Continuous Improvement Director

Manufacturing
Continuous Improvement Director
United States, Dallas
On-site
Permanent Full-Time
Posted: 24 Feb 2025


About the job
At Danone, Manufacturing the best products and supplying them to meet demand is a key driver for our plant teams. We are currently looking to hire a Continuous Improvement Director (IWS Director) based in our Dallas, Texas beverage manufacturing facility! In this role you will be responsible for setting the factory direction to deliver business needs and priorities. You will play a crucial role in integrating IWS (Integrated Work Systems) efforts at the site, ensuring competitive products are delivered efficiently and cost-effectively. You will lead operationally and develop teams to enhance both functional and managerial skills, creating high performance work teams. You will contribute to Danone’s corporate image by establishing the right culture within the facility, relationships with the local community and union representatives. You will also coach and advise line trios and coach and teach on the floor.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS:

Build capabilities of organization around pillars, daily management systems, and equipment owners
Responsible for IWS promotion, communication & education
Drive and coordinate the entire IWS program effectively.
Ensure the establishment of processes that encourage reapplication and adherence to a unified standard across the site.
Lead IWS meetings to address and resolve site-wide issues that impede progress, adjusting pillar focuses as needed.
You will lead site pillar review process – ensure PDCA thought process
Demonstrate excellent communication skills, foster strong relationships, and effectively drive and coordinate the entire IWS program at the plant.
Ensure issues and problems are visible to leadership for prompt resolution.
Daily consultant to site leader, pillar owners, department managers, line trios and equipment owners
Responsible for IWS promotion, communication & education
Ensure work processes are in place to drive reapplication and one common standard
Work closely with other IWS Directors to reapply best practices
Lead IWS meetings – discuss site wide issues that are constraining IWS progress, or adjust pillar focuses
Lead site pillar review process – ensure PDCA thought process
Set the Factory Strategy and Master Plan required to deliver business, manufacturing and people priorities, in conjunction with Danone’s growth and improvement strategies. This includes developing long and short-term performance metrics.
Lead the factory organization on the journey to zero losses.
Accelerate performance rate of improvement, improving KPI's.
Build productivity pipeline to secure cost reduction (Plant and COGS)
Lead IWS coach for the site to support a 24/7 plant operation
Strengthen the factory organization through capability building of all Danoners at the site
Drive organizational development, high performing teams through IWS implementation and progression
Develop internal, talented leaders who can grow within Danone through functional ownership (First Line Leaders and Plant Leadership Team members)
Be a visible and active leader, promotes a favorable and productive culture for all associates
Ensure safety and quality standards are not compromised through the IWS implementation progression
Develop and maintain a strong local talent pipeline and prepare succession planning for all positions
Promote and ensure positive associate and union relations

MAIN INTERFACES:

Plant Management team members
Front Line Leadership and Equipment Owners
Industry peers
Functional Leaders
Suppliers & Partners
External Representatives & Local Authorities

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

Total Frequency Rate & Wise Evolution
Right First Time
Product Conformity & Consumer Complaints
Manufacturing Controllable Cost / COGS Productivity
Customer Service
Operational Efficiency
CO2 reduction through Utilities Consumption and Loss Reduction
Cash > Capex & Inventory
Danone People Survey Scores, Culture & Team Succession Plans
IWS Implementation Progression and Capability Building
Danone North America offers a performance-based bonus and has a strong benefits package including Medical, Dental, Vision, Prescription Drug Coverage, 401k Plan, Wellness Program, Life Insurance, Tuition Reimbursement, Flexible Time Off, and Paid Parental Bonding Leave, among other benefit plan options.


About you
A bachelor's degree in business, engineering, or related field with over 10 years of leadership experience in a manufacturing environment is required.
Experience with a TPM/Lean (Manufacturing) culture is required, while knowledge of IWS work processes and tools is preferred.
Experienced change agent with a background in managing direct reports within a matrix reporting structure. Ability to drive change with a positive attitude and influential style is essential.
Proven track record in enhancing organizational capabilities related to pillars, daily management systems, and equipment owners is a must.
You have experience with budget and cost management and have excellent Project Management experience, required.
Strong influencing skills and the ability to interact effectively with all management levels are crucial.
Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to make decisions in ambiguous situations and adapt to change are necessary.
Process-oriented individual with the ability to establish standards and introduce innovative work methods is a must.
You have the ability to support a 24/7 manufacturing environment as business needs dictate. Work schedules could include days, nights and weekends as needed.

https://careers.danone.com/en-global/jobs/continuous-improvement-director-15521-en-us.html