pladis Global · 2 months ago
Continuous Improvement & Project Manager
US Big Flats
Full-time
Hybrid
Mid, Senior Level
$109K/yr - $137K/yr
7+ years exppladis Global is a fast-growing global biscuits and confectionery business that is dedicated to quality and innovation. The Continuous Improvement & Project Manager will lead projects to enhance performance and efficiency at the Big Flats manufacturing site using Lean and Six Sigma principles, while driving cross-functional collaboration and supporting the company's transformation agenda.
Consumer Goods
Responsibilities
Plan, lead, and execute multiple capital and productivity projects, ensuring alignment with business objectives and delivery within scope, budget, and timeline
Develop detailed project charters, schedules, and cost controls, reporting progress and risks to senior leadership
Monitor project progress, report on KPIs, and ensure alignment with business goals
Coordinate cross-functional teams including engineering, maintenance, production, quality, and finance
Manage vendor relationships, contract compliance, and site safety during project execution
Lead and manage end-to-end projects focused on waste reduction, process optimization, and operational excellence
Coach teams in Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies to drive efficiency, yield, and cost improvements
Facilitate Kaizen events, workshops, training programmes,5S programs, and process standardization initiatives
Analyze operational data (OEE, downtime, waste, cost-to-produce) to identify and prioritize improvement opportunities
Support cultural transformation toward accountability, empowerment, and problem-solving at all levels. Ensure compliance with food safety standards and regulatory requirements throughout project execution
Partner with the Site Director and functional leaders to identify bottlenecks and implement innovative solutions
Communicate project outcomes and CI results to local and global stakeholders
Serve as a mentor and CI ambassador, training team members on Lean tools and project management best practices
Qualification
Required
Flexibility to work across different shifts depending on business needs
Ability to determine root causes to performance issues and design improvements
General knowledge of cleaners and sanitizers used in a food processing environment
General knowledge of control of microorganisms through Sanitation processes, including listeria, coliforms, and salmonella
Ability to manage large budget
Solid ability to organize and prioritize
Micro-soft Office and ability to use Outlook Email system
Facilitate and support Continuous Improvement
Excellent organization and ability to prioritize
Ability to understand, comprehend, support, and execute the implementation of various manufacturing techniques, including Lean Manufacturing, to optimize total supply chain cost
Facilitate training and establish strong effective collaborative partnerships with leaders, team members and support functions
Experience in food, beverage, or consumer packaged goods manufacturing
Lean Six Sigma Black Belt or formal CI certification
PMP or similar project management certification is a plus
Working knowledge of SAP, Power BI, or similar systems
Experience leading automation or digital transformation initiatives
Combine engineering rigor with hands-on leadership on the factory floor
Are driven by data but inspired by people
Enjoy solving problems, streamlining complexity, and seeing tangible results
Can balance strategic project planning with tactical day-to-day improvement delivery
Demonstrated leadership abilities
Innate ability to translate technical metrics / terms into business related syntax
Strategic thinking – ability to establish the vision and future direction to enable to company to maintain a leadership role in the professions and industry
Excellent communication skills, able to respond and interact with both internal and external stakeholders at every level
Excellent interpersonal skills
Assertive and able to effectively manage crisis / high stress situations calmly and professionally
Credible team player with good influence skills, particularly regarding qualitative, abstract concepts
Excellent communication skills (both written and oral). Ability to put into writing, information that has only one interpretation. Ability to both formally and informally present to peers and management. Ability to develop logical arguments and articulate them appropriately and professionally in all situations
Excellent analytical skills. Ability to analyze complex data and operational problems, including the ability to construct appropriate solutions to achieve desired outcomes
Experience with executing various manufacturing techniques, including Lean Manufacturing
Ability to participate and lead cross-functional teams to achieve a desired outcome
Preferred
Bachelor's degree in engineering, Operations Management, Industrial Technology, or related field
Minimum 7 years of experience in manufacturing operations, with at least 3 years in project or continuous improvement leadership
Demonstrated success managing capital or productivity projects ($250K–$5M range)
Strong working knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma principles (Green Belt or equivalent experience)
Excellent analytical, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills
Proficiency with MS Project, Excel, and project management systems
Benefits
An annual incentive opportunity, awarded based on individual and company performance.
A comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, well-being, and financial security
Company
pladis Global
pladis is a global biscuit and confectionery company with operations in 120 countries across Europe. It is a sub-organization of YILDIZ HOLDING.
10001+ employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Taryn-Lisa Molle-McConnell
Vice President R&D UK & I
Recent News
Morningstar.com
2025-09-30
2025-03-07
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