Position Purpose & Summary

The Continuous Improvement Lead position is responsible for conducting continuous improvement (CI) activities at the Newark, California Salt Facility. This position conducts activities related to the portfolio leadership, governance and control; key project execution, value realization and measurement; capability and culture development; business partnership, and stakeholder management. The CI Lead is accountable to identify and deliver maximum value to the business through a metrics management approach, while expanding the continuous improvement process competencies across the site.

This position uses comprehensive knowledge to develop and manage CI project plans for projects, and assures project goals and objectives are attained and sustained. Identifies and documents variances from project goals and objectives, and communicates status reports and risk areas to leadership at facilities.

Principal Accountabilities

50% Identify, lead, and manage the site portfolio of opportunities to execute, deliver, and capture value for the site and business. Utilize the appropriate lean and/or six sigma tools (Kaizen, Statistically Supported Decision Making (SSDM), 5S, Six Sigma, Project Identification and Selection Workshops (PISW), Value Stream Mapping (VSM), Cause Analysis) to garner maximum value for the sites and the BU.

20% Build and expand capabilities across the site. Interact and collaborate with BU and local leaders within the Production Excellence, Capital Excellence, Reliability Excellence, and related Operations Continuous Improvement roles. Be an expert trainer in the use of continuous improvement tools for the sites and BU. Collaborate with other Salt facilities and mines.

15% Drive results through a metrics management approach (project charters, value tracker, portfolio management). Own the manufacturing capability and performance metrics as defined by the business for the site as well as the processes with which to improve the metric. Ensure accuracy and data integrity of the metric.

15% Support the governance of the Production Excellence model through direct leadership in the areas of Continuous Improvement, Change Management, and by assisting the site through process-oriented changes and Manufacturing Excellence vision. Use appropriate tools to communicate results in these areas to site leadership. Utilize sustainment tools, understand gaps and drive improvement as well as any other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor's or higher degree in the sciences or engineering field and 3 years or more years of supervisory experience, (directly or indirectly managing others) in a manufacturing or operations environment
• OR Associate's or higher degree in the sciences or engineering fields AND 8 or years of supervisory experience, (directly or indirectly managing others) in a manufacturing or operations environment
• Participated in or led 3 or more cost savings or efficiency projects with measurable results through the use of Lean Six Sigma Tools
• 1 or more years of experience managing projects that span across multiples teams or functions within an organization to accomplish project goals.
• 3 or more years of experience performing analytical problem solving: able to identify problems; able to apply structured and disciplined methodology to identify root causes

Preferred Qualifications

• Kaizen Leader, Green Belt, Black Belt or other Lean training certification
• 1 or more years of experience leading an organization through rapid change using Change Management tools
• Experience working within a Manufacturing Excellence model or Operational Excellence Model, Continuous improvement Models.
• Experience working with an array of operations and business functions including Environmental, Health & Safety, Food Safety, Quality & Regulatory, Supply Chain, and Finance
• Working knowledge of or experience working with Reliability Excellence maintenance practices
• Experience with or exposure to Manufacturing Excellence in two or more Cargill business units, multi-site experience
• Experience training and developing others.