Industrial Performance Lead (Lean & TPM)

Russell Stover Chocolates, LLC

Abilene (KS)

On-site

USD 85,000 - 110,000

Full time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

GMP training on day one

Climate-controlled environment

Protective gear provided

Job summary

Russell Stover Chocolates, LLC is seeking an Industrial Performance Specialist for our Abilene, KS plant. You will drive continuous improvement across manufacturing, leading TPM initiatives and coaching teams to implement standardized processes and data-driven improvements.

Join a legacy confectionery leader and partner with Engineering, Production, HR, EH&S, Finance, and Supply Chain to elevate plant performance, quality, and efficiency through structured problem solving and KPI-driven

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Industrial Management, Operations Management, Supply Chain, or equivalent work experience.
Minimum of 3+ years of experience in manufacturing, industrial performance, continuous improvement, or operational excellence roles.
Experience working within Lean Manufacturing, TPM, or Operational Excellence systems.
Practical SAP or ERP system experience within a manufacturing environment.
Knowledge of financial analysis and manufacturing performance metrics.
Advanced computer literacy including Microsoft Office, Excel, and integrated business systems.
Strong analytical skills with the ability to convert data into actionable improvement plans.
Ability to share expertise and best practices across the organization by coaching, mentoring, and training team members.
Excellent communication skills and the ability to speak, read, and write English fluently, with or without an accommodation.

Responsibilities

Drive TPM and Lean manufacturing practices, including 5S, visual management, shopfloor performance routines, loss elimination, and standardized work.
Analyze manufacturing performance data to identify operational losses, prioritize improvement opportunities, and deliver measurable business results. Lead and support continuous improvement initiatives focused on productivity, OEE, waste reduction, labor efficiency, quality, throughput, and equipment performance.
Coordinate and sustain Performance Control Systems (PCS), Obeya, and daily management processes, including KPI tracking, performance boards, tiered meetings, and action follow-up.
Facilitate structured problem-solving activities and cross-functional improvement workshops to address downtime, process variability, and operational challenges.
Lead SMED and changeover reduction initiatives by analyzing setup losses, implementing best practices, and improving line flexibility and efficiency.
Utilize SAP and other manufacturing systems to extract, validate, report, and translate operational data into actionable insights for plant leadership.
Partner closely with Production, Maintenance, Engineering, Quality, Planning, and Supply Chain teams to improve equipment effectiveness, process stability, and operational performance.
Act as a change agent by coaching teams on KPIs, operational standards, continuous improvement methodologies, and performance-driven behaviors.
Support the deployment and sustainability of the plant’s Industrial Performance strategy while fostering accountability, collaboration, and a culture of operational excellence.