Continuous Improvement Senior Manager

If you're someone who has a genuine desire to help people live better and healthier lives, join us as we work to be a trusted resource in our communities, offering real people, real food at real affordable prices across the Midwest. If you are ready to immerse yourself in an environment that helps shoppers naturally, intuitively, and enjoyably find real, honest, affordable goodness to meet them wherever they are on their wellness journey, we'd like to hear from you. Join us to begin YOUR journey and be a part of the Fresh Thyme Market Team!Fresh Thyme RewardsWeekly payScheduling flexibilityPaid parental leaveTeam member discountCareer growth opportunitiesAre you passionate about the retail grocery market and organic products? Are you a leader? Are you ready to join one of the fastest growing companies in the retail grocery market? If so, Fresh Thyme Farmers Market is the place for you! Our unique business model, fast-paced and growing environment, promote-from-within culture, and excellent benefits make Fresh Thyme the best employer in the grocery market. Careers have been blooming at Fresh Thyme since our inception in 2012 - yours should be no different!The successful Continuous Improvement Sr. Manager must have a passion for not being satisfied with the status quo. The Continuous Improvement Sr. Manager is responsible for using Lean Six Sigma principles to drive continuous improvement initiatives and operational excellence through leadership of the Continuous Improvement Specialist team. This role works directly with the Senior Leadership Team to recommend cross-company initiatives and leads the Continuous Improvement Specialist team in planning, scheduling, and implementing continuous improvement activities for the organization.This role follows a hybrid schedule: Monday-Wednesday in Downer's Grove IL office, Thursday-Friday remote. Travel 50%+.Essential Duties & ResponsibilitiesLead, coach, mentor and train the Continuous Improvement Specialist team through all aspects of the employee life cycle; to include talent acquisition, onboarding, training, development, performance reviews, etc.Using tools, research, data, and trends to implement strategic recommendations of cross-company improvement focus areas and initiatives to support company growth and plan attainment.Clearly define program objectives and scope, evaluate, and prioritize potential improvements based on gains and required effort.Lead team through data collection and analysis to identify opportunities for process improvement, waste removal, and cost reduction for operational processes, procedure, and performance using evaluation tools.Assists with development and implements strategic plans that outline the tasks, schedules, budget, resources, and milestones needed to achieve the multi-period and multi-year company goals.Plan, facilitate, and execute continuous improvement events using Lean Six Sigma tools and methodologies (RCA, DMAIC, Process Tree Diagrams, Impact/Difficulty Matrix, etc.) to drive sustainable operational improvements.Responsible for continuously improving processes and leading CI projects targeted at improving Sales Goals, Inventory Levels, and Department Margins - delivering the project results on time. Question until root cause is identified, insist visibility to identified issue, lead problem-solving.Acting change agent in the organization by motivating change and implementing continuous improvement processes, while applying and improving existing methodologies.Resolve technical problems such as equipment, product, reporting, technology, and resource availability. Specifying obstacles and ways to overcome them through continuous improvement.Provide project updates to the leadership team and project stakeholders highlighting project status, adherence to the project time plan, work accomplished, quick wins, points of escalation, elements of risk and the associated mitigation plans.Lead the standardization changes across the organization with the support of key business partners and the Continuous Improvement team.Collaborate cross-functionally to coordinate efforts, share information, and ensure the successful integration of process.Provide subject matter expertise to provide valuable insights and recommendations to effectively and expeditiously problem-solve.Advanced ability to navigate ongoing change in project scope, priorities, and ways of working to meet the needs of the business.Other duties as assigned.What You Bring with You (Qualifications):Bachelor's Degree or equivalent required. Master's Degree or equivalent preferred.5+ years in Lean Six Sigma/Project Management required (Lean Six Sigma, Green Belt required, Black Belt preferred)3+ years in direct report leadership experience requiredStrong working knowledge of Microsoft Suite, including advanced skills with ExcelDemonstrated ability to work in high-paced and changing environmentsMetric-use to link projects to strategic operational objectivesExcellent verbal communication and interpersonal skills for maintaining effective business relationships with peers, senior management, customers, and vendors.Experienced strategic, forward-thinking, creative leader with high ethical standards and demonstrated sound judgment.Ability to set short and long-range goals with action steps for accomplishing results.Demonstrated ability to work effectively with people of diverse backgrounds and promote a positive working environment, spirit of cooperation, and positive reactions to change and conflict resolution.Ability to work varied hours/days as business dictates.Prolonged sitting and standing,No regular lifting requirements, occasional lifting up to 25 pounds.

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