Focus Improvement Lead

ITG Brands; Cayey (PR); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) match

Paid holidays

Vacation days

Health insurance

Education assistance

Stock savings plan

Wellness programs

Job summary

ITG Brands in Cayey, Puerto Rico, seeks a Focus Improvement Lead to drive continuous improvement across manufacturing operations, improving productivity, quality, safety, and cost efficiency.

You will own and advance the Daily Management System, lead RCA with tools like A3, 5-Why, and Fishbone, and mentor operators and team leaders in disciplined execution. This role requires ISO, OSHA, and GMP compliance and collaboration with Operations, Quality, EHS, Maintenance, and Engineering.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field.
• 3–5+ years in manufacturing or CI roles.
• Experience in regulated environments (tobacco, pharma, medical device, or consumer goods).
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and sustain performance improvements.
• Knowledge of ISO standards, OSHA regulations, and GMP.

Responsibilities

• Lead loss elimination and waste reduction initiatives, including NTM and powder waste reduction.
• Own and execute the Daily Management System (DMS), including DDS meetings, KPIs, visual management, and action tracking.
• Drive change management across processes, systems, equipment, and people.
• Optimize line crewing and labor utilization while maintaining safety and quality standards.
• Lead continuous improvement and focused improvement initiatives from ideation through sustainability.
• Facilitate Root Cause Analysis using structured problem-solving tools (A3, 5-Why, Fishbone).
• Champion and sustain 5S standards through audits, discipline, and corrective actions; ensure ISO, OSHA, GMP compliance.
• Partner with Operations, Quality, EHS, Maintenance, and Engineering to achieve site objectives.
• Support audit readiness, regulatory inspections, and internal/external reviews.
• Coach and develop operators and team leaders in IOS behaviors and CI tools.

Skills

Continuous improvement

Project management

Analytical skills

Cross-functional teamwork

Root cause analysis

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

Tools

A3

5-Why

Fishbone

Job description

ITG Brands is the third-largest tobacco company in the U.S., backed by the global strength of Imperial Brands PLC. We’re a forward-thinking organization built on operational integrity, innovation, and a challenger mindset.

At ITG, we put people—both consumers and employees—at the center of everything we do. We foster an inclusive, collaborative environment where creativity and bold thinking are encouraged—and where individuals feel empowered to bring their best ideas forward.

We move quickly, think differently, and aren’t afraid to challenge the status quo. It’s how we grow, how we win, and how we build a culture where everyone can thrive.

What You’ll Do

The Role

The Focus Improvement Lead is responsible for driving continuous improvement initiatives across manufacturing operations to enhance productivity, quality, safety, and cost efficiency. This role leads loss elimination efforts, supports operational excellence systems, and partners cross-functionally to deliver sustainable performance improvements aligned with business objectives while ensuring compliance with ISO standards, OSHA regulations, and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).

What You’ll Lead

• Lead loss elimination and waste reduction initiatives, including NTM and powder waste reduction
• Own and execute the Daily Management System (DMS), including DDS meetings, KPIs, visual management, and action tracking
• Drive change management across processes, systems, equipment, and people
• Optimize line crewing and labor utilization while maintaining safety and quality standards
• Lead continuous improvement and focused improvement initiatives from ideation through sustainability
• Facilitate Root Cause Analysis (RCA) using structured problem-solving tools such as A3, 5-Why, and Fishbone
• Champion and sustain 5S standards through audits, discipline, and corrective actionsEnsure compliance with ISO, OSHA, and GMP standards across all improvement activities
• Partner closely with Operations, Quality, EHS, Maintenance, and Engineering to achieve site objectives
• Support audit readiness, regulatory inspections, and internal/external compliance reviews
• Coach and develop operators and team leaders in IOS behaviors, CI tools, and disciplined execution

What You Bring

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, or related field preferred

3–5+ years of experience in manufacturing, continuous improvement, or operational excellence roles

Experience working in regulated environments (tobacco, pharmaceutical, medical device, or consumer goods)

Working knowledge of ISO standards, OSHA regulations, and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)

Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and sustain performance improvements

Strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills

Bilingual in Spanish and English

Preferred

• Experience with IOS or similar operating systems
• Strong facilitation and change leadership capabilities

What We Offer

Dollar-for-dollar 401(k) match up to 3%

Company-paid holidays and 15 days of vacation

Comprehensive health, life, and vision insurance

Employee recognition programs and educational assistance

Stock savings plan and weekly payroll

Occupational clinic, wellness programs, and health initiatives

Additional Information

This role is based in Cayey, Puerto Rico and operates in a manufacturing environment. Responsibilities may evolve based on business needs.

Everyone Belongs at ITG Brands

We are an equal opportunity employer committed to building an inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

All applicants must consent to background checks, employment verification, and drug screening as part of the hiring process.