Manager, Continuous Improvement

Monogram Foods; Chandler (MN); On-site; USD 115,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Monogram Foods in Chandler, MN is seeking a Continuous Improvement Manager to drive Lean, Six Sigma and CI initiatives in a manufacturing setting. This hands-on role leads site-level projects to improve safety, quality, delivery, cost and engagement, partnering with Operations and cross-functional teams to standardize processes and sustain gains.

The ideal candidate has a Bachelor’s degree and at least five years of CI or process-improvement experience, with Lean Six Sigma Green Belt

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, Business, or a related field.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in continuous improvement, operations, or process improvement roles.
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or equivalent certification.
• Manufacturing experience, food manufacturing preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead and execute continuous improvement initiatives aligned with operational priorities and business goals.
• Apply Lean, Six Sigma, and CI methodologies (e.g., DMAIC, A3, 8D, 5S, Standard Work) to solve problems and improve performance.
• Facilitate kaizen events, rapid improvement workshops, and structured problem-solving activities.
• Translate Annual Operating Plan (AOP) objectives into actionable CI projects and maintain a structured CI project pipeline.
• Analyze operational data related to safety, quality, scrap, waste, downtime, OEE losses, and rework to identify improvement opportunities.
• Track, validate, and document CI results including productivity improvements, cost savings, and cost avoidance.
• Partner with Finance to ensure savings methodologies are credible and appropriately reflected in financial results.
• Develop, maintain, and communicate CI dashboards, KPI trackers, and standardized reporting tools.
• Deliver CI training and coaching to operators, supervisors, and managers to build capability and reinforce CI behaviors.

Job description

Job DetailsLevel: ManagementJob Location: Chandler MN - Chandler, MN 56122Position Type: Full TimeSalary Range: $115,000.00 - $120,000.00 Salary/yearManager, Continuous Improvement

About Monogram Foods A leading food manufacturer, Monogram Foods specializes in delivering your favorite foods and snacks with unparalleled quality and flavor. We specialize in co-manufacturing, private label, and food service solutions, offering a diverse range of products including appetizers, meat snacks, sandwiches, bacon, corn dogs, and baked goods. Established in 2004 and headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee, Monogram Foods has earned recognition as one of the fastest-growing private companies in the nation. With over 4,000 team members across 12 locations in seven states, our unwavering commitment to excellence and passion for quality drives everything we do. Our dedication extends beyond our products to giving back to local communities. Through the Monogram Foods Loves Kids Foundation, we strive to "make it better" for children and families, embodying our core values and creating lasting, meaningful change.

Our Culture Is Our Secret Ingredient At Monogram Foods, we're more than a food company-we're a passionate team dedicated to creating America's most beloved foods and making an impact in the communities where we operate. We value the dedication of our team members and are committed to fostering a fun, supportive work environment. We prioritize recognition, well-being, and a strong sense of belonging because we know that when our team is at its best, we can deliver our best to customers. Here you will enjoy competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and ample opportunities for growth and advancement. Plus, our inclusive culture-grounded in our company values-celebrates diversity and respects the unique perspectives of our team members. So, if you're hungry for a rewarding career, join our team and let's cook up something extraordinary together.

TOTAL REWARDS - www.MonogramTotalRewards.com

Company Paid Benefits

Employee Paid Benefits

Compensation Package

Team Member Well-Being

Rewards and Recognition

Position Overview: The Continuous Improvement Manager is responsible for driving measurable operational improvement by applying Lean, Six Sigma, and Continuous Improvement (CI) methodologies within a manufacturing environment. This role leads site-level improvement initiatives that enhance safety, quality, delivery, cost, and employee engagement while supporting Monogram Foods’ strategic business objectives. The Continuous Improvement Manager partners closely with operations and cross-functional teams to identify improvement opportunities, reduce variation and waste, standardize processes, and ensure improvements are sustained over time. This role is hands-on, execution-focused, and critical to embedding continuous improvement thinking into daily operations in a manner consistent with Monogram Foods’ people-focused culture.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead and execute continuous improvement initiatives aligned with operational priorities and business goals
• Apply Lean, Six Sigma, and CI methodologies (e.g., DMAIC, A3, 8D, 5S, Standard Work) to solve problems and improve performance
• Facilitate kaizen events, rapid improvement workshops, and structured problem-solving activities
• Translate Annual Operating Plan (AOP) objectives into actionable CI projects and maintain a structured CI project pipeline
• Analyze operational data related to safety, quality, scrap, waste, downtime, OEE losses, and rework to identify improvement opportunities
• Track, validate, and document CI results including productivity improvements, cost savings, and cost avoidance
• Partner with Finance to ensure savings methodologies are credible and appropriately reflected in financial results
• Develop, maintain, and communicate CI dashboards, KPI trackers, and standardized reporting tools
• Deliver CI training and coaching to operators, supervisors, and managers to build capability and reinforce CI behaviors
• Support standardization efforts including T&Ds SOP development, standard work creation, centerline definition, and visual management
• Partner with Operations, Maintenance, Quality, Engineering, and other functions to reduce variation, stabilize processes, and eliminate chronic losses
• Develop sustainment plans, conduct post-implementation follow-ups, and address risks to sustained performance
• Ensure CI improvements are documented, transitioned to operational ownership, and maintained over time
• Perform other duties as assigned to support operational excellence initiatives
• NOTE: This list presents only the principal duties of the position and is not intended to be comprehensive. The duties and responsibilities listed above may be changed or supplemented at any time in accordance with business needs and conditions

The ideal candidate will have the following:

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, Business, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Minimum 5 years of experience in continuous improvement, operations, or process improvement roles
• Demonstrated experience in leading structured improvement projects and facilitating kaizen or problem-solving events in a manufacturing environment.
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or equivalent certification
• Manufacturing experience, food manufacturing preferred.

Competencies and Skills:

• Strong working knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies
• Ability to analyze data, identify trends, and translate insights into actionable improvement plans
• Effective facilitation, coaching, and communication skills across all levels of the organization
• Ability to influence outcomes and build alignment without direct authority
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities
• Proficiency with standard business software and data analysis tools (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite)
• Demonstrated commitment to safety, teamwork, and respectful collaboration

Physical Demands:

• Ability to perform work in a manufacturing and office environment
• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods as required by work activities
• Ability to move throughout the plant to observe processes and participate in improvement activities
• Ability to perform light physical activities, such as lifting materials up to approximately 20 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation
• NOTE: Reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work Environment and Personal Protective Equipment:

• Work is performed in a manufacturing plant and general office environment
• Use of appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is required when working in production areas
• May be exposed to noise, temperature variations, humidity, and moving mechanical equipment consistent with a manufacturing environment
• Compliance with all safety policies and procedures is required