Continuous Improvement Manager

Kerry; Calhoun (GA); On-site; USD 88,000 - 163,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

medical

dental

vision

paid time off

401(k) plan with employee and company

Employee Share Plan

Life

disability

accident insurance

tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Kerry in Calhoun, GA seeks a Performance & Accelerate Manager to lead continuous improvement, eliminate waste, and boost KPI performance across the plant. You will coach leaders and hourly employees, embedding Six Sigma and Lean methods into daily operations.

The role demands a strategic mindset, strong communication, and a proven track record in process improvement, with potential to grow into senior plant leadership.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in a process improvement role with proven leadership of events using standardized methodologies.
• Knowledge of process improvement methods; Six Sigma or Lean certification is a plus.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; team leadership experience.

Responsibilities

• Support development of process improvement methodologies for problem solving and efficiency.
• Drive implementation of toolkit using Six Sigma, 5S, PDCA, Lean methods.
• Lead, train, and coach employees to develop a continuous improvement culture.
• Facilitate events that improve KPI performance and employee skills.
• Develop Kerry Performance Systems adherence for manufacturing operations.
• Use tracking systems to plan, drive performance, and achieve quality/savings goals.
• Identify barriers and escalate to leadership as needed.

Skills

Process improvement

Leadership

Communication

Coaching

Education

BS/MS in Engineering, Business or Food Science

Tools

Six Sigma

Lean Manufacturing

5S

PDCA

Job description

The Performance & Accelerate Manager at Kerry will spearhead the transformation of the plant's culture by leading continuous improvement initiatives. This role is instrumental in fostering an environment focused on removing waste, enhancing efficiency, and driving KPI performance. The individual will work closely with both leadership and hourly employees to implement proven process improvement methodologies, such as Six Sigma and Lean Manufacturing. By coaching employees at all levels, this role aims to develop the necessary skills for sustained operational excellence. The goal is to integrate a continuous improvement mindset into the fabric of everyday operations, ensuring long-term, measurable success. This role requires someone with a robust background in process improvement, a strategic mindset, and excellent communication skills to influence change at every level of the organization

Key Responsibilities

• Support the development of process improvement methodologies for problem solving and efficiency building, standard work, training, and employee involvement.
• Drive the implementation of a process improvement toolkit utilizing methods such as Six Sigma, 5S, PDCA, lean manufacturing process such as value stream mapping, 5 Whys, Kaizen, etc.
• Lead, train, and coach employees at all levels on process improvement methodologies to develop an effective continuous improvement culture.
• Facilitate continuous improvement events resulting in employee skill and knowledge development and KPI performance improvements.
• Lead continued development of the Kerry Performance Systems for Manufacturing Operations adherence.
• Using tracking and reporting systems, prepares plans, drives performance, and assures timely completion and achievement of product/process quality and savings goals.
• Identifies barriers to success and solicits help from leadership when needed.

The above listed duties are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities or duties required. Other related duties are expected to be performed as assigned.

Qualifications

• BS/MS in Engineering, Business or Food Science
• 5+ Years in a process improvement role with prior experience and demonstrated proficiency leading events utilizing established process improvement methodologies.
• Knowledge of process improvement methodology required; Six Sigma or Lean Manufacturing certification a plus.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Demonstrated experience in team leadership and development and motivating, coaching & influencing others.
• Potential and desire to develop into a senior overall plant leadership role.
• HACCP/food safety, chemical, or pharmaceutical industry experience preferred.

The pay range for this position is $88,000 - 163,000 in Annual Salary. Kerry typically does not hire an individual at the top or near the top of the range, as we are a pay-for-performance company, and this range is set to continue to reward performance annually while in role. Compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. The specific compensation offered to a candidate within the above range may be influenced by a variety of factors including skills, qualifications, experience, and internal equity. In addition, this position is also eligible to earn a performance-based incentive compensation.

• medical
• dental
• vision
• paid time off
• a 401(k) plan with employee and company contribution opportunities
• Employee Share Plan
• Life
• disability
• accident insurance
• tuition reimbursement

This job posting is anticipated to expire on 8/15/26