Continuous Improvement Manager

Novolex is a leader in packaging innovation, choice and sustainability. We manufacture products in paper, plastic and sustainable materials for the food, retail, health and industrial markets.

• $125,000 - $130,000* base salary + annual bonus
• Medical, dental and vision options
• Wellness rewards to fund your HRA or HSA
• Paid holidays, time off, parental and other leaves
• Financial protection benefits such as life, AD&D and disability insurance, and 401(k) Plan with employer matching contributions
• Education Support (for example, tuition reimbursement, Chairman's Scholarship, 529 College Savings Plan)
• Broad Based Employee Award Program-value sharing plan for all employees with one year of service
• Employee Assistance Program and much more!

*The range provided is based on cost of living/geography and what we believe is reasonable in the market at the time of posting. This role may be eligible for annual bonus and annual merit increase, as well as long term compensation. Some roles may also be eligible for overtime pay, in accordance with federal and state requirements. Actual base salary pay will be based on a number of factors, including skills, competencies, experience, and other job-related factors.

The Novolex sustainability vision is built upon three pillars: our products, our operations and our people. Each is critically important to our growth and future as a business. These pillars form the foundation of our company-wide commitment to sustainability, helping us achieve our ambitious goals through our wide-ranging initiatives.

The primary purpose of this role is to lead continuous improvement and quality management functions across multiple manufacturing locations. The scope of this work will include developing manufacturing best practices to ensure product quality and integrity and value through manufacturing improvements, product design improvements, and cost reduction projects. The Continuous Improvement Manager must possess in-depth understanding of quality management and lean manufacturing principles with the ability to implement rapid continuous improvement. Must be able to coordinate project activities and develop work assignments for self and others and work actively in the manufacturing environment with plant management teams, hourly staff, corporate engineering/quality and the customer to ensure quality delivery and reliability.

**Note** This role requires a professional who can travel 75% - 90% of the time

Essential Functions & Key Responsibilities:

• Drive continuous improvement by developing and implementing systems and process improvements that optimize all phases of the production process; be actively involved in the development and implementation of long term quality improvement plans.
• Support the business in development and implementation of quality procedures and systems throughout the manufacturing process that support the manufacture and delivery of quality products that meet or exceed customer expectations, provide for efficiency and accuracy in all customer related processes, reduce scrap, and improve plant performance.
• Provide technical inputs for root cause analysis and corrective action. Support quality reporting and responses to customer complaints (CIR's) within the plant and out in the field at customer stores, warehouses, distribution centers, etc.
• Initiate actions to prevent the occurrence of any quality non-conformances related to product, process and systems.
• Compile data and prepare regular and special reports including CRM, Syteline, statistical and other reports.
• Performs a variety of functions necessary for the successful operation of the department, as assigned by the management of the company.
• Actively supports, participates in and maintains the integrity and ongoing function of the company and facility's safety program, ensuring a safe/healthy work environment.
• Travel to various plants in the US up to 4 days a week.
• Develop and implement strategies of consistency of practices across business lines with Team Leaders.

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering,
• Minimum five to seven years of experience managing in operations, quality or engineering in a lean manufacturing environment and leading rapid continuous improvement
• Standard Work and Quality Systems Documentation and Management
• Lean certification preferred
• Black Belt/Six Sigma certification preferred.
• Value Stream Mapping
• Visual Management
• 5S
• Variation Reduction Kaizen
• Material Pull System
• Total Production Maintenance
• Error Proofing
• Thorough knowledge and experience with statistical process control methods and software systems.
• Strong desire to be a working quality manager in partnering with the plant management teams and hourly staff at assigned plants.
• Analytical skills and understanding of problem solving techniques/tools.
• Data-driven, disciplined, objective and detail oriented.
• Strong communication skills. Demonstrated ability to act as a business partner, "see the big picture," and work through ambiguity and change.

Benefits

With safety as our top priority and a commitment to employee well-being an important focus, we offer comprehensive and competitive benefits that include medical, dental and vision insurance (including Telehealth options) as well as a variety of other well-being resources focused on mental, physical and financial health. Specific benefits and well-being programs may vary depending on where you work.

Community Engagement

At Novolex, giving back to the local communities that support us is important. Our Focused Giving Program prioritizes support for organizations whose missions promote sustainability initiatives or address food and hunger needs. We also encourage facility level support of activities in the communities where our employees live and work.

Training and Development

We offer constant opportunities for advancement. From skills development to advanced education programs, training and development programs and courses are available through Novolex University. Programs include company and industry training curricula, support for formal education through the Tuition Reimbursement Program, and a Learning Management System that supports and enhances employee skills at all levels of the organization.

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