CI Manager

SunOpta is seeking a seasoned CI Manager to lead business process improvement and waste elimination activities, ensuring operational excellence within the Plant and assigned functional areas. This role drives a learning culture that embraces standardized work, implementation flow, problem-solving, and strategy deployment through Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) methodology.

• Lead, teach, and coach TPM pillars through tools such as OPL, Centerlines, CIL, VMB, Fuguai, 5S, etc.
• Establish and standardize business and operational processes through facilitated work sessions, process & tool development, and process pilots.
• Facilitate Kaizens, brainstorming sessions, workshops, problem-solving sessions, and process mapping exercises to bring alignment, extract knowledge, and improve performance.
• Monitor business and operational performance through metrics, identifies gaps in performance, and facilitates problem-solving activities to close performance gaps.
• Train, coach, and facilitate continuous improvement tools and methodologies such as lean, six sigma, kaizen, quality, and process management.
• Lead and execute improvement projects across or within functions/operational sites via Lean, Six Sigma, or similar methodology.
• Facilitate flow of information/processes/procedures and helps troubleshoot and resolve issues.
• Adheres to company GMP's (good manufacturing practices), safety procedures, and all other quality processes.
• Works with management to ensure effective organizational design and that role is correctly organized, defined, documented, and communicated to all employees.
• Ensures effective safety procedures, tools, and record keeping are managed through site leadership.
• Wear PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) when required.
• All other duties, as assigned.

• Bachelor's degree in business or related field.
• 5 years related experience in a CI Manager role or related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination or education and experience.
• 2 years of experience working with and understanding TPM principles and methods.
• Must have a working knowledge or MS Word, MS PowerPoint, and be proficient with MS Excel.
• Outstanding verbal, written, and communications skills including facilitation and public-speaking experience.

• Lean/Six Sigma Green, Black, or Master Black Belt or equivalent training and/or certification.
• Project Management experience in a manufacturing/cross-functional environment.

• Outstanding verbal, written, multi-tasking, and presentation skills.
• Ability to create momentum and foster organizational change.
• Bilingual in Spanish.
• Experience with Ceridian.
• Candidate must be an experienced leader that can work with groups to apply continuous improvement concepts and principles across an organization.
• Must have an inherent data-based approach with the ability to plan, acquire, analyze, and interpret Operations and business data to drive improvements and provide direction/focus.
• Candidate must have a continuous improvement/problem-solving mindset and experience.
• Demonstrated ability to lead large teams in reviews, process improvement events, and/or Kaizens as well as leading training and providing coaching support.
• Possess a disciplined approach to project execution with a track record of positive hard and behavioral results.
• Self-motivated/driven and able to create enthusiasm for improvement initiatives.
• Must have a working knowledge of MS Word and MS PowerPoint software and be proficient with MS Excel software.

• Travel: Approximately 10% to various SunOpta locations for meetings and other job-related functions.
• Location: This position will be our SunOpta Plant in Midlothian, TX.
• Work Environment: Approximately 50% of the work is performed in an office environment; 50% of work may involve being in a manufacturing/production environment.