Job Description

General Pet Supply


Work Location: MO - Greenfield
Job Code: 10639


TheContinuous Improvement Managerwill play a critical role in transforming Central Garden & Pet into a world class leader of manufacturing, performance, and efficiencies. Reporting to the Division Manager, the Continuous Improvement Manager is responsible for leading, directing, and managing continuous improvement across the organization to advance business performance and improve cost, quality, and efficiency performance. They will lead multidisciplinary teams through improvement processes that require data collection, analysis, evaluation, planning, execution, and follow up. In addition, the Continuous Improvement Manager will lead and coach problem solving with standard tools and processes.

MEASURES OF SUCCESS

• Apply and teach continuous improvement tools and processes including lean, business process tools, metrics and management routines, and standard methods and processes.
• Support the delivery of breakthrough results in key operational metrics at the site (TRIR, fill rate, Net productivity, OEE, etc.).
• Provide analysis, recommendations for improvement, reporting, and technical support to managers and employees on cross-functional improvement teams, to help develop and coach continuous improvement of operational performance capability.
• Lead the implementation and support the governance of operational performance systems including short and long-term target setting and results management processes via a zero-loss PDCA culture.
• Support the execution of the manufacturing roadmap in line with the Central to Home ambition including the standard package of operational technology solutions (ERP, CMMS, QMS, safety, data visualization, training systems, etc.).
• Support and coach operational leaders to deliver expected results in each of the key process areas.
• Support the action plan development and execution of Central’s Operational Excellence master plan, translating it into actions and activities.

IDEAL CANDIDATE ATTRIBUTES

The ideal candidate will be a leader with world-class manufacturing excellence who can drive step-change improvement in performance across a complex supply chain. This individual will have demonstrated the capability to drive, teach, and coach manufacturing excellence tools and methodology, including but not limited to TPM, Lean Manufacturing, PDCA, Pareto Analysis, Gap Analysis, Root Cause Analysis, Cost Analysis, Action Planning, and Project Management. The successful candidate must bring a history of significant accomplishments from world-class manufacturing, incorporating TPM and lean Six Sigma tools and processes and can lead a manufacturing organization through a significant change management project using influencing skills.

Specific requirements include:

• Viewed as an expert in their field and as a trusted partner by the business units that they serve, working to solve challenges within the business unit.
• At least 5-7 years of experience as a manufacturing excellence leader, preferably with a FMCG business. They must have the ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams and engage the team through expertise and coaching.
• Must have deep proven knowledge of TPM, Lean Manufacturing, PDCA, Pareto Analysis, Gap Analysis, Root Cause Analysis, Cost Analysis, Action Planning, and Project Management and has demonstrated experience with leading a manufacturing plant to operational excellence.
• Excellent leadership credentials including coaching skills with an ability to inspire, lead, and influence.
• Proven change agent, action-oriented, and results-driven.
• Demonstrated experience in at least one other Product Supply discipline (customer service, logistics, supply network planning, engineering, quality, or procurement).
• Bachelor’s degree required (preferably in Engineering or in Business/Operations/SC Management).

In terms of the performance and personal competencies required for the position; we would highlight the following:

Business Acumen

Deep experience working within an organization known for world-class TPM/WCM programs is a must. Strong operational management experience within a world-class FMCG business is critical.

Executing for Results

Demonstrate strong management skills, drive, and an expectation to “roll up their sleeves” to do the work to get the job done in partnership with the business unit or corporate segment leadership to achieve the highest standards of performance.

Leading Teams

Previous line management experience as an operations leader is a must. They have the ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams and engage the team through their enthusiasm, support, and excitement about the business. In addition, to effectively interact at every level of the organization with a bend toward servant leadership.

Building Relationships and Using Influence

Excellent communication skills and strong interpersonal skills are required of the successful candidate. They must quickly establish credibility within business units and people at all levels of the organization.

BENEFITS PACKAGE & EMPLOYEE PROGRAMS:

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Free Life and Disability Insurance
• Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
• 401k with 3% company match and annual employer discretionary contribution
• Paid vacation, holidays, and sick time
• Employee Assistance Program
• Access to thousands of free online courses
• Discounts on cell phones, movie tickets, gym memberships, and more!
• Education Assistance (both college degrees and professional certifications)
• Referral Program with cash bonus
• Access to on-demand pay
• Paid parental leave
• A more complete list of benefits can be found at www.CentralBenefits.org

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Office and Manufacturing / Distribution environment
• Some travel required

Central Garden & Pet Company (NASDAQ: CENT) (NASDAQ: CENTA) understands that home is central to life and has proudly nurtured happy and healthy homes for over 40 years. With fiscal 2023 net sales of $3.3 billion, Central is on amission to leadthe future of the Pet and Garden industries. The Company’s innovative and trusted products are dedicated to helping lawns grow greener, gardens bloom bigger, pets live healthier and communities grow stronger. Central is home to a leading portfolio of more than 65 high-quality brands including Amdro®, Aqueon®, Cadet®, Farnam®, Ferry~Morse®, Four Paws®, Kaytee®, K&H®, Nylabone® and Pennington®, strong manufacturing and distribution capabilities and a passionate, entrepreneurial growth culture. Central Garden & Pet is based in Walnut Creek, California and has over 7,000 employees across North America and Europe. Visit www.central.com to learn more.

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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