Title:  KWS Manager

Continuous Improvement Manager

                                                                                           (KWS Manager)

The Continuous Improvement Manager is responsible for driving a culture of operational excellence across the organization by implementing and sustaining KWS, Lean, Six Sigma and other continuous improvement methodologies. The role ensures that business processes are optimized, waste is reduced and productivity, quality, safety and cost performance are continuously improved.

The CI Manager partners with cross-functional teams to deliver measurable improvements aligned with business goals, while coaching and developing employees at all levels to embed a culture of problem-solving and innovation.

A Taste of What You’ll Be Doing

• Strategy & Leadership

• Owns the annual strategy development and deployment process for the Site CBN, Strategies & Master Plan
• Champion KWS, Lean manufacturing and Six Sigma principles to build a sustainable CI culture.
• Act as a change agent, influencing and inspiring teams to embrace improvement initiatives.
• Responsible for supporting Global & Regional initiatives
• Member of the Regional KWS Forum

• Process Optimization

• Identify performance gaps and lead improvement projects in safety, quality, cost, delivery and people development.
• Implement standardized processes, visual management and performance monitoring systems.
• Facilitate root cause analysis (RCA) and problem-solving workshops to address recurring issues.

• Cost Management

• Facilitate the identification of savings opportunities across functions and processes.
• Lead and coordinate savings projects to ensure timely execution and delivery of financial benefits.
• Develop and maintain a robust savings pipeline that balances short-term wins with long-term, sustainable initiatives.
• Partner with Finance and Operations to validate, track and report savings performance.

• Performance Management

• Track and report improvement initiatives and financial benefits delivered through CI projects.
• Ensure the organization’s Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are supported with sustainable improvement actions.
• Conduct audits and health checks to ensure adherence to CI standards.
• Leads the Plant KWS team which consist of Center Of Excellence Leaders (PLT members)
• Establishes the appropriate Center Teams based on Plant needs and KWS Phase progression.

• Training & Capability Building

• Build CI capability across the organization through structured training, coaching and mentoring.
• Develop and deliver KWS training programs to build a pipeline of front line leadership.
• Promote knowledge-sharing and best practices across teams.

We’re Looking for Someone With

• Bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering, or related field.
• Minimum of 10 years’ experience in manufacturing/operations, with at least 5 years in a dedicated CI/Operational Excellence role.
• Proven track record of leading and delivering measurable improvement initiatives.
• Strong project management and facilitation skills.
• Strong influencing skills are required to drive internal alignment, e.g. with Maintenance, Production, Quality & Food Safety, EHS etc.

Get to Know Us

At Kellanova, we are driven by our vision to be the world’s best-performing snacks-led powerhouse, unleashing the full potential of our differentiated brands and our passionate people. Our portfolio of iconic, world-class brands include Pringles, Cheez-It, Pop-Tarts, MorningStar Farms, Special K, Krave, Zucaritas, Tresor, Crunchy Nut, among others.

Kellanova’s Culture of Best means we bring our best to all that we do in pursuit of our vision to be the world’s best performing snacks-led powerhouse. Our culture celebrates boldness and empowers our people to challenge the status quo, achieve results, and win together.

Our focus on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (ED&I) enables us to build a culture of belonging where all employees have a place at the table and are inspired to share their passion, talents and ideas to work.

Mars has agreed to acquire Kellanova in a combination that will shape the future of snacking! The transaction is anticipated to close within 2025 (subject to Kellanova shareowner approval and other customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals). The companies remain separate until closing.

The best brands. The best people. The best you.