Plant CI Leader: Lean Excellence & Kaizen Champion

Refresco; Greer (SC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

401(k) with match

Paid Holidays

Job summary

Refresco Beverages US Inc. is seeking a Continuous Improvement Manager to lead and sustain CI initiatives on the plant floor. You will drive Kaizen events, coach teams, and align improvement projects with the Plant Leadership Team to improve safety, quality, and efficiency.

The role requires a strong Lean background, collaboration across functions, and a hands-on approach to training staff in CI tools. A plant-floor focus with change management drives measurable cost savings and better asset

Qualifications

• Demonstrated success in implementing and driving cultural and operational improvements through structured change management.
• Hands-on experience deploying Lean methodologies to improve efficiency and reduce waste.
• Skilled in planning, leading, and coaching Kaizen events to drive continuous improvement and operational excellence.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office with SAP experience.
• Comprehensive understanding of SQF standards with focus on Food Safety and Food Quality.
• Willingness to adjust work hours or shifts as needed based on production demands.
• Ability to teach structured problem-solving methodologies like 5-Why and Fishbone Analysis.
• Proactive in identifying opportunities, making data-driven decisions, and executing improvements with urgency.

Responsibilities

• Adhere to health, safety policies, GMPs and PPE.
• Ensure food quality and safety per corporate standards (SQF).
• Develop and support execution of improvement plans with Plant Leadership and Sr. Regional OPEX Manager.
• Lead Kaizen events to drive safety, quality, and labor efficiency improvements.
• Mentor employees in CI tools (8 Wastes, Standard Work, SMED, 5S, Centerlining).
• Maintain a rolling 12-month pipeline of productivity initiatives and CAPEX opportunities.
• Facilitate planning meetings to validate cost savings and project status.
• Track cost savings, project sustainability, and employee engagement.

Skills

Lean methodologies

Value Stream Mapping

Standard Work

Visual Management

Kaizen events

Microsoft Office

SAP

SQF standards

Food Safety

Food Quality

Problem solving

Data-driven decisions

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Tools

SAP

Job description

Refresco Beverages US Inc. is seeking a Continuous Improvement Manager to lead and sustain CI initiatives on the plant floor. You will drive Kaizen events, coach teams, and align improvement projects with the Plant Leadership Team to improve safety, quality, and efficiency.

The role requires a strong Lean background, collaboration across functions, and a hands-on approach to training staff in CI tools. A plant-floor focus with change management drives measurable cost savings and better asset