Continuous Improvement Manager

C.H. Guenther & Son, Inc.

Elk Grove (CA)

On-site

USD 89,026 - 163,399

Full time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

Health and disability insurance

Retirement savings options

Flexible spending accounts

Employee assistance programs

Educational assistance

Parental leave

Paid time off

Company‑paid holidays

Job summary

C.H. Guenther & Son, Inc. is seeking a results-driven CI/Process Improvement professional to enhance manufacturing sites by implementing Lean/TPM practices, developing standard work, and advancing process standards.

You will drive GPS playbooks, document critical processes, and lead Kaizen events to reduce waste and improve efficiency. Responsibilities include leading automation projects, collaborating with R&D on product changes, and ensuring training materials reflect current SOPs.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree required in a technical or related field, or equivalent work experience.
At least 2 years of experience in food manufacturing or high-speed manufacturing.

Responsibilities

Develop and maintain updated process flow of the plants’ operational critical processes.
Support the roll out of the Guenther Productivity System (GPS) and lead execution of GPS playbooks for the pillars.
Work with supervisors, managers, and operators to document work processes for machine operators, maintenance, safety, and quality.
Develop and maintain standard work to ensure consistency across shifts, including training and process documents.
Design and develop future production capacities with R&D on product changes and SOP updates.
Lead MUV and Kaizen events to reduce waste, improve line efficiency and site sustainability.
Lead Operational Excellence Improvement teams through digital technology; act as plant champion for CI events.
Champion site productivity roadmap projects to reduce COGS and drive growth.
Lead automation projects to reduce cost to serve; manage startup for new equipment/lines.
Maintain flexibility for non-standard hours including evenings, weekends, holidays.

Skills

Continuous improvement

Communication

Project management

Self-motivation

Hands-on work

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Process, Electrical, Mechanical, Computer, Mechatronics, Industrial Engineering or Food Science

Tools

SAP/ERP

Redzone

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Overview

Enhance Manufacturing Sites through implementation of process improvements including technical and work process advancements following Lean/TPM principles and utilization of appropriate continuous improvement tools. This includes development and documentation of technical and operational processes. Design, creating and implementation of centerlines, process improvements, process standards, standard work that deliver reduction in process variation, safety/quality/cost/delivery improvements and overall manufacturing enhancements. This role will be part of the global continuous improvement organization and indirectly report to the Global Continuous Improvement Director.

Responsibilities

Develop and maintain updated process flow of the plants’ operational critical processes.
Support the roll out of the Guenther Productivity System (GPS) and lead execution of GPS playbooks for the pillars.
Work with supervisors, managers, and operators to identify and document work processes for machine operators, maintenance, safety, and quality.
Develop and maintain standard work to ensure consistency across shifts, including detailed training and process documents for use in training and production operations.
Design and develop future production capacities by participating in design meetings, coordinating with R & D on product changes and improvements, and updating SOPs to incorporate the changes.
Lead MUV and process improvement Kaizen events to eliminate food and process waste, increase line efficiencies, and improve site sustainability.
Lead the Operational Excellence Improvement teams through digital technology and serve as plant champion for all continuous improvement events.
Champion site productivity roadmap projects and fuel growth to reduce cost of goods sold (COGS).
Lead automation projects to reduce overall cost to serve.
Lead vertical startup for new manufacturing equipment/line installations.
Maintain flexibility to work non‑standard hours including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Minimum Job Requirements

Education/Certifications and Experience:

Bachelor’s Degree in Process, Electrical, Mechanical, Computer, Mechatronics, Industrial Engineering or Food Science preferred or equivalent work experience.
At least 2 years of experience in food manufacturing or high‑speed manufacturing.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Continuous improvement tools and process statistical process analysis.
Equipment design, mechanical, electrical, and process development.
PLC controls experience is an asset.
Proficient use of Computer, Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote), SAP/ERP, Redzone and other related applications or software.
Excellent communication and coaching skills.
Detail oriented and organized.
Project Management skills.
Self‑motivated and able to work under time constraints and deadlines.
Hands‑on work ethic.

Supervisory Responsibilities

N/A

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

Typical work in an office and manufacturing facility environment. Work involves daily and frequent exposure to unusual elements, such as dirt, dust, fumes, odors, darkness and/or poor lighting, noise, and vibration. Seasonal exposure to weather elements to include, but not limited to, extreme temperatures, wetness, and humidity. Work environment involves daily exposure to physical risks and hazards, such as working around mechanical equipment, mechanical hazards, forklifts, chemical hazards, electrical hazards, fire and explosives hazards, communicable diseases. Position requires the ability to stand; walking around office, warehouse, and plant; lifting and carrying packages up to 50 pounds; utilizing fine dexterity; and reaching, kneeling, crawling, and twisting on a daily basis.

Expectations

Will demonstrate, promote, and exemplify the Company’s Core Values. The role will execute the top global CI priorities and strategy from CHG SC and execute plant priorities and strategies to deliver site Gross Productivity, Asset/ Process Improvement and Critical to Quality CI. Collaboration Goals and Expectations will be set annually by the Site Operations Director and Global CID.

Salary Range

$89,026.00 - $163,399.00 (Actual compensation may vary based on job‑related knowledge, skills, and experience, as well as geographic location.)

Benefits