CI Manager

Guided Search Partners (GSP) is an Executive Search firm built on Trust, Transparency, Specialization, and Long‑term Relationships. We connect high‑performing professionals with organizations that value people, performance, and growth—helping leaders find roles where they can make an impact and build meaningful careers.

We’re partnering with a nationally distributed,
grocery‑focused food manufacturer operating high‑volume, regulated production. This role sits at the center of plant performance—leading efficiency, cost, and throughput improvement work while partnering closely with site leadership and cross‑functional corporate teams.

The operation runs 24/7 in a non‑union environment and is supported by recognized food safety and quality systems (GFSI/SQF; USDA/FDA). This is a strong fit for someone who likes being close to the floor, scorching data to find leverage points, and delivering improvements that actually show up in daily performance—not just Power Points.

Location: Onsite, Midwest footprint (core hours aligned to 1st shift, Monday–Friday; flexibility as needed).

• Identify, prioritize, and lead CI/Lean projects tied to yield, cost, quality, throughput, and capacity.
• Partner with plant leadership to translate data into project plans, milestones, and measurable tracking.
• Facilitate cross‑functional work streams (Quality, Engineering, Supply Chain, R&D) to implement improvements.
• Design and sustain Lean strategies and program elements that match site needs and support growth.
• Deliver CI/Lean training on site and help define training needs and secure resources.
• Coach and influence leaders to drive culture change and sustained adoption (no direct reports).
• Build project scopes, cost estimates, and support capital requests when needed.
• Maintain strong expectations around safety, GMPs, sanitation, and SQF principles in all work.

You’re a practical CI leader who can move between the floor and the spreadsheet with equal confidence. You communicate clearly, influence without authority, and you’re comfortable flexing hours when the business needs you. Most importantly, you make improvements stick—because you’re disciplined, organized, and focused on real outcomes.

• Engineering degree preferred (Mechanical, Chemical, Electrical, or Industrial).
• Experience implementing and sustaining CI programs (Lean, Six Sigma, TPM, SPC, etc.).
• Strength in yield optimization, cost reduction, production efficiency, and quality improvement.
• Black Belt preferred.
• Working knowledge of manufacturing cost calculations and production data/scheduling.
• Ability to work in a plant environment (standing/walking; lifting 25–35 lbs; climbing/reaching as needed).
• Willingness to attend off‑site training as required.

This role directly improves how the plant performs—reducing waste, increasing output, and strengthening execution in a growing, grocery‑focused business. You’ll have meaningful visibility with site leadership and strong collaboration with corporate partners, with the opportunity to lead projects that translate into measurable results.

• Reports to:
  
  Plant Manager
• Key partner:
  Director of Continuous Improvement