Performance and Accelerate Manager

Socket.dev; Calhoun (GA); On-site; USD 88,000 - 145,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

Paid time off

401(k) plan with company contribution

Employee Share Plan

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Kerry is seeking a Performance & Accelerate Manager to lead continuous improvement across our manufacturing operations. You will drive waste reduction, efficiency gains, and KPI improvements by coaching teams and implementing Six Sigma and Lean tools.

With a strong background in process improvement and strategic thinking, you will influence at all levels, from leadership to hourly staff, to embed a culture of operational excellence and measurable results.

Qualifications

• BS/MS in Engineering, Business or Food Science.
• 5+ years in a process improvement role with event leadership.
• Six Sigma or Lean certification a plus.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Experience leading and coaching teams to develop talent.
• Aspire to grow into senior plant leadership.
• HACCP/food safety or related industry experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop process improvement methodologies for problem solving and efficiency.
• Implement a toolkit with Six Sigma, 5S, PDCA, and lean practices.
• Lead, train, and coach employees on improvement methods.
• Facilitate improvement events and KPI performance gains.
• Advance Kerry Performance Systems for Manufacturing Operations adherence.
• Use tracking systems to plan, drive performance and savings goals.
• Identify barriers and escalate to leadership when needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Process improvement

Six Sigma / Lean

Leadership

Communication

Coaching

Cross-functional teamwork

Education

BS/MS in Engineering/Business/Food Sci

Job description

About Kerry

Kerry is the world's leading taste and nutrition company for the food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries. Every day we partner with customers to create healthier, tastier and more sustainable products that are consumed by billions of people across the world. Our vision is to be our customers' most valued partner, creating a world of sustainable nutrition. A career with Kerry offers you an opportunity to shape the future of food while providing you opportunities to explore and grow in a truly global environment.

About the role

The Performance & Accelerate Manager (sometimes referred to as Manager, Continuous Improvement) at Kerry will spearhead the transformation of the plant's culture by leading continuous improvement initiatives. This role is instrumental in fostering an environment focused on removing waste, enhancing efficiency, and driving KPI performance. The individual will work closely with both leadership and hourly employees to implement proven process improvement methodologies, such as Six Sigma and Lean Manufacturing. By coaching employees at all levels, this role aims to develop the necessary skills for sustained operational excellence. The goal is to integrate a continuous improvement mindset into the fabric of everyday operations, ensuring long-term, measurable success. This role requires someone with a robust background in process improvement, a strategic mindset, and excellent communication skills to influence change at every level of the organization

Key responsibilities

Support the development of process improvement methodologies for problem solving and efficiency building, standard work, training, and employee involvement.

Drive the implementation of a process improvement toolkit utilizing methods such as Six Sigma, 5S, PDCA, lean manufacturing process such as value stream mapping, 5 Whys, Kaizen, etc.

Lead, train, and coach employees at all levels on process improvement methodologies to develop an effective continuous improvement culture.

Facilitate continuous improvement events resulting in employee skill and knowledge development and KPI performance improvements.

Lead continued development of the Kerry Performance Systems for Manufacturing Operations adherence.

Using tracking and reporting systems, prepares plans, drives performance, and assures timely completion and achievement of product/process quality and savings goals.

Identifies barriers to success and solicits help from leadership when needed.

The above listed duties are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities or duties required. Other related duties are expected to be performed as assigned.

Qualifications and skills

BS/MS in Engineering, Business or Food Science

5+ Years in a process improvement role with prior experience and demonstrated proficiency leading events utilizing established process improvement methodologies.

Knowledge of process improvement methodology required; Six Sigma or Lean Manufacturing certification a plus.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Demonstrated experience in team leadership and development and motivating, coaching & influencing others.

Potential and desire to develop into a senior overall plant leadership role.

HACCP/food safety, chemical, or pharmaceutical industry experience preferred.

The pay range for this position is $88,000 - $144,800 Annual Salary. Kerry typically does not hire an individual at the top or near the top of the range, as we are a pay-for-performance company, and this range is set to continue to reward performance annually while in role. Compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. The specific compensation offered to a candidate within the above range may be influenced by a variety of factors including skills, qualifications, experience, and internal equity. In addition, this position is also eligible to earn a performance-based incentive compensation. Kerry offers a competitive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, paid time off, a 401(k) plan with employee and company contribution opportunities, Employee Share Plan, Life, disability, and accident insurance, and tuition reimbursement. This job posting is anticipated to expire on 9/15/26.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Kerry is committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for employees and applicants. We prohibit discrimination based on race, religion, color, sex, pregnancy, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, military service, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law. This commitment applies to all employment practices, including recruitment, hiring, promotions, training, and career development. Kerry also takes affirmative action to ensure that minorities, women, disabled veterans, and other protected groups are introduced into our workforce and considered for promotional opportunities.