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 seeking a Senior Director, Manufacturing Excellence, to lead enterprise-wide Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) efforts and elevate operational performance across our manufacturing network. This role can be based in Hopkins, MN or can be remote based in a Midwest city. This leader has 50-75% travel to plant locations.
This is a highly visible leadership role responsible for driving TPM pillar implementation, strengthening cross-functional alignment, and embedding a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and results. The ideal candidate brings deep TPM expertise, strong business acumen, and a proven ability to influence and lead change at scale.
What you will do:
- Lead the development, deployment, and sustainability of TPM strategy across all manufacturing sites, with a focus on AM, PM, and FI pillars
- Partner cross-functionally with Safety, Operations, Maintenance, Quality, and HR to drive alignment and embed continuous improvement practices
- Establish performance standards, metrics, and governance to ensure TPM initiatives deliver measurable operational and financial results
- Drive cultural transformation by in person, hands on coaching with leaders and teams to adopt TPM principles and build ownership, accountability, and problem-solving capability
- Identify and prioritize improvement opportunities, translating strategy into actionable plans that enhance reliability, efficiency, and product quality
- Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leadership, influencing decision-making and aligning stakeholders around enterprise manufacturing excellence goals
- Lead & develop a team of engineers acting as business interface and technical subject matter experts in CI and Reliability
What you will bring:
- 12+ years of progressive experience in manufacturing, operations, or continuous improvement leadership roles
- Deep expertise in TPM implementation, including Autonomous Maintenance (AM), Preventative Maintenance (PM), and Focused Improvement (FI) pillars
- Strong background in Lean Six Sigma and process improvement methodologies
- Proven ability to lead large-scale change initiatives and influence across all levels of the organization without direct authority
- Strong business acumen, strategic agility, and hands-on experience in production and maintenance environments
- Exceptional leadership, coaching, communication, and interpersonal skills with a track record of building high-performing teams and partnerships
What we offer:
The base salary range for this position is $153,000 - $255,000 annually with eligibility for a 35% annual incentive bonus, which is based on organizational performance. The salary range represents numerous factors considered in the hiring decisions including, but not limited to education, skills, work experience, certifications, geography etc. As such, starting pay for the successful candidate(s) could 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.
The employing subsidiaries of Schwan's Company are Equal Employment Opportunity Employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, age, race, color, religion, gender, vet status, national origin, or other protected class.
Skills Required
- 12+ years of progressive experience in manufacturing, operations, or continuous improvement leadership roles
- Deep expertise in TPM implementation, including AM, PM, and FI pillars
- Strong background in Lean Six Sigma and process improvement methodologies
- Proven ability to lead large-scale change initiatives
- Strong business acumen and strategic agility
- Exceptional leadership, coaching, communication, and interpersonal skills
What We Do
As one of the fastest-growing leaders and producers in North America’s food industry, Schwan’s Company is dedicated to bringing people and cultures together through global flavors and delicious ethnic cuisine. Our commitment to this is reflected in the innovative foods we produce, our iconic brands and through a team of exceptional talent. Today, as a subsidiary of CJ CheilJedang, Schwan’s is a fast-paced, forward-thinking company that’s on its way to bigger and better things. We are a leading food marketer, with trusted brands like RED BARON®, FRESCHETTA®, BIG DADDY'S™ and TONY'S™ pizza, EDWARDS® and MRS. SMITH'S® desserts, and BIBIGO® and PAGODA® Asian-style foods. And, with manufacturing operations in California, Kansas, Kentucky, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania and Texas, we are well-prepared to deliver a great experience to our consumers wherever they shop and eat.
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