Vice President, Continuous Improvement

Utz Quality Foods is seeking a VP, Continuous Improvement to join our team. Reporting to the EVP, Manufacturing, this role will lead strategic, transformational, and operational improvement projects to drive growth, efficiency, and productivity for the company. This position will lead diverse teams with analytics, communication, execution, and collaboration and must be an innovative operations leader. This position will require approximately 30% travel.

Ideal candidates will have a degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or related field and 15+ years of demonstrated experience with implementing a continuous improvement and lean culture in a food manufacturing environment. Candidates must be able to work and communicate collaboratively across all levels of the organization. Candidates should possess strong analytical, problem solving, and decision-making skills. Ideal candidates will possess a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt and a Scrum Master certification.

VP, Continuous Improvement:

• Assist in the development, leadership and execution of the continuous improvement long range plan inclusive of project selection, resource management and technology innovation. Assist in vetting and prioritizing projects, determining 3rd party partners and soliciting innovative strategies for the company.
• Collaborate with engineering and manufacturing on new product development and tracking in support of 1st run and critical orders through their operations.
• Establish and support a CI culture, identifying opportunities to teach and utilize Lean tools and principles to improve yields, downtime, safety and cost.
• Ensures programs educate and motivate employees to achieve a culture of continuous improvement.
• Directs and develops a team responsible for the optimization, design, and implementation of manufacturing processes, equipment, or plants.
• Utilize engineering principles and data analysis to reduce variation in manufacturing processes, thereby improving operating safety and efficiency in various parameters – proper production rates, yields, downtime, cost, etc.
• Lead project teams, developing business case and ROI for growth. Devise project plans to manage projects from inception to control including the development of audit KPIs to ensure process improvement is stable and sustainable.
• Develop and optimize process settings and document detailed instructions/training aids for processes as Stand Operating Procedures (SOP).
• Utilizes Six Sigma/Lean methodologies and typically is certified as a Six Sigma Black Belt.
• Evaluate data to implement technological improvements in production processes, develops and implements innovative solutions; research and recommend new manufacturing technology.

Requirements

• Certified Lean/Six Sigma Black Belt.
• Demonstrated experience leading CI programs and projects.
• Knowledge of food safety and regulatory requirements for food safety and equipment highly desired.
• 15+ years of demonstrated experience implementing a continuous improvement and Lean culture in a food manufacturing environment.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Certified ScrumMaster (CSM).
• Ability to communicate technical concepts through various methods to various audiences.
• Ability to build trust and work collaboratively across all levels of the organization.

Spreading Joy Through Food!

Here at Utz, our goal is to manufacture and sell the best possible products with a commitment to customer satisfaction that is second to none. Our iconic family of brands includes Utz, Keystone Pretzels, Festida Foods, Golden Flake, Zapps, Bachman, Good Health, TGI Friday’s, and Jax. We pride ourselves on our pleasant working environment, challenging opportunities, career growth and competitive wages. We also offer an attractive benefit package that includes medical, prescription, dental and vision plans, an employer match 401k, profit sharing plan and more. Come grow with the Utz Family of Brands!

An Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.