Site Continuous Improvement Manager
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.

Everything AAK does is about Making Better Happen™. We specialize in plant-based oils and fats, the value-adding ingredients in many 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 Making Better Happen™ means for each customer with the unique flexibility of our production assets and deep knowledge of products and industries, including Chocolate & Confectionery, Bakery, Dairy, Plant-based Foods, Special Nutrition, Foodservice, and Personal Care.
Our 4,100 employees support our close collaboration with customers through
25 regional sales offices, 16 dedicated Customer Innovation Centers, and with the support of more than 20 production facilities. Listed on Nasdaq Stockholm and headquartered in Malmö, Sweden, AAK has been Making Better Happen™ for 150 years.