Continuous Improvement Manager

Changing the World, One Kibble at a Time

Champion Petfoods is expanding! We are excited to announce we are looking for a Continuous Improvement Manager to join our rapidly growing company.

Champion Petfoods is an award-winning pet food crafter with a reputation of trust spanning 35+ years. From our humble beginnings, founded in a small town in Alberta, Canada, Champion – with its ORIJEN® and ACANA® brands – is a key player in the global premium pet food industry.

Our purpose, To Earn Pet Lover Trust Every Day so Pets Thrive for a Lifetime, provides the foundation for our highest aspirations as a company. Being a partner to the communities that surround us – and the environment that sustains us – are top priorities.

We would love to hear from you if you are passionate about personal and professional growth and see yourself as a key player contributing to our continued success as an award-winning company.

Here’s the scoop - Summary

We are seeking a highly experienced Continuous Improvement Manager to drive operational excellence and continuous improvement across our manufacturing and warehouse operations. This role will serve as a change agent and coach, focusing on effective deployment and execution of Mars Supply Excellence methodologies and continuous improvement initiatives. The successful candidate will enhance manufacturing processes, create opportunities for profit improvement, and promote a data-driven, continuous improvement culture.

What a typical day looks like

Promote and Instill a Data-Driven, Continuous Improvement Culture:

• Advocate and nurture a consistent, data-driven, continuous improvement mindset across all plant departments and employees.
• Clearly communicate and translate the vision into actionable strategies and tactics through the Plant Compelling Business Need (CBN) and Objectives, Goals, Strategies & Measures (OGSM).
• Promote data-driven, analytical problem-solving through the application of sound statistical methods.
• Promote the full integration of digital solutions with the MSE rollout strategy and Pillars implementation plans.

Facilitate MSE Rollout, Stakeholder Engagement and Track MSE Impact:

• Prepare, communicate, and engage stakeholders in the MSE rollout plan for the plant, outlining key activities, priorities, scope, and expected results.
• Partner with cross-functional owners to identify and establish relevant measures at all levels (KPIs, leading and lagging measures).
• Guide a subject matter expert on methodologies such as OGSM, Operational Standards, Basic and Advanced Problem Solving, 5S, Autonomous team development, and waste minimization activities.

Monitor MSE Impact on Business Priorities / Initiate and Implement Improvement Initiatives:

• Track and understand the Mars Supply Excellence (MSE) impact on business priorities, such as Value Leadership / OPEX savings triggered by problem-solving activities.
• Identify, justify, prioritize, and implement improvement initiatives to deliver measurable and sustainable results.
• Conduct periodic internal audits and health checks to analyze the effectiveness of MSE initiatives.
• Encourage benchmarking across plants to identify the best achievements in KPIs and practices.

Coach and Mentor Department Managers/Pillar Leaders, Building Organizational Capability and Engagement:

• Coach department managers/pillar leaders in the implementation and execution of plant supply excellence teams.
• Assist in training, coaching, and assessing plant autonomous and improvement teams.
• Mentor site and pillar leaders, facilitate change management activities and advance critical competencies across the workforce.

Develop and Deploy Governance Systems:

• Develop and deploy governance, visual management, data collection, and reporting systems.
• Ensure effective analysis of deviations and define and complete necessary actions.
• Internally and externally benchmark performance and drive the organization toward standards exceeding recognized industry best practices.

What you'll bring

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management, or related field (Master’s preferred).
• 7+ years of experience in manufacturing or operations, with a focus on continuous improvement.
• Strong knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma, and other CI methodologies (certification preferred).
• Proven experience leading cross-functional teams and driving cultural change.
• Excellent analytical, communication, and leadership skills.
• Proficiency in ERP systems and digital manufacturing tools.

What can you expect from Champion?

• Safety: a strong commitment to ensure all people are provided with a safe, healthy and respectful environment.
• Earnings: Competitive Wages that give financial peace of mind, RRSP with Company, and donation matching.
• Industry Competitive Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision and Employee Assistance Programs to meet your individual or family needs.
• Continuing Education: In House & Online Learning & Development, as well as an Education Assistance Program.
• Quality: a dedication to uphold the highest standards of authenticity, nutritional integrity, and food safety, to earn the trust of Pet Lovers everywhere.
• Other Perks: Free Bag of Premium Pet Food each month, Free Parking and more!

What are you waiting for? Join the pack!

Come as you are.

We value diversity in all forms and know the power it can bring. Workplace equality allows for creative ideas to bloom, diverse points of views to be heard, and increases overall happiness. That sounds pretty good to us.

Champion is an equal opportunity employer. Regardless of your race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, veteran status, or any other creed, you are wanted here.

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