POSITION:                   Continuous Improvement Lead

LOCATION:                  North Kansas City

REPORTS TO:              Continuous Improvement Manager           

The Continuous Improvement Lead is responsible for Leading the continuous improvement process, providing technical support including process studies, problem solving, and process optimization. Lead the implementation, sustainability, and improvements of the Ingredion Performance System (IPS) at the unit level.

Core Responsibilities:

• Support the implementation of the CI/IPS management system and other CI/IPS related activities, while assuring the sustainability of Management System tools, like routine dashboards, OEE measurement, and others routine indicators.
• Deliver Management System training that includes concepts, tools, and deliverables, to achieve awareness and facilitate CI/IPS adoption and cultural change.
• Help establish baseline of main KPI’s and support the unit leadership team during the target setting according to regional, financial, and functional goals.
• Maintain an improvement plan / project portfolio (Safety, Quality, Service, Cost Reduction, etc.) through gap analysis to recommend implement process improvements to drive unit target achievement and organizational effectiveness.
• Support diverse cost reduction, productivity enhancement and Safety/Quality improvement targets for the plant (PDCA, LSS, Kaizen, etc.).
• Act as a liaison between manufacturing plant and production technology (IT) team
• Support the plant team to achieve their Sustainability goals using CI tools
• Participate in regional, and local Manufacturing Excellence and CI team regional meetings to identify new practices for the plant success.
• Evaluate new technologies and ideas and seek approval for new concepts to improve the efficiency and the capability of the process, the safety of the facility, and improve product quality.
• Help drive implementation of digital OEE system and reporting for the unit
• Facilitate Kaizen events, Ideation workshops, RCA studies and other CI activities that support plant performance enhancement.
• Leverage analytical and problem-solving skills to support plant management on the identification of key success drivers and execution of improvement objectives.
• Lead/act like change agent to achieve continuous improvement and performance focused culture, though collaboration with all business and functional units in the region to ensure alignment of improvement initiative.
• Work collaboratively with the Plant leaders to multiply knowledge in CI methodologies and act as changing agent of the culture.
• Support employee training in the proper application of Continuous Improvement and IPS concepts.
• Coach and mentor plant teams/ individuals to ensure successful completion of IPS implementation and CI activities
• Support preparation of skill matrix deployment as part of Management System – People

Qualified candidates will have:

Mandatory requirements:

• (4) year Bachelor’s degree required
• Experience in Process/Industrial manufacturing
• Trained in Lean Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing Practices and SPC. Green Belt/Black Belt certification desired
• Demonstrated knowledge of manufacturing and unit operations relevant to the corn wet milling industry, manufacturing fundamentals, key process indicator analytics
• Strong knowledge of digital systems including OEE, integrated action tracking, and KPI reporting.
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft tools such as PowerApps, PowerBI, and Power Automate preferred

Desirable requirements:

• Experience working in and supporting lean management systems
• Green Belt certification desired but not required
• Prefer 1-3 years of continuous improvement experience
• Experience implementing OEE, electronic paperwork, or other digital process improvement solutions

Required behaviors and skills:

• Demonstrated self-starter with strong leadership skills and a high degree of integrity.
• Utilization of data and facts to articulate the need for change and build commitment from others.
• Organization, prioritization, and decision making.
• Communicate effectively.
• Ethics and corporate values.
• Result-driven with urgency.
• Deliver our strategy.
• Proactive, innovative, and strong will to succeed.
• High discipline in routine execution.

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We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. Ingredion seeks to provide a work environment that is free from harassment and discrimination. We will not tolerate any form of discrimination based on race, color, religion, age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, handicap or disability—mental or physical—marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status, disability resulting from military service, or any other classification protected by law (“protected classifications”). We are committed to establishing and maintaining a work environment where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.

Ingredion provides accommodations to job applicants with disabilities throughout the hiring process. If a job applicant requires an accommodation during the application process or through the selection process, we will work with the applicant to meet the job applicant's accommodation needs.

Relocation Available:

Yes, Within Country