Continuous Improvement Manager

Make a Difference in YOUR Career!

Our vision is both simple and ambitious: to put our drinks on every table.

We are the leading global independent beverage solutions provider. We serve a broad range of national and international retailers as well as Global National and Emerging (GNE) brands. Our products are distributed worldwide from our production sites in Europe North America and Australia. Although our own branding may not appear on the labels of the beverages we produce there is a good chance you are reading this while sipping one of our drinks.

Our ambition is to continually improve and its what keeps us at the top of our are are innovative. We seek out new challenges and conquer them. This is our company ethos but its our peoples too:Refresco is at the cutting edge of a fast-moving industry because we have passionate people pushing the boundaries of whats best.

Stop and think: how wouldYOUput our drinks on every table

Summary:

Reporting to the Plant Director the Continuous Improvement (CI) Manager is responsible for developing coordinating and sustaining CI initiatives within the manufacturing plant. Partnering with the Plant Leadership team the CI Manager will drive the deployment of CI strategies across the facility. This role involves leading improvement projects training and developing employees to lead similar initiatives and fostering a Lean mindset throughout the plant. A strong Lean background is essential as the CI Manager will spend significant time on the production floor driving sustainable improvements and securing buy-in at all levels.

Essential Job Functions:

• Adhere to and ensure compliance to all health and safety policies/procedures Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and PPE requirements.
• Adhere to and ensure compliance to food quality and food safety as per the standard(s) provided by corporate customer and/or governing bodies (ex. SQF).
• Develop and support the execution of improvement plans aligned with company strategy by collaborating with the Plant Leadership Team and Sr. Regional OPEX Manager.
• Lead facilitate and coach Kaizen events to drive sustainable improvements in safety first-pass quality direct labor efficiency yield and indirect labor optimization.
• Mentor and train employees in CI tools including the 8 Wastes Standard Work SMED 5S and Centerlining to build a culture of continuous improvement.
• Maintain a rolling 12-month pipeline of productivity initiatives and capital improvement opportunities.
• Facilitate regular planning meetings to validate cost savings review project status and develop contingency plans if initiatives are off track.
• Track and report cost savings project sustainability and employee engagement related to continuous improvement initiatives.
• Analyze plant financials including P&L and other internal data tools to identify cost-saving opportunities and prioritize high-impact areas for improvement.
• Lead the implementation and sustainment of the Refresco Management System (RMS) ensuring alignment with plant objectives.
• Identify evaluate and execute process improvement opportunities that enhance efficiency reduce waste and increase plant output.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure alignment information sharing and a unified approach to continuous improvement initiatives.
• Implement and promote best practices through the Best Practice Sharing process fostering innovation and operational excellence.
• Define monitor and maintain key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure plant performance and drive accountability.
• Partner with plant leadership to enhance workplace safety by developing and executing strategies to reduce accidents energy consumption and material waste.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated success in implementing and driving cultural and operational improvements through structured change management.
• Hands-on experience deploying Lean methodologies including Value Stream Mapping Standard Work and Visual Management 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 (Excel Outlook and Windows) with the ability to quickly adapt to new software applications. Experience with SAP is highly preferred.
• Comprehensive understanding of SQF standards with a strong sense of responsibility for Food Safety and Food Quality. Must take immediate action when any Food Safety or Quality issue is identified.
• Willingness to adjust work hours or shifts as needed based on production and operational demands.
• Ability to teach coach and apply structured problem-solving methodologies such as 5-Why and Fishbone Analysis to identify and eliminate the root causes of issues.
• Proactive in identifying opportunities making data-driven decisions and executing improvements with a sense of urgency.

Competencies:

• Leadership - Foster a culture of empowerment by building relationships based on trust lead courageously on a day-to-day basis and inspire growth with a clear and ambitious vision that guides the collective effort toward success.
• Independence & Accountability Take ownership of responsibilities effectively prioritize multiple assignments and work independently to drive results with minimal supervision.
• Organization & Time Management Maintain strong organizational skills to manage competing deadlines ensuring efficiency and effectiveness under pressure.
• Communication & Collaboration Demonstrate excellent interpersonal and communication skills both verbal and written to engage and influence stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
• Adaptability & Resilience Thrive in dynamic environments by embracing change demonstrating flexibility and maintaining focus in fast-paced evolving work settings.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelors Degree required preferably in Engineering Business or Operations.
• 2 3 years experience in Continuous Improvement required.
• Strong leadership capabilities in a fast-paced production environment required.
• Previous experience in the food/beverage manufacturing industry preferred.

Working Conditions:

• Work Schedule: Weekdays weekends afternoon evenings overnight and holidays may be required.
• Work Environment: Operating in a fast-paced production plant with numerous moving parts. Noise levels require hearing protection and temperatures can get very hot and/or relatively cold. The environment is structured and supervised with clear production targets and schedules to meet.
• Visual/Sensory This position requires attention to detail requiring attention with one or two senses at a time.
• Mental Stress There is pronounced pressure from deadlines project management accuracy or similar demands.

Travel Requirements:

• Travel anticipated: Rarely

Other Duties:

• This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

A Career with Refresco

Refresco Beverages US Inc. offers the following competitive pay and comprehensive benefits:ââ

• Medical/Dental/Vision Insuranceâââ
• Health Savings Accounts and Flexible Spending Accountsâ
• Life and AD&D Insurance critical illness hospital indemnity and accident insurance
• Short-term disability and long-term disabilityââ
• Pet Insuranceâ
• Legal Benefitsâ
• 401(k) Savings Plan with Company Matchâ
• 12 Paid Holidays
• 15 Vacation Days and 6 Paid (Sick) Time OffâDays
• Well-being Benefit
• Discount and Total Reward Programsâ

Join Refresco TODAYâand enjoy a rewarding CAREER!ââ

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Employment agencies that have agreements with Refresco Beverages US Inc. and have been engaged in a search shall submit a résumé to the designated Refresco recruiter or upon authorization submit a résumé to this career site to be eligible for placement fees.â

Refresco Beverages US Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race color ancestry religion sex national origin sexual orientation age marital status disability gender identity gender expression Veteran status or any other classification protected by federal state or local law.

Required Experience:

Manager