Continuous Improvement Manager

Judge Direct Placement; Modesto (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Judge Direct Placement is seeking a Continuous Improvement Manager in Modesto, CA to lead site-wide CI initiatives and advance Lean programs that improve safety, quality, and productivity.

You will coach teams in data analysis, lead TPM, Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma efforts, and collaborate across Operations, Maintenance, Quality, and Supply Chain to drive measurable KPI improvements and digital tool adoption.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• 7+ years in manufacturing operations (food, beverage, or CPG).
• 7+ years leading TPM, Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or similar continuous improvement programs.
• Leadership experience managing teams, projects, or operational functions; formal people management experience preferred.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing equipment, production systems, and operational processes.
• Demonstrated success driving process optimization, productivity improvements, cost reduction initiatives, and operational excellence programs.
• Proven ability to influence stakeholders, facilitate change, and develop high-performing teams.

Responsibilities

• Coach and mentor CI pillars and partner with site leadership.
• Lead Focused Improvement (FI), Continuous Skills Development (CSD), and Autonomous Manufacturing Development (AMD).
• Partner cross-functionally with Operations, Maintenance, Quality, and Supply Chain to identify and implement improvement opportunities across the plant.
• Coach and develop teams in data analysis, project prioritization, root cause problem solving, and sustainable corrective actions.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives and projects that deliver measurable results against key business and operational KPIs.
• Promote and reinforce Lean methodologies through ongoing coaching, auditing, and engagement across all functional areas.
• Champion digital transformation initiatives by driving the adoption and optimization of technology and digital tools.
• Collaborate with plant and enterprise Continuous Improvement leaders to standardize best practices, share learnings, and accelerate performance improvements.

Skills

Leadership

Data analysis

Project management

Change management

Stakeholder influence

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Judge Direct Placement is seeking a Continuous Improvement Manager in Modesto, CA area!

Responsibilities

• Serve as a coach, mentor, and subject matter expert for all Continuous Improvement pillars, partnering closely with site leadership teams.
• Lead and own key CI pillars, including Focused Improvement (FI), Continuous Skills Development (CSD), and Autonomous Manufacturing Development (AMD).
• Partner cross-functionally with Operations, Maintenance, Quality, Supply Chain, and other teams to identify and implement improvement opportunities across the plant.
• Coach and develop teams in data analysis, project prioritization, root cause problem solving, and sustainable corrective actions.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives and projects that deliver measurable results against key business and operational KPIs.
• Promote and reinforce Lean methodologies through ongoing coaching, auditing, and engagement across all functional areas.
• Champion digital transformation initiatives by driving the adoption and optimization of technology and digital tools.
• Collaborate with plant and enterprise Continuous Improvement leaders to standardize best practices, share learnings, and accelerate performance improvements.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree required
• 7+ years of manufacturing operations experience within the food, beverage, or consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience leading TPM, Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or similar continuous improvement programs.
• Leadership experience managing teams, projects, or operational functions; formal people management experience preferred.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing equipment, production systems, and operational processes.
• Demonstrated success driving process optimization, productivity improvements, cost reduction initiatives, and operational excellence programs.
• Proven ability to influence stakeholders, facilitate change, and develop high-performing teams.