- Select/apply appropriate CI tools to improve line capacity, line efficiency, process reliability, mean time between failure and other key measures
- Apply Lean Six Sigma tools and the DMAIC process to complete projects with annual savings and provide technical expertise to support root cause analysis process
- Create control plans to produce sustainable gains
- Lead teams to solve problems, eliminate waste and reduce variation
- Participate in all relevant aspects of project management initiatives and support commissioning, qualification and verification for capital projects
- Mentor/coach teams on CI and Lean/Six Sigma methodology
- Utilize Kroger downtime system to identify/prioritize improvement opportunities
- Develop/ leverage collaborative relationships to achieve work goals
- Identify and understand issues and opportunities; compare data from different sources to draw conclusions, use effective approaches for choosing a course of action, & take action that is consistent with available facts, constraints, & probable consequences
- Travel occasionally to attend CI training and CI leader conferences
- Follow established programs, policies and practices to produce safe quality foods that meet regulatory and company requirements
- Accountable to the Kroger Manufacturing Food Safety and Quality Principles
- Must be able to perform the essential job functions of this position with or without reasonable accommodation
- Must be able to work around ingredients and/or finished products known to contain food allergens
Qualifications
Minimum
- Bachelor's Degree engineering or a related field, or equivilant experience
- 2+ years of proven, successful leadership of teams
- Manufacturing experience
- Ability to guide a teams to collectively create actionable solutions
- Ability to remain flexible and adjust promptly and effectively during times of change
- Proven ability to leverage the capabilities and insights of individuals with diverse styles, abilities and motivations to achieve strong results
- Proficient in Microsoft Office
- Achieve Black Belt certification
- Strong negotiation, oral and written communication skills
- Strong mathematical, analytical and conceptual skills, balanced by ability to apply common sense
Desired
- Experience developing/reengineering business processes from current to future state
- Black Belt certified and level 8 requirements complete as outlined in the CI training manual (pay level - 8)
- Green Belt certified and level 7 requirements completed as outlined in the CI training manual (pay level - 7)
- Experience with Lean or Six Sigma implementation and project management
- Training or exposure to statistical analysis
What you’ll receive from us:
The Kroger Family of Companies offers comprehensive benefits to support your Associate Well-Being, including Physical, Emotional, Financial and more. We'll help you thrive, with access to:
- A wide range of healthcare coverage, including affordable, comprehensive medical, dental, vision and prescription coverage, through company plans or collective bargaining agreement plans.
- Flexible scheduling in full- and part-time roles with paid time off, including holiday and sick pay based on eligibility and length of service.
- Emotional and financial support with free counseling through our Employee Assistance Program and free, confidential financial tools and coaching with Goldman Sachs Ayco.
- Valuable associate discounts on purchases, including food, travel, technology and so much more.
- Up to $21,000 in tuition reimbursement over your career, through our industry-leading Continuing Education program.
- Vast potential for growth, through an abundance of industry-leading training programs and diverse career pathways.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field, or equivalent experience
- 2+ years of proven leadership of teams
- Manufacturing experience
- Ability to guide teams to create actionable solutions
- Ability to remain flexible and adjust promptly during change
- Proven ability to leverage diverse individuals to achieve results
- Proficient in Microsoft Office
- Achieve Black Belt certification
- Strong negotiation, oral and written communication skills
- Strong mathematical, analytical and conceptual skills
- Experience developing/reengineering business processes
- Black Belt certified and level 8 requirements complete (as outlined in CI manual)
- Green Belt certified and level 7 requirements completed (as outlined in CI manual)
- Experience with Lean or Six Sigma implementation and project management
- Training or exposure to statistical analysis
Kroger Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Kroger and has not been reviewed or approved by Kroger.
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Healthcare Strength — Healthcare coverage in many union divisions has been protected or improved in recent contracts, with some regions avoiding proposed cuts and others expanding spousal coverage and strengthening short‑term disability. Mental‑health resources and 24/7 access are also emphasized, supported by third‑party recognition in recent years.
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Retirement Support — Retirement options include a company 401(k) with a match and, in many union roles, access to pension or variable annuity plans that have been stabilized through recent agreements. Match levels and pension participation vary by division and role, so specifics require local confirmation.
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Wellbeing & Lifestyle Benefits — Education assistance through “Feed Your Future” offers substantial tuition support for both part‑ and full‑time associates, alongside free financial coaching. Perks such as associate discounts and periodic Boost membership offers add incremental value to total rewards.
Kroger Insights
What We Do
At Kroger, we believe no matter who you are or how you like to shop, everyone deserves affordable, easy-to-enjoy, fresh food. This idea is embodied in our simple tagline—Fresh for Everyone™. Kroger ranks as one of the world’s largest retailers. We are nearly half a million associates across 2,800 stores in 35 states operating two dozen grocery retail brands and 34 manufacturing and 44 distribution locations, all dedicated to living our Purpose: to Feed the Human Spirit™. Together, we serve more than 11 million customers daily in our stores and online through convenient e-commerce options like pickup, ship and delivery, serving America through food inspiration and uplift. Customers love Our Brands, including the popular Kroger®, Private Selection® and Simple Truth® brands. Our own manufacturing plants produce many of Our Brands products, including breads, dairy products, meat and thousands of grocery items. We also believe in and are committed to doing our part to create #ZeroHungerZeroWaste communities by 2025.
