Site Continuous Improvement Manager

AAK; Louisville (KY); On-site; USD 153,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Health Savings Account with company 1,

Job summary

AAK Louisville, a global leader in plant-based oils, is seeking a Site Continuous Improvement Manager in Louisville, KY. You will lead the site’s operational excellence program, deploying Lean, Six Sigma, and TPM methodologies to improve safety, quality, and productivity.

You will coach cross-functional teams, develop standard work, and drive continuous improvement through structured kaizen events, Gemba walks, and value stream mapping. Competitive compensation and benefits offered.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, or related field.
• Six Sigma Black Belt preferred and lean certified.
• Minimum of 7 years’ manufacturing/operations experience with lean Six Sigma.
• Strong leadership and communication skills (verbal and written).
• Experience creating SOPs and process instructions.
• Experience leading operational excellence programs.

Responsibilities

• Champion Manufacturing System strategy and provide hands-on support and training.
• Lead Kaizen events, Gemba walks, value stream mapping, and root cause analysis.
• Coach plant leaders in Lean-Six Sigma and problem-solving methods.
• Drive site implementation of global Operational Excellence program.
• Develop and maintain SOPs/OPLs and operation checklists.
• Build a high-engagement culture through mentoring and coaching.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem solving

Project management

Lean Six Sigma

SOPs creation

TRACC software

Influence across functions

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business/Operations/Industrial Engineering

Tools

TRACC software platform

Acadia (SOPs/OPLs)

Job description

Making Better Happen

Our story goes back more than 150 years, to the windy coast where Sweden and Denmark meet.

Making Better Happen

Our story goes back more than 150 years, to the windy coast where Sweden and Denmark meet.

From our success in Scandinavia, we've grown into the world's leading specialist producer of plant-based oils, employing more than 4000 people all across the globe.

We work with our customers to make the products you love even better. The oils we produce go into making your chocolate extra creamy or putting the crunch into your croissant. And it's not just food - we work across industries to make products that are higher quality, healthier and better for the planet.

Every one of us works towards our shared purpose: Making Better Happen™.

Everything we do is about Making Better Happen together.

Join nearly 4,000 like-minded colleagues globally and build a better future with us.

Build a better future as a Site Continuous Improvement Manager in Louisville, KY

Compensation Range: $153,000 - $170,000

Possible Bonus: 10%

AAK Louisville

About The Role

The Continuous Improvement Leader will provide oversight and leadership in continuous improvement efforts across all functions, starting with the consistent deployment of 5S methodology as a foundation along with tools such as Gemba walks, value stream mapping, kaizen and Kanban. Role is responsible to work with US Continuous Improvement Leader in the development and implementation of the other elements and pillars of TPM including Safety and Environment, Process Quality Management, Initial Setup and Standard Work, Training and Education, Effective Maintenance, Autonomous Maintenance, Continuous Improvement and Administrative Work.

The position will be the site leader for implementation of the global operational excellence program. In addition, the candidate will create, update and implement standard work through Acadia. This includes SOP’s, OPL’s and checklists to drive improvement through standard work procedures.

The candidate must coach the management teams to a successful continuous improvement program. Implement proven best practices across the site through effective project management, mentoring, coaching, and facility hand-off. Facilitate change activity, including training workshops.

Responsibilities

Accountabilities

• Champion AAK Manufacturing System strategy and provide hands-on support and any training during implementation.
• Develop and maintain documentation around procedures and perform regular reviews to make sure all procedures are up to date.
• Lead effort to implement best practices across the plant, ensuring adherence to the principles of lean six sigma manufacturing.
• Assist and mentor plant management and RCI teams with planning and facilitation of strategic plans, kaizen workshops, and other lean activities.
• Coach and train plant leaders in Lean- Six Sigma Manufacturing, root cause analysis, and problem-solving principles.
• Follow-up with Manufacturing ensuring successful implementation of Future State plans.
• Champion and support the creation of a RCI engaged culture
• Build out reference library in Acadia in accordance with US Document standard.
• Lead site implementation of the global Operational Excellence program and serve as the primary resource for CI initiatives
• Drive a culture of total employee involvement and continuous improvement through coaching, engagement, and visible leadership

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the plan for and drive operational excellence implementation and use of tools (lean, TPM, six sigma) at the plant level
• Lead and facilitate Kaizen events, Gemba walks, value stream mapping sessions, root cause analysis, and other structured improvement activities
• Provide on-going training and expertise regarding RCI tools
• Provide analytical support to continuously identify gaps, project opportunities, and solutions
• Lead teams to identify opportunities for productivity and cost improvements at site
• Identify opportunities to integrate continuous improvement tools into the day-to-day operations of the site
• Share best practices with other plants and teams.
• Drive goal of total employee involvement in continuous improvement activities
• Support implementation of TPM pillars across the site, with emphasis on autonomous maintenance, effective maintenance, training, standard work, process quality, and focused improvement
• Develop and maintain up to date SPO’s OPL’s and operations checklists
• Review / Control Identify and implement control systems to insure sustainability of continuous improvement.
• Participate in RCI Project reviews and ensure consistency in applying tools
• Develop and train team members to create documents in Acadia
• Become TRACC by CCI software superuser for the site
• Train and develop team members for Operational Excellence program.
• Site expert on TRACC methodology for Operational Excellence

About You

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, or other comparable engineering degree.
• Six Sigma Black Belt preferred and lean certified.
• Minimum of 7 years’ experience in various manufacturing/operations roles working in/with lean- six sigma manufacturing and familiar with diverse manufacturing processes.
• Knowledge of production, quality control, cost management, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods will be a plus
• Strong leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills (both verbal and written).
• Highly developed problem solving and project management skills. Ability to define, track, and document results as required.
• Experience In Creating SOPs And Other Process Instructions.
• Experience with the TRACC software platform
• Experience leading operational excellence program
• Demonstrated ability to influence across functions and levels, work independently, and lead cross-functional teams.
• Demonstrated facilitation, mentoring and coaching skills.
• Demonstrated capability to learn product lines and manufacturing processes.
• Proven ability to work in a team environment.
• Ability to influence, lead, work independently and as part of a team.

In return AAK offer

• Career paths, training and development, e-learning and tuition reimbursement programs offer potential for you to progress your future career
• Comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental and vision) starting date of hire
• Health Savings Account with AAK annual contribution of $1,000-$1,500
• We match 100% of the first 3% you contribute to your 401(k), and 50% of the next 3%
• Free Life and Disability insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Supplemental Pet Insurance, Identity Theft Protection and Legal Insurance Plans
• Discounts on travel, amusement parks, concerts, movies, and more
• Celebrations, events, and activities on site and supporting our communities
• Recognition incentives for service and peer to peer recognition

About AAK

Everything AAK does is about Making Better Happen™. We specialize in plant-based oils that are the value-adding ingredients in many of the products people love to consume. We make these products better tasting, healthier, and more sustainable. At the heart of AAK’s offer is Customer Co-Development, combining our desire to understand what better means for each customer, with the unique flexibility of our production assets, and a deep knowledge of many products and industries, including Chocolate & Confectionery, Bakery, Dairy, Plant-based Foods, Special Nutrition, Foodservice and Personal Care. Our 4,000 employees support our close collaboration with customers through 25 regional sales offices, 15 dedicated Customer Innovation Centers, and with the support of more than 20 production facilities. Listed on Nasdaq Stockholm and with our headquarters in Malmö, Sweden, AAK has been Making Better Happen™ for more than 150 years.

AAK prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, religion, veteran status, and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination under state or federal law in any aspect of the access to, admission, or treatment of students in its programs and activities, or in employment and application for employment.