Senior Director, Operational Excellence

Jack Link's Protein Snacks

. Lead the company’s continuous improvement strategy across all manufacturing sites .

Posted 11/9/2026full-timeRemote • Minnesota • United StatesSenior💰 $195,000 - $225,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in leading continuous improvement initiatives across manufacturing sites, utilizing Lean principles, statistical analysis, and project management to drive operational excellence and cost savings. Proficient in developing training programs and fostering a culture of continuous improvement through effective communication and collaboration.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Lean Manufacturing PracticesContinuous Improvement StrategyStatistical Process ControlProject ManagementSAP and Power BI

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Lean PrinciplesValue Stream MappingKaizen MethodsRoot Cause Analysis5SPerformance ManagementStructured Problem SolvingCost Savings TrackingKPI ManagementTotal Productive Maintenance

Soft Skills

Strong Communication SkillsInfluencing SkillsCollaborative Team ApproachProactive Project ManagementDiplomacy

Tools & Technologies

Power BISAPMicrosoft Office

Industry Keywords

Manufacturing ExcellenceContinuous Improvement ProgramManagement Operating SystemFood ManufacturingConsumer Packaged Goods

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead the company’s continuous improvement strategy across all manufacturing sites
Build processes, capabilities, tools, and governance for a consistent, sustainable continuous improvement approach
Establish a standardized manufacturing excellence framework grounded in lean principles, structured problem solving, loss elimination, standard work, and performance management
Lead the CI change effort and develop the company’s continuous improvement strategy and roadmap across all factories
Establish common CI methodology, tools, governance, terminology, and expectations across the manufacturing network
Establish and advance Lean manufacturing practices, including standard work, Kaizen, 5S, value-stream mapping, visual management, root-cause analysis, waste elimination, centerlining, and structured problem solving
Develop CI training, tools, playbooks, and learning programs
Develop a network of plant-level Continuous Improvement champions
Work with Plant Leadership Teams to track targets and KPIs, set action plans, and conduct follow-up meetings
Manage daily, weekly, and monthly KPI charting and posting
Use Power BI and SAP to turn operational data into usable information
Apply statistics and analytical methods to identify improvement opportunities and support decisions
Implement and manage cost savings tracking aligned with corporate standards
Partner with the Safety Director on incident investigation, hazard reduction, and safety considerations in Kaizen events
Perform other duties as assigned

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree in operations, manufacturing, supply chain, business, engineering, food science, or related field, or equivalent experience in continuous improvement
7 to 10 years experience in a manufacturing environment, including a leadership role
5+ years in influencing roles, such as CI, Lean, or support functions
Experience or education in statistical process control, root cause analysis, or other analytical methods
Training and hands-on experience with value stream mapping, kaizen methods, 5S, leader standard work, and other Lean tools
Project management experience leading cross-functional teams to deliver on timelines, budgets, and goals
Experience developing or implementing a playbook for a management operating system (MOS) and a continuous improvement program, including how the playbook was rolled out across sites
Experience with SAP and Power BI for operational reporting preferred
Experience in food or consumer packaged goods manufacturing preferred
Experience with Total Productive Maintenance (TPM), including working exposure to Autonomous Maintenance (AM) and Planned Maintenance (PM) pillars preferred
Strong written and verbal communication and presentation skills
Ability to influence leaders at every level
Diplomacy in communicating needs and recommendations
Proactive style that drives projects to completion despite obstacles
Collaborative team approach
Ability to manage multiple priorities and workstreams at once
Proficiency in Microsoft Office

Benefits

Comp & perks

Medical benefits
Dental benefits
Vision benefits
Life insurance
Disability insurance
401k participation
Paid holidays
Paid time off