Continuous Improvement Manager

Sazerac Company; Kentucky; On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision benefits

401K plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Sazerac Company, located in Kentucky, is seeking a Continuous Improvement Manager to lead operational excellence initiatives. You will focus on improving safety, quality, productivity, and overall business performance in a manufacturing environment.

The role requires leadership in developing processes, training staff on Lean principles, and facilitating improvement events across functions. Strong analytical and project management skills are essential. Join us for competitive benefits and a commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience leading continuous improvement in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience building performance management structures and driving measurable operational improvements.
• Strong ability to influence change and manage ambiguity.

Responsibilities

• Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on operational efficiency.
• Analyze processes to identify and eliminate waste.
• Develop and implement standardized processes and KPI reporting tools.

Skills

Analytical skills

Project management

Communication

Leadership

Education

Associate's degree in Engineering or related field

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field

Tools

Lean Manufacturing

Six Sigma

Job description

Sazerac Company Overview

Build your career at Sazerac! With almost 400 years of rich history, Sazerac Company has thrived as an independent, American family-owned company with operations in the United States and around the world. Since the 2000s, Sazerac has averaged double digit growth every year! Sazerac Company produces and markets the most award-winning bourbons and whiskeys in the world, including Buffalo Trace, Pappy Van Winkle, Eagle Rare, Blanton’s, Traveller, and Sazerac Rye. Additionally, Sazerac owns many popular brands across a range of spirits, including Fireball, Svedka, Wheatley, BuzzBallz, Southern Comfort, Seagram’s V.O., Myers’s, Goldschläger, Parrot Bay, 99 Brand, and Platinum Vodka.

We’re proud of our award-winning culture and distilleries. Our Louisville office has been named one of the “Best Places to Work in Kentucky” four times, and our Buffalo Trace Distillery has earned the title of “world’s most award-winning distillery” through the dedication of our craftsmen for well over 200 years. Whether you’re a recent graduate or an experienced professional, Sazerac provides extraordinary opportunities for growth with competitive salaries and benefits in an exciting, entrepreneurial industry.

Job Description/Responsibilities

The Continuous Improvement Manager is responsible for leading operational excellence initiatives that improve safety, quality, productivity, efficiency, and overall business performance. This role is ideal for a self-starter who thrives in environments where processes are still being developed and refined and enjoys creating structure from ambiguity. The Continuous Improvement Manager will partner closely with cross-functional teams to identify opportunities, implement sustainable solutions, and build a culture focused on accountability, problem-solving, and continuous improvement.

What You'll Do

• Lead and facilitate continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, productivity, waste reduction, and operational efficiency across the facility.
• Analyze manufacturing processes and performance metrics to identify improvement opportunities, eliminate waste, and address root causes of operational challenges.
• Develop and implement standardized processes, workflows, visual management systems, SOPs, and KPI reporting tools to improve performance and accountability.
• Facilitate Kaizen events, problem-solving workshops, and cross-functional improvement projects involving production, maintenance, quality, and supply chain teams.
• Train, coach, and influence leaders and employees on Lean principles, continuous improvement methodologies, and operational excellence practices.

Qualifications/Requirements

Required

• Associate's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, Business, or a related field; equivalent experience may be considered.
• 5+ years of experience leading continuous improvement, operational excellence, manufacturing engineering, production leadership, or related operational initiatives in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience building processes, systems, and performance management structures from the ground up while driving measurable operational improvements.
• Strong analytical, project management, communication, and leadership skills with the ability to influence change, manage ambiguity, and drive accountability across all levels of the organization.

Preferred

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, Business, or a related field; equivalent experience may be considered.
• Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Kaizen, or Continuous Improvement certification.
• Experience in wood products, cooperage, packaging, industrial manufacturing, or related production environments.
• Knowledge of operational excellence systems, change management principles, KPI dashboard implementation, and ERP, CMMS, or manufacturing data systems.

Culture and Benefits

Sazerac Company offers a comprehensive compensation and benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, 401K, paid time off, and more. These benefits may vary depending on location and work type. Learn more about how we support our employees here.

Sazerac is committed to equality of opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, veteran status, age, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, physical or mental disability or any other legally protected status.

What's Next:

After you apply, a recruiter will review your application and reach out to qualified candidates. Selected candidates will follow our interview process, which may include a phone screen, hiring manager interview, and panel interviews with business leaders. There may beadditional steps or assessments throughout the process dependent onthe position. Applicants who are not selected to move through the process, at any stage, will be notified via email.

Needassistancethroughout your application or interview process? [e-mail].

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