Senior Continuous Improvement Manager

job purpose

The Senior Continuous Improvement Manager serves as a strategic leader and architect of Fairlife’s Operational Excellence (Op‑Ex) framework, driving enterprise‑level transformation and sustainable performance improvement at the Webster, NY site. This senior role is accountable for shaping long‑term Continuous Improvement (CI) strategy, elevating operational capabilities, and embedding a culture of excellence that advances safety, quality, productivity, and financial outcomes.

Acting as a senior change agent, this leader influences cross‑functional direction, mentors CI practitioners, and ensures alignment between site‑level initiatives and Fairlife’s broader organizational goals. The ideal candidate brings deep technical mastery, proven leadership in large‑scale transformation, and the ability to inspire cultural change through vision, influence, and disciplined execution.

responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Transformation

• Lead the strategic deployment of the Operational Excellence framework across the site, ensuring alignment with fairlife’s enterprise CI roadmap and long‑term business objectives.
• Partner with senior site and corporate leadership to shape CI strategy, prioritize initiatives, and embed Op‑Ex principles into daily operations and long‑range planning.
• Serve as the senior advisor on Lean, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies, guiding leaders in decision‑making and capability development.

Team Leadership & Talent Development

• Provide senior‑level leadership to the Op‑Ex team, including oversight of CI Practitioners ensuring high performance, engagement, and professional growth.
• Build organizational CI capability by developing structured training programs, coaching leaders at all levels, and establishing clear expectations for CI behaviors and performance.
• Foster a culture of accountability, empowerment, and continuous learning across the site.
• Lead critical and business impactful problem solving initiatives.

Operational Excellence Deployment

• Oversee the design, execution, and governance of CI initiatives, ensuring rigorous project selection, scoping, and prioritization to maximize impact and ROI.
• Lead and facilitate advanced problem‑solving workshops, Kaizen events, and cross‑functional improvement efforts that deliver measurable, sustainable results.
• Champion cultural transformation efforts that embed continuous improvement into the site’s operating rhythm, including daily management systems, tiered accountability, and standard work.

Performance Management & Analytics

• Establish, monitor, and analyze key performance indicators to identify systemic gaps and drive strategic corrective actions.
• Own the Op‑Ex Scorecard and develop multi‑year CI/Kaizen roadmaps aligned with corporate and site‑level objectives.
• Partner with Finance to validate financial impacts, track savings, and ensure transparency of CI‑related value creation.

Stakeholder Engagement & Communication

• Present insights, progress updates, and strategic recommendations to senior leadership and cross‑functional stakeholders.
• Advocate for the Operational Excellence brand across Fairlife, promoting alignment, engagement, and enthusiasm for CI initiatives.
• Provide ongoing cross‑functional coaching to strengthen CI deployment and ensure consistent application of Op‑Ex tools and methodologies.

skills/qualifications required:

Technical Expertise

• Advanced proficiency in daily visual management systems, tiered accountability, problem solving, standard work, and SMED.
• Strong analytical and process‑driven mindset with the ability to interpret complex data and translate insights into action.
• Expertise in Lean, Six Sigma, and structured problem‑solving methodologies; certifications strongly preferred.

Leadership & Influence

• Demonstrated ability to lead high‑performing teams and influence leaders at all organizational levels.
• Exceptional communication, facilitation, and presentation skills.
• Proven ability to drive cultural change, resolve conflict, and make sound decisions in dynamic environments.
• Strong organizational and project management capabilities.

Team Management Qualifications

• Experience building, developing, and leading high‑performing CI teams.
• Ability to set clear expectations, create development plans, and foster a culture of accountability.
• Skilled in coaching, mentoring, and elevating CI practitioners.

Experience Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, business, or a technical discipline required.
• 7–12+ years of progressive experience in continuous improvement, operational excellence, or related fields.
• Demonstrated success leading large‑scale CI initiatives and deploying Lean/Six Sigma methodologies.
• Experience in strategy development, planning, and budgeting.
• Proficiency in MS Office (Project, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Visio) and data visualization tools (PowerBI, Tableau, or equivalent).
• Experience training and coaching others in Lean/Six Sigma tools and principles.

working conditions & physical requirements:

• Ability to sit, stand, and walk for 8–10 hours.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Reaching and bending as needed.
• Minimal exposure to hazards.

food safety requirements:

• Notify supervision of any repairs or adjustments that are required that may affect product quality or food safety.
• Understand, observe, and comply with the handling and usage of the color-coded container policy while in the Production Areas.
• Perform all duties necessary to meet Company, Customer and/or Government requirements/standards as prioritized by the Company.
• Ability to initiate action to prevent the occurrence of nonconformities relating to Food Safety and the Quality of the product, processes, quality system, or safety system.
• Identify and record any problems relating to Food Safety and the Quality of the ingredients, processes, quality system, or safety system.
• Control further processing or delivery of nonconforming product in terms of Food Safety and Quality issues until the deficiency or unsatisfactory condition has been corrected.
• In the event of absence, another employee with the same skill level will assume the duties and responsibilities as required.

how fairlife nourishes you:

At fairlife, we believe in better — and that includes how we support our people. We offer a comprehensive suite of benefits and wellbeing resources designed to support you physically, emotionally, socially, and financially, both in and out of work.

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Supplemental health plans (hospital indemnity, accident, and critical illness insurance)
• Paid Time Off to recharge and support work-life balance
• Paid parental leave & adoption assistance (up to $10,000)
• Parental support & family care benefits, including childcare resources and lactation support
• 401(k) to support retirement planning with up to 9% in employer match
• Wellness reimbursement (up to $500 for qualified wellbeing expenses)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for emotional wellbeing and work-life support
• Company-paid life insurance and short-term disability
• Employer HSA funding (for HDHP participants)
• Tuition reimbursement (up to $10,000) and student loan repayment ($200/month)
• Learning & development programs to unlock your full potential
• Rewards & recognition, matching gifts, free product, and Business Resource Groups

fairlife’s nour!sh program is designed to meet you where you are — supporting your individual wellbeing journey while enabling you to do your best work every day.

position location: Webster, NY

reports to: Director of Continuous Improvement

travel requirements: ~10%

exempt/nonexempt: Exempt