Regional Continuous Improvement Manager

Perdue Foods has a goal of becoming the most trusted name in premium proteins by creating products for consumers and for retail and foodservice customers around the globe while changing the way animals are raised for food. It is part of Perdue Farms, a fourth-generation, family-owned food and agricultural business deeply rooted in tradition yet with a forward-thinking mindset. We believe that success starts with our people, and our culture is built on a foundation of teamwork, integrity, and respect, where every voice matters and everyone is encouraged to contribute to our shared goals. We are dedicated to creating a supportive, inclusive environment where associates feel valued and inspired to make an impact, both within the company and in the communities we serve. From promoting growth and development to prioritizing work-life balance, we’re committed to helping our team members thrive. That's Perdue.

Summary

The Regional Continuous Improvement Manager works with organizational leadership to develop regional strategies, manages and coaches Site CI Managers. Develop Continuous Improvement managers through training and hands-on implementation, while promoting a results driven culture with a high level of associate engagement. This role will also deliver impacting results to the organization through implementation of an effective Continuous Improvement Strategy. Ensure a balance of activity within all 4P’s.

This person is responsible for the following site locations: Cromwell, KY, Accomac, VA, Milford, DE, Petaluma, CA, Mount Vernon, WA and Lewiston, NC. Relocation packages are available for eligible candidates.

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Principal and Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Assigned a group of plants and is responsible for deployment of Lean Manufacturing concepts, principles and capability building across site CI Managers and supporting teams.
• Work with leadership at multiple locations to aid in CI strategy execution and CI project management to achieve the desired results while ensuring a balance with the 4P’s.
• Work as a critical partner in the CI Leadership Team to develop and implement the CI Strategic Plan.
• Develop Regional & Location Continuous Improvement Managers’ skill sets with the tools as well as effective implementation techniques.
• Assist via hands-on at locations with project execution while promoting a high energy, data driven, and results oriented culture.
• Develop and deliver the appropriate training materials and learning techniques that are adapted to application, opportunity, and audience.
• Design, develop and implement creative communication, awareness, and engagement techniques for all levels of the organization.
• Follow up on the results tracking for Continuous Improvement and asses the organization’s ability to sustain results.
• Utilize methodology, coaching, assessing, and teaching to improve the overall health of each location’s CI program.
• Regular meetings with Operational and Functional Directors to align on CI integration and support
• Promotes the transformation from a reactive organizational culture to one that is more preventative and predictable, utilizing data driven decision-making, sustainable actions and the Continuous Improvement tools.

Minimum Education

BS degree in Operations Management, Business Management, Engineering or related, and 10+ years or more of related work experience. Equivalent related work experience may be considered in lieu of degree.

Experience Requirements

7 plus years. Experience should include successful employment record of implementation of continuous improvement in a manufacturing environment. Knowledge of Lean principles, TQM, SPC, PIP and QIP. Required to travel to other facilities and plants for meetings and/or business.

Experience Preferred

• A solid operational or continuous improvement background. Prior exposure to Continuous Improvement or Operational Excellence tools.
• Core competencies to include Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen Event Facilitation, Root Cause Analysis, Microsoft Office, Power App/BI Platform and Minitab working knowledge. Should not only demonstrate the ability to “do” but also “teach” in the various techniques.
• Proven experience in a willingness to promote and drive change; able to communicate and work with teams at all organizational levels from senior management to shop floor; strong communication, organization and presentation skills.
• Ability to learn new concepts, combined with common sense and effectively apply to problem solving. A combination of business, interpersonal, technical and analytical skills while being motivated by challenge.
• Works well in a team environment, with enhanced ability to leverage influential leadership skills.
• Flexibility to accommodate different shifts and travel to locations will be necessary.
• Ability to travel to support Site CI efforts and managers. Estimated travel of 50%.

Environmental Factors and Physical Requirements

Position is mostly in plant environment but requires office work and extensive travel.
May need to move light equipment or supplies from one place to another.
May need to access files, supplies and equipment.
Work activity is mostly in plant environments.
When in a plant environment:
Exposure primarily consists of wet and moist floors which include metal and plastic grating surfaces.
May be exposed to temperatures of 28 degrees to 100 degrees Fahrenheit with both ambient and 100% humidity.
• May handle product 25 degrees to 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
• May be exposed to noise ranges of 50 db to 110 db.
• May be exposed to all chemicals found in poultry, food and processing plant.
• Must wear and use protective and safety equipment required for the job as directed by the Company

Perdue Farms Inc. is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.