Job Description
Our client has expertise in FMCG and has operated in Thailand for more than 18 years.
Role Overview
The Continuous Improvement Manager will be responsible for driving operational and equipment efficiencies, optimizing manufacturing processes, and delivering cost savings in a food manufacturing environment. This role requires building manufacturing capability, implementing best practices, and applying continuous improvement methodologies to enhance overall performance. The ideal candidate will have experience in Six Sigma, Statistical Process Control (SPC), and problem-solving tools like SMED (Single-Minute Exchange of Die) to improve process efficiency. You will be working within a multinational, multi-time zone environment and collaborating with various teams to ensure the effective implementation of initiatives and the sustainability of improvements.
Responsibilities
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Operational and Equipment Efficiency Improvement
- Leading continuous improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing operational and equipment efficiencies across the manufacturing process.
- Utilizing Six Sigma, SMED, and other process improvement methodologies to reduce downtime, optimize resource utilization, and improve overall process cycle time.
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Cost Savings and Process Optimization
- Developing and implementing strategies to reduce operational costs through process optimization, equipment improvements, and waste reduction.
- Leading the implementation of process changes that lead to sustainable cost reductions and productivity gains.
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Building Manufacturing Capability
- Facilitating training and development programs to build continuous improvement capabilities within the manufacturing team.
- Coaching and mentoring production staff on CI methodologies, including Six Sigma, SPC, and Lean principles, to foster a culture of operational excellence.
- Ensuring that manufacturing teams are equipped with the skills, knowledge, and tools required to implement and sustain improvement efforts.
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Data-Driven Decision Making
- Utilizing data from ERP systems (e.g., SAP) and other performance tracking tools to assess operational efficiency, identify trends, and drive decision-making.
- Leading root cause analysis using tools like SPC and Six Sigma to identify process deviations and implement corrective actions.
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SMED and Problem-Solving Leadership
- Implementing and leading SMED (Single-Minute Exchange of Die) initiatives to reduce changeover times, increase production flexibility, and improve overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).
- Applying structured problem-solving methods such as DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control) to drive improvements in quality, efficiency, and cost control.
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Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Working closely with cross-functional teams, including operations, engineering, quality, and supply chain, to ensure alignment and successful implementation of CI projects.
- Coordinating with teams across different time zones, ensuring seamless communication and collaboration.
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Stakeholder Reporting and Communication
- Communicating improvement progress, challenges, and outcomes to senior leadership and key stakeholders.
- Preparing and presenting reports and presentations on continuous improvement projects, highlighting key achievements, cost savings, and operational improvements.
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Compliance and Quality Assurance
- Ensuring that all continuous improvement initiatives comply with industry standards, food safety regulations, and company quality standards.
- Integrating quality management systems (QMS) into process improvements to ensure product quality and regulatory compliance are maintained throughout.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering, manufacturing engineering, or a technical/business field.
- More than 5 years of continuous improvement experience in a manufacturing environment.
- More than 2 years of leadership experience managing direct reports.
- Knowledge of ERP, SAP, and Six Sigma.
- Food manufacturing background preferred.