Continuous Improvement Manager at Kellogg Company

Description: 

• We began our journey in South Africa in 1923 when the first cereals were sold. The first cereals manufacturing facility in Springs Gauteng was opened in 1948.
• We take pride in making delicious foods that people love – foods that are sourced, produced, and marketed responsibly.
• Our beloved brands include Kellogg's, Corn Flakes, All-Bran®, Special K®, Rice Krispies®, Coco Pops®, Strawberry Pops®, Granola, Pringles® Cereal Bars and Instant Noodles. As part of our Kellogg’s® Better Days purpose platform, we’re helping to end hunger and are committed to creating Better Days for 3 billion people by the end of 2030.
• The Continuous Improvement Manager leads the Plant organization through the phase progression of KWS (Kellogg Work System) by building organization capability to use a set of tools and methodology for achieving sustainable results performance. This role is an internal strategy consultant to the plant working directly with the Plant Manager and Site leadership team on capabilities needed to drive the Compelling Business Needs.  The role will be directly responsible for the KWS function in South Africa and will also be responsible for driving the same. This position is based in Springs South Africa.

Reporting to the Supply Chain Director, key role responsibilitie will include:

• Owning the annual Strategy Development and Deployment process for the long term site plan (CBN), Strategies and Master Plan
• Conducts regular assessments against the KWS phase progression criteria with the Leadership Team, identifies gaps and puts actions in place to close the gaps.
• Provides training, coaching and consultation on the KWS tools and methodologies. 
• Acquires knowledge of KWS, lean manufacturing and industry “best in class” manufacturing operations practices to serve as a subject matter expert.
• Leads the Plant KWS team which consist of Center Of Excellence Leaders (Plant Leadership Team members)
• Establishes the appropriate Center Teams based on Plant needs and KWS Phase progression.
• Regular audits to: 
  • Identify and recognise areas of KWS compliance.
  • Identify, recognise and implement KWS “best practices”
  • Identify areas of opportunity & work with plant to correct.
• Works with other plants to identify, develop and implement KWS “best practices”
• Leads ongoing cross-functional teams to conduct plant savings opportunities analyses.
• Ensure that the KWS program leads to sustainable results on OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness), Yield, EHS, QFS, Variable Cost Reduction and Engaged People teams.
• Owns Technician Training and development systems in support of Technician Progression
• Responsible for Site Daily Meeting Cadence with Tier 1-4 meetings and insures they are healthy for results sustainability
• To guard standards and regulations on EHS, QFS and other fundamentals by participating in and coaching during Leader Led Observations, Safety 7, Golden 6, and other EHS and QFS activities. Provide support and involvement in all internal and external audits. (Refer to the Appendix EHS & QFS for detailed Roles & Responsibilities).
• The incumbent is required to work effectively in a fast-paced high-pressure environment. Understands and meets internal and external business needs with professionalism and a sense of urgency. Must be able to balance conflicting priorities and still provide the organisation with clear direction and focus.
• While working in manufacturing facilities, it is required to 100% comply with all plant-specific/Kellogg personal safety, food safety and regulatory compliance policies. The work assignments may include shift work in a noisy and dusty environment.
• Kellogg Company’s reputation is held in high regard, the incumbent will work in an environment that prides itself on protecting this reputation by ensure our products are of premium quality to maintain customer satisfaction.
   

Required Education, skills and experience:-

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering and 12-14 years related experience
• Effective communication (both written and verbally) and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated “change agent” skills, inclusive of influence management, project management, vision development, and people motivation skills.
• Demonstrated ability to identify and leverage internal and external technical resources.
• Demonstrated ability to coach and consult multiple organisational levels from the plant floor to supply chain senior leadership.
• Experience with manufacturing & enterprise systems.
• Proven problem-solving skills inclusive of Root Cause Analysis, Kaizen, and Conflict Resolution.
• Proficiency with computers, and computer software including Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, and Excel).
• Experience with Lean methodology
• Previous Manufacturing Operations Management.