Continuous Improvement Manager - Home Chef

We are looking for an exceptional people leader who can coach our plant employees to create a vision for lean operations and drive lasting, impactful change at our production facilities. We are seeking a no-nonsense, hands-on leader to enable systematic improvements in all areas of fulfillment, from light assembly and inventory management, to implementing enterprise-wide technology (e.g., WMS). The ideal candidate will be able to lead insightful, rapid problem-solving to unlock value; they will be equally comfortable to see through tactical change on the shop floor and in the warehouse. This role is a unique opportunity to put their mark on driving best-in-class lean operational practices and build a high-skill, impact-led team at a fast-paced start-up.

Distinctive performers will have ample opportunities to grow and progress quickly in our rapidly expanding operations organization. The Continuous Improvement Manager reports directly to the fulfillment center's Plant Director.  We invest heavily in our people at Home Chef, and we are looking for leaders who are effective and efficient managers, but also role models and mentors.

Lead Site CI Initiatives

• Develop a plan for continuous improvement across all plant functions; prioritize initiatives through impact and feasibility in partnership with department leaders , corporate resources, peers at the other fulfillment centers, and the Plant Director.
• Identify needs and opportunities for greater efficiency and effectiveness in the end-to-end fulfillment process through on-site observation and cross-functional brainstorming sessions
• Support initiatives tied to clear financial and operational targets
• Drive impactful, lasting change through continuous improvement initiatives by working alongside managers, team leads and hourly associates
• Reinforcing best-practices and SOPs through day-to-day coaching and training in core business processes (e.g., production planning, ingredient portioning, labor scheduling)
• Advocate for initiatives and present business results in plant management meetings.

Site Operational Excellence Program liaison and Management Systems Pillar Lead

• Create schedule for operational excellence audits in partnership with site and National CI team
• Work with site and National CI team to prioritize and implement Management Systems best practices in accordance with the Home Chef Operational Excellence program

Participate in HC Network CI planning and execution

• Collaborate closely to implement initiatives with operations technology, procurement, food safety & quality, operations analytics, HR and, most importantly, plant fulfillment
• Act as a partner to share best practices across facilities, with the aim of building a unified "One Home Chef" approach to fulfillment
• Report out metrics and improvement initiatives to National CI team
• Participate in network Kaizen events and act as site lead

Qualifications:
The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, ability and/or other characteristics needed for this role. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities.

• You are an amazing leader who creates energy, lives integrity, leads change, creates a vision, and inspires people to achieve goals, in a fast-paced, high-urgency Customer-First environment.
• Completion of a four-year degree program in a related field: Engineering
• You are impact-driven first and foremost; you live and breathe performance management through KPIs, and your passion is to make change stick in partnership with the plant managers, department leaders, and employees.
• You have a proven track record of achievement in change management and lean operations, through day-to-day coaching, instilling new practices and tools, and building enthusiasm to reach stretch targets (1-2 years' experience in lean/six sigma preferred).
• You have a strong interest in the meal kit industry and a passion for delivering the best possible products to our consumers.
• You ideally have experience driving complex initiatives with multiple stakeholders across functions in a fast-paced environment.
• You are extremely comfortable in a plant environment, in refrigerated conditions below 40 degrees.

More About Us

Perks and benefits

• Candidates can experience Home Chef as a customer - enter promo code PEOPLE30 for $30 off your first order!
• Medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance available
• Paid holidays, sick time and vacation time
• 401k program
• Flexible spending accounts for qualified medical, dependent care, parking, or transit expenses

How We Work Together

We are humble team players.
We are warm and gracious with team members and customers. We seek feedback to improve ourselves - and respectfully listen to and accept input.

We are pragmatic next-level thinkers.
We come up with novel and unique ideas. We explore new strategies to avoid being constrained by conventional thinking.

We take ownership.
We approach ambiguous problems, prepared to dive in, get curious, and learn more. We are results-driven, always challenging ourselves to exceed goals.

Be at Home at Home Chef

We all show up authentically at Home Chef. Our team includes individuals with a variety of identities, backgrounds, and perspectives. You can trust that you'll be able to bring your whole self to an inclusive and enjoyable workplace.

We welcome people of all races, colors, religions, national origin or ancestry, sex (including sexual identity), age, physical or mental disabilities, pregnancy, veteran or military status, unfavorable discharge from military service, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, order of protection status, citizenship status, arrest record or expunged/sealed convictions, or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state, or local law.

Home Chef is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Home Chef will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact our People team at hr@homechef.com.