Continuous Improvement Manager - Manufacturing

At CJ Schwan’s, we don’t just make food — we help create moments that matter. From kids devouring pizza after soccer practice, to students laughing over dumplings in a cafeteria, to families enjoying pie during the holidays, our team members play an important role in bringing those everyday moments to life. Our portfolio includes iconic pizzas, global flavors and timeless desserts from brands like Red Baron®, bibigo®, Tony’s®, Big Daddy’s®, Freschetta®, Pagoda®, Edwards® and Mrs. Smith’s®. Enjoyed in homes, schools, restaurants and just about everywhere people shop and eat, our products reflect a commitment to quality, innovation and the power of food to bring people together.

We are hiring a Continuous Improvement Manager at our frozen pie factory, and home to our famous Mrs. Smiths and Edward’s brands, in Stilwell, OK.

What You Will Do:

• Lead site-level Lean and Six Sigma strategy by identifying, prioritizing, and delivering high-impact improvement opportunities aligned to business goals.
• Serve as the site CI leader and Lean advocate, partnering with plant leadership to drive a culture of continuous improvement.
• Lead and sponsor cross-functional Kaizen events, DMAIC projects, and process improvement initiatives to eliminate waste and variation.
• Apply statistical analysis and data-driven problem solving to improve safety, quality, delivery, cost, and customer satisfaction.
• Establish and maintain operational standards, including BOM accuracy, routings, and process parameters, in collaboration with Operations and R&D.
• Coach, train, and mentor teams in Lean, Six Sigma, and problem-solving tools to build internal CI capability.
• Empower employees to identify, justify, and prioritize improvement projects using financial and operational impact analysis.
• Own the development, deployment, and sustainment of site CI programs, including governance, metrics, and standard work.
• Lead change management efforts to ensure adoption and long-term sustainment of improvements.
• Provide CI expertise to site and GSC planning, capital prioritization, and performance improvement initiatives.

What We Look For:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field (or equivalent experience); Lean and/or Six Sigma certification preferred.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in manufacturing, process engineering, or continuous improvement; people leadership experience preferred.
• Working knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma, basic statistical analysis tools, industrial processes, and control systems.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional improvement teams and manage multiple projects to cost, schedule, and performance targets.
• Effective communicator with strong facilitation, problem-solving, and stakeholder-influence skills.

What We Offer:
The base salary range for this position is $90,750 to $151,250 annually, with eligibility for a 15% annual incentive bonus based on organizational performance. The range reflects factors such as experience, skills, education, certifications, and location, and starting salary may fall anywhere within the stated range.
Beyond base salary, we offer a competitive Total Rewards package designed to support your overall well-being, including comprehensive health benefits, time off programs, and retirement and financial offerings.

CJ Schwan’s and its subsidiaries are Equal Opportunity Employers. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, disability, veteran status, national origin, or any other protected characteristic. We provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities or sincerely held religious beliefs. For accommodation requests or assistance with the application, please email [email protected].