Dairy Farmers of America Continuous Improvement Mgr (Remote) in Dallas, Texas

Position : Continuous Improvement Mgr (Remote)Location : Dallas, TexasRequisition ID: : 24033Dairy Farmers of America (DFA), Dairy Brands a dairy marketing cooperative owned by more than 12,500 family farmers. Our mark matters and it represents the wholesomeness of dairy that we share with our communities and loved ones. DFA manufactures a variety of dairy products, including cheese, butter, fluid milk, ice cream, dairy ingredients and more, under well-known and established regional brands. Our fingerprints touch thousands of brands across the marketplace, and we’re passionate about delivering the simple pleasures of dairy to people everywhere, straight from our family farm-owners.We are proud to provide families with fresh delicious dairy products. By joining DFA, Dairy Brands you can help us continue to make a difference that matters. We care deeply about the well-being of our neighbors and friends, and we celebrate the diversity of our company and our world. It takes an incredible team to deliver the goodness of dairy and enrich our communities – come join us! Dairy Farmers of America (DFA), Dairy Brands has an opening for a Continuous Improvement Manager I – Remote. Lead and support continuous improvement (CI) projects and initiatives that improve operations through the use of lean principles, tools, concepts, and methodologies.Create, maintain, and sustain continuous improvement processes, metrics, and tools for managers or departments, supporting key deliverables in the areas of safety, quality, delivery, cost reduction, growth, and innovation. Work with functional leaders and subject matter experts in accomplishing project goals. Build a continuous improvement culture and drive change throughout the location, division, or company. Apply in-depth knowledge of CI principles to perform and/or lead assignments or projects. Solve problems of a complex nature and/or diverse scope.Work independently and receive minimal guidance on work assignments. Job Duties and ResponsibilitIes• Develop and implement continuous improvement (lean manufacturing) principles to enhance work processes and output which lead to significant cost savings, reduced complexities, reduced waste, improved customer service, improved quality, improved safety, etc. • Identify potential projects and assist in the prioritization and selection of projects (including capital projects) to improve manufacturing efficiency and product line contribution margins• Lead teams to identify problems, analyze information, and develop and implement process solutions that support improvements to safety, food safety and quality programs, plant operations, and maintenance• Lead events to improve existing processes and instill sustainability (e.g., Kaizen Blitz)• Analyze operational data, resources utilization, and work processes with established teams to develop action plans for improvement• Coordinate and/or lead root cause analysis problem solving and corrective action• Manage ongoing CI-related programs to improve plant operations; assist production employees and teams in improving operational excellence• Track production performance and prepare reports and charts for improvement opportunity identification and problem solving; drive achievement of performance KPI’s and communicate results on a regular basis• Support investigation and implementation of counter measures to any internal and external quality or safety concerns• Instill a continuous improvement culture and drive measurable business process improvement• Develop and provide training and ongoing development of employees about CI principles, concepts, methodologies and in the use of tools deemed appropriate to ensure timely completion of projects to deliver planned results• Provide targeted support to other DFA facilities as needed through participation on cross functional teams• Create and communicate project status reports to provide credibility and visibility for the lean process• The requirements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employee, but is not a complete list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required.Other duties may be assigned as requiredBENEFITS:• Health and Welfare benefits begin 1 st of the month after start date• 401(k) with company contribution – 100% vested at day one of eligibility• Competitive pay• Paid vacation and holidays• Career growth opportunities – we promote from within! • Comprehensive healthcare benefits• Service recognition and employee rewards• Employee referral program• Tuition reimbursement• Work for dairy farm families• Undergraduate degree in business administration, supply chain, mathematics, engineering, or related curriculum (or equivalent combination of experience and education)• 5 to 8 years of experience in continuous improvement/lean manufacturing or related experience, preferably in a manufacturing or food manufacturing environment• Cross functional operations experience with a strong understanding of various plant/operations functions• Project management or leadership experience• Certification and/or License – Project ManagementProfessional (PMP), CI manager certification, Six Sigma green or black belt certifications, or similar certifications preferredKnowledge, Skills, and Abilities• Strong knowledge of project management tools and techniques• Strong knowledge in lean manufacturing principles and understanding of performance improvement tools and methodologies• Knowledge of and skill with Microsoft Office Suite and company computer systems• Knowledge of dairy production technology• Skill in critical thinking, analysis, mathematical calculations, and statistical evaluations• Skill in root cause analysis techniques• Skill in analysis of data from disparate sources• Able to effectively analyze and interpret data• Able multi-task and prioritize work activities• Able to identify problems, proactively take appropriate steps to find solutions, and implement recommended solutions• Able to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing• Able to think strategically and creatively• Able to determine direction though ambiguous situations• Able to adapt and manage to change; able to lead others through change effectively• Able to handle challenging or conflict situations with tact and professionalism• Able to interact positively and work effectively with others (interpersonal skills)• Must be able to read, write and speak EnglishTravel☐ No travel required☐ 5%-15% (1-3 times per year)☐ 15%-25% (1-2 times per quarter)☐ 25%-50% (up to 1 week per month)☐ 50%-75% (up to 2 weeks per month)X☐ 75%-100% (3+ weeks per month)An Equal Opportunity EmployerApply tot his job