Continuous Improvement Engineer Lead

Job Description:

At Royal Canin, we believe world-class manufacturing starts with empowered people, strong processes, and a relentless pursuit of continuous improvement.

As a Continuous Improvement Engineer Lead, you'll play a key role in driving operational excellence within our manufacturing operation. Partnering closely with Production Leaders and frontline teams, you'll identify losses, improve equipment reliability, strengthen operational standards, and build the capabilities needed to deliver sustainable business results.

This is a highly visible position with the opportunity to influence plant performance, develop associates, and create lasting impact across safety, quality, productivity, and reliability. The role supports a dedicated production area and serves as a leader in driving operational excellence initiatives throughout the value stream.

What are we looking for?

Minimum:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Food Engineering, Manufacturing, or a related technical discipline preferred.
• Minimum three years of manufacturing, engineering, continuous improvement, project leadership, or operations leadership experience.
• Demonstrated success implementing and sustaining continuous improvement initiatives that deliver measurable business results.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and root cause problem-solving skills.
• Ability to influence others, drive change, and build strong partnerships across functions.

Preferred:

• Experience within food, beverage, pet food, consumer packaged goods, or high-speed manufacturing environments.
• Experience leading projects, teams, or cross-functional initiatives.
• Knowledge of TPM, Lean Manufacturing, Autonomous Maintenance, Manufacturing Excellence, or Operational Excellence systems. Experience utilizing Power BI, SAP, and manufacturing performance analytics tools.

What will be your key responsibilities?

• Lead Daily Management Systems execution within the assigned production area while driving operational discipline and accountability.
• Analyze manufacturing performance data to identify opportunities, eliminate losses, and improve operational performance.
• Develop and execute action plans that improve equipment reliability, reduce downtime, and increase production efficiency.
• Drive loss elimination initiatives through structured problem-solving and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Lead Autonomous Maintenance and process improvement teams focused on increasing equipment effectiveness and developing associate capability.
• Facilitate value stream discussions and align teams around priorities, actions, and performance objectives.
• Partner with Production Leaders to establish standards, coach associates, and develop frontline team capability.
• Support and champion safety, quality, and operational excellence initiatives throughout the production area.
• Provide leadership and direction to Area Coordinators, including coaching, development, and performance management support.

What can you expect from Mars?

• Work with talented associates in a collaborative and purpose-driven environment guided by the Five Principles of Mars.
• Make a visible impact on a world-class manufacturing operation.
• Access industry-leading learning and development opportunities through Mars University.
• Build your career within one of the world's most recognized food and pet care companies.
• Competitive compensation, annual incentive opportunity, and comprehensive benefits package.

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