Continuous Improvement Project Manager

Gold Star Foods is the leading food distributor to K-12 schools in the United States. We are a company devoted to providing our customers with incredible customer service. We know that it is our employees who make the difference! Join our team and find out what it is like to work somewhere where you enjoy getting up for work every day!

Position Overview:

Position Title: Continuous Improvement Project ManagerDepartment: Corporate

Classification: Exempt Reports To: Continuous Improvement Manager

Location: Ontario, California

Under the guidance and direction of the Continuous Improvement Manager, the Continuous Improvement Project Manager will assess, monitor, and enhance business performance for multi-Division locations within the Organization. This role involves analyzing current practices and developing business process improvements as well as implementing changes in workflows, structures, and teams to ensure continuous company performance, driving the Organization toward efficient operations, by performing the following duties personally or through other employees.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• · Plan and Lead Process Engineering and Continuous Improvement initiatives throughout all divisions.
• · Lead Division Steering Teams in their Continuous Improvement Deployment.
• · Develop Methods and Processes to improve aspects within the Organization.
• · Support All Divisions on Improvement Projects as required.
• · Work with the management team to identify and lead Continuous Improvement Projects utilizing Lean and Six Sigma principles to drive operational excellence and improve profitability.
• · Work with management team and Site Leaders to identify Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s) for the processes.
• · Be a resource and/or train Site Leaders/Operations Managers personnel in the Continuous Improvements methodologies.
• · Work Directly with Team Leaders who oversee Operations and Maintenance Personnel to Control Production Process Systems
• · Develop cost justifications for Improvement Projects and corrective actions.
• · Determine and install appropriate performance metrics that will promote long-term Continuous Improvement programs consistent with the operating objectives of all sites.
• · Provide support for problem resolution to facilitate faster improvements and improved working relationships.
• · Drives process changes for product development as well as refinement of existing process to drive material cost savings.
• · Manage process engineering efforts to support Continuous Improvement and First Time Pass problem solving initiatives through collaborative efforts with host facilities and teams.
• · Reviews current and future business requirements with Team Leaders and seeks to continuously improve the capabilities and capacities.
• · Manages the technical relationships with the relevant suppliers, ensuring that improved operating practices are implemented.
• · Develop training materials for Lean processes and principles, as well as other training materials as necessary.
• · Works closely with All Sites to determine new or developing product requirements, which may include the identification of external sources for supplemental services and develops Standard Operating Procedures to control same.

Essential for Success:

• · Lean Certification or Six Sigma Green/Black belt experience preferred.
• · 3+ years’ experience in a direct operations role with demonstrated success in driving Continuous Improvement tools through the business.
• · Understanding of fundamental change management concepts and ability to lead and support groups through change.
• · Demonstrated leadership and facilitation skills in a matrix environment; Strong team formation and leadership skills; Excellent oral and written communication skills, to include presentation skills and facilitation of groups toward deliverables; Proficient in the use of Excel, PowerPoint, and Project Management Tools; Ability to link customer needs and business processes.
• · Must have strong dissatisfaction for status quo with an internal desire and drive to continually to make things better.
• · Demonstrated ability to work proactively and independently.
• · Thorough and effective technical writing and presentation skills.
• · Ability to Travel – up to 50%

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential duties of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Individuals may need to sit or stand as needed. May require walking primarily on a level surface for periods throughout the day. Reaching above shoulder heights, below the waist, or lifting as required to file documents or store materials throughout the workday. Proper lifting techniques are required. May include lifting up to 25 pounds on occasion.

Work Environment:

Professional office and warehousing/distribution environment. Performance of this position will occasionally require exposure to the warehouse areas where, under certain areas, the use of personal protection equipment will be required. Floors may be wet and slippery when in frozen or refrigerated areas. Primary office environment is ambient room temperatures, lighting and traditional office equipment as found in a typical office environment. Intermittent travel and full-time office presence are required.

Required Competency:

• · Exceptional Communication Skills, Verbal and Written
• · Ability to Establish and Maintain Strong Relationships
• · Organized
• · Flexible and Adaptable
• · Team Player
• · Acute Business Acumen and Understanding of Organizational Issues and Challenges
• · Leadership

Other Duties:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

EOE M/W/Vet/Disabled

All of the above duties and responsibilities are essential job functions subject to reasonable accommodation. All job requirements listed indicate the minimum level of knowledge, skills and/or ability deemed necessary to perform the job proficiently. This job description is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements as the employee may be required to perform any other duties as assigned.