Continuous Improvement Manager

Judge Direct Placement is seeking a Continuous Improvement Manager in Modesto, CA area!

Responsibilities:

• Serve as a coach, mentor, and subject matter expert for all Continuous Improvement pillars, partnering closely with site leadership teams.
• Lead and own key CI pillars, including Focused Improvement (FI), Continuous Skills Development (CSD), and Autonomous Manufacturing Development (AMD).
• Partner cross-functionally with Operations, Maintenance, Quality, Supply Chain, and other teams to identify and implement improvement opportunities across the plant.
• Coach and develop teams in data analysis, project prioritization, root cause problem solving, and sustainable corrective actions.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives and projects that deliver measurable results against key business and operational KPIs.
• Promote and reinforce Lean methodologies through ongoing coaching, auditing, and engagement across all functional areas.
• Champion digital transformation initiatives by driving the adoption and optimization of technology and digital tools.
• Collaborate with plant and enterprise Continuous Improvement leaders to standardize best practices, share learnings, and accelerate performance improvements.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree required
• 7+ years of manufacturing operations experience within the food, beverage, or consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience leading TPM, Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or similar continuous improvement programs.
• Leadership experience managing teams, projects, or operational functions; formal people management experience preferred.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing equipment, production systems, and operational processes.
• Demonstrated success driving process optimization, productivity improvements, cost reduction initiatives, and operational excellence programs.
• Proven ability to influence stakeholders, facilitate change, and develop high-performing teams.