Continuous Improvement Manager

Joy Baking Group

. Establish and lead the Continuous Improvement function at Hermitage across the Cookie and Cone plants .

Posted 9/22/2026full-timeHermitage • Pennsylvania • United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $120,000 - $150,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in Continuous Improvement methodologies such as Lean and Six Sigma, with a strong focus on structured problem-solving, data analysis, and project execution. Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams, mentor individuals, and drive measurable improvements in manufacturing processes.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Continuous ImprovementLean MethodologySix SigmaDesign of Experiments (DOE)Data Analysis

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Structured Problem SolvingRoot Cause AnalysisStatistical AnalysisLoss Baseline DevelopmentScrap ReductionChangeover ReductionGemba CulturePerformance TrackingProject ExecutionData Integrity

Soft Skills

Interpersonal SkillsOrganizational SkillsCommunication SkillsDetail-OrientedSelf-Motivated

Tools & Technologies

AS400ExcelPowerPointMS Office

Industry Keywords

Manufacturing ExperienceContinuous Improvement EnvironmentTPIMKaizenSMED Principles

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Establish and lead the Continuous Improvement function at Hermitage across the Cookie and Cone plants
Own the improvement pipeline from identifying and prioritizing losses through project execution, stage gates, performance tracking, and Finance-validated savings realization
Coach Supervisors, Mechanics, and Operators in structured problem solving, root cause analysis, and effective feedback
Lead CI governance and communication, reporting progress, barriers, resource needs, and realized benefits
Coordinate trial and investment approvals
Facilitate Kaizen and rapid improvement events and establish a hands-on Gemba culture
Establish and maintain plant loss baselines by line and failure mode, including frequency, duration, and cost
Lead structured experiments and Design of Experiments with Operations and Quality
Drive improvements in scrap reduction, unplanned downtime, changeover time, and direct labor
Establish data standards and improve data integrity using systems including AS400
Lead changeover reduction using SMED principles and strengthen run-to-centerline practices
Document and sustain improvements through processes, SOPs, training materials, and best practices
Analyze plant performance data using Excel and available systems and provide recommendations to leadership
Coordinate cross-functional improvement efforts across Maintenance, Quality, Planning, Operations, and Finance, including contractors and vendors

Requirements

What you’ll need

Secondary Education (Bachelor’s or Technical/Associate’s Degree) Required
Degree in Engineering, Business Management, Organizational Development, or other related field preferred
Minimum 5 years of manufacturing experience
Minimum 5 years' experience in a Continuous Improvement environment – TPIM, Lean, Six Sigma, or related process improvement systems
Demonstrated Design of Experiments (DOE) and structured problem-solving experience is required
3+ years mentoring individuals and facilitating teams; overseeing root-cause analysis, data collection, and "Why-Why / How-How" thinking
Working knowledge of production equipment, systems, and maintenance activities
Experience building a loss baseline and tracking system from scratch preferred
Computer proficiency required with strong background in PowerPoint and MS Office and advanced proficiency in Excel
Strong ability to analyze and present complex information
Statistical and data analysis capability, including DOE
Must be able to speak, listen, and effectively communicate with team members and management
Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions
Excellent interpersonal skills
Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills and ability to work well under pressure
Self-motivated and able to work with minimal supervision
Must be able to learn and effectively use department and company software and programs
Must be able to travel occasionally
Able to stand and/or walk 4+ hours per day intermittently
Must be able to work in the United States, as the position is located in Hermitage, Pennsylvania