Solving

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

SAP

PowerPoint

MS Office

Job description

Job Summary

The CI Manager is responsible for driving sustainable Process Improvements in the facility by delivering breakthrough results in Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, and Morale. The CI Manager works closely with plant leadership, Regional CI, and department employees to achieve results. This position requires strong technical, Lean Manufacturing, and hands‑on leadership skills to drive cultural change in the plant.

Job Duties

Duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

Leads, facilitates, and coaches full week Kaizen events to drive sustainable improvements. Coach Point Kaizen facilitators through prework, the event, and sustainment. Works closely with Plant CI team and CI Champions to:

• Develop and execute improvement action plans
• Executes and improves Center lining, SMED, and other various heatmaps to drive improvement within the facility
• Build an employee engaged work environment
• Provide and teach CI tools to CI and Non-CI employees

Ability to perform theory of constraints analysis, identify the constraint, and implement practical and effective solutions to improving throughput. Establishes and drives productivity pipeline roadmaps across departments and facility. Tracks and analyzes the CI initiatives including driving the cost savings program for the site to meet annual cost savings target. Working knowledge of P&L/financial acumen to course correct CI plans based on weekly financial and P&L results as needed, identify cost savings, and to track effectiveness of lean activities. Understands and drives the use of SAP tools to understand the needs of the plant. Responsible for implementing and coaching HPS tools to improve all areas of plants. Build cultural Lean change throughout the plant. Leverage resources and share best practices across multiple plants when possible. Facilitate and coach RCA tools and methodology to drive waste out of the process. Work with customers, suppliers and all levels of management staff. Responsible for managing multiple projects concurrently. Ensure the facility implements and maintains Continuous Improvement initiatives.

Required Competencies & Knowledge

Knowledge and experience with SAP. The CI Manager should possess extensive technical skills and hands‑on experience in continuous improvement manufacturing activities. Bias for action, change agent, challenging the status quo to drive to operations excellence. Strong will to drive change and influence without authority. Excellent problem‑solving skills and the ability to work with autonomy. Must be accurate, detail‑oriented and maintain the utmost confidentiality.

Ability To

Ability to effectively present information to employees, top management, public groups and/or board of directors. Ability to define problems, collect and calculate data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram and/or schedule form. Ability to work well with others in stressful situations and meet deadlines as necessary. Ability to work in a fast‑paced environment, while at the same time making sound decisions. Must have a strong will to drive change and sustain.

Proficiency In

MS Office Suite, Excel, and PP.

Work Environment

Maintain harmonious working relations with employees from all departments. Maintain harmonious working relations with management from all levels. Communicate effectively with all employees and management.

Physical Requirements

Ability to use and reach throughout the day; hands, fingers, arms, stand, walk, climb and/or balance approximately. Ability to see, hear and talk. Ability to work in light to moderate noise levels. Ability to work across multiple shifts.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree preferred but work equivalent work experience will be accepted. 2 (two) - 3 (three) years' experience in the Continuous Improvement 1 (one) - 2 (two) years' in a manufacturing environment, preferred. Sponsorship for work authorization is not available for this position. It is the candidate's responsibility to ensure they are legally authorized to work in the location to which they apply.

Salary and Benefits

The pay range for this full-time, salaried position is $97,210 - $145,814/year. Individual base pay depends on work location and additional factors such as experience, job-related skills, and relevant education or training. The position is eligible for a discretionary annual incentive based on company and individual performance. We offer a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, 401k and wellness benefits beginning on the first day of employment. This information is provided per the relevant state and local pay transparency laws for the location in which this position will be performed. Base pay information is based on market location.

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