Continuous Improvement/T&Q Manager

Shearer's Foods; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Shearer’s Foods is seeking a Continuous Improvement/T&Q Manager at our Phoenix, AZ site to lead site-wide CI initiatives and drive Lean Six Sigma improvements. You will coach teams, develop master plans, monitor OEE/TEEP, and advance zero-loss goals across production lines.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years in manufacturing leadership, CI tooling experience (Kaizen, 5S, Six Sigma), and a four-year engineering/operations degree. A flexible schedule supports 24/7 operations.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of manufacturing plant leadership experience.
• Experience with CI tools such as Kaizen, 5S, Six Sigma.
• Training and qualifications initiatives to improve training/qualification programs.
• Four-year degree in engineering, operations management, or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Create the CI Master Plan: develop and implement CI work processes at a site-wide level.
• Lead Kaizen activities to eliminate losses and achieve productivity targets.
• Implement health checks for CI and T&Q and ensure processes deliver results.
• Manage data systems: oversee the automatic data collection system and train teams.
• Monitor metrics: analyze losses and improve OEE/TEEP and reliability.

Skills

Manufacturing leadership

Continuous Improvement

Kaizen

5S

Six Sigma

Change management

Leadership

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering/operations management

Job description

Overview

Shearer’s Foods, founded in 1974 and headquartered in Massillon, OH, is a leading manufacturer of salty snacks, cookies, and crackers. Specializing in private label and co-manufacturing, Shearer’s is the largest supplier of private brand salty snacks and second-largest supplier of private brand cookies and crackers.

With a strong focus on innovation, service, quality, and sustainability, Shearer’s has been awarded the food industry’s highest award for environmental sustainability, as well as multiple Supplier of the Year awards.

Operating 16 locations across North America and employing more than 5000 team members, Shearer’s is driven by its core values of People, Grow, Impact and Win. The company mission is to deliver exceptional products and services that make snacking a time to celebrate for our customers, colleagues, and community.

At Shearer’s Foods, we believe in a skills-first approach to recruitment and employment. This means focusing on what you can do and how you can grow, rather than traditional metrics alone. We are committed to adhering to anti-exclusion practices, removing barriers to access, and enhancing opportunities for all individuals based on merit and potential. Your skills, experience, and perspective are valuable—and we want to empower you to make your mark here with us.

Responsibilities

Continuous Improvement/T&Q Manager

• Creating the CI Master Plan: Develop and implement CI work processes at a site-wide level, including Kaizen, productivity cycles, RCA, and more.
• Leading Kaizen Activities: Use your Lean Six Sigma expertise to coach and facilitate activities that eliminate complex losses and achieve productivity targets.
• Implementing Health Checks for CI and T&Q: Ensure CI and T&Q work processes are delivering results consistently and effectively.
• Managing Data Systems: Oversee the automatic data collection system and train the team on its use and functionality.
• Performance Metrics: Analyze and reduce planned and unplanned losses, focusing on TEEP and OEE metrics.
• Driving Reliability Improvements for CI and T&Q: Own the Reliability Improvement Plan Work Processes, coaching others to analyze data and trends.
• Supporting Zero Loss Goals: Work with other function leaders to help them achieve their zero loss objectives.
• Facilitating Benchmarking: Lead internal and external benchmarking and replication activities.
• Partnering with Leadership: Collaborate with facility operations and corporate leaders to drive Lean/CI initiatives.
• Tracking Progress for CI and T&Q: Maintain and communicate metrics that record successes and track progress.
• Supporting Engineering Initiatives: Support capital improvement and other engineering projects related to continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of manufacturing plant leadership experience as a production manager, manager, or similar role in a consumer product manufacturing facility.
• Continuous Improvement some experience with CI tools like Kaizen, 5S, Six Sigma, and other engagement and process improvement techniques.
• Training and Qualifications some experience with change management initiatives to improve training and qualification programs.
• Education: A four-year degree in engineering, operations management, or equivalent experience
• Knowledge: Applicable academic and/or professional experience in food science, engineering, or general business.
• Analytical Skills: Great analytical abilities to understand complex manufacturing systems.
• Leadership: Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams through influence.
• Organizational Skills: Excellent organizational and communication skills.
• Flexibility: Ability and willingness to work a varied schedule to support a 24/7 operation.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.