Continuous Improvement Manager
Job Description
At Niagara, we’re looking for Team Members who want to be part of achieving our mission to provide our customers the highest quality most affordable bottled water.
Consider applying here, if you want to:
- Work in an entrepreneurial and dynamic environment with a chance to make an impact.
- Develop lasting relationships with great people.
- Have the opportunity to build a satisfying career.
We offer competitive compensation and benefits packages for our Team Members.
Continuous Improvement ManagerThe Continuous Improvement Manager is responsible for leading and sustaining continuous improvement initiatives across the plant to improve safety, quality, service, and cost. This role identifies high‑impact improvement opportunities, leads cross‑functional projects using Lean and root cause methodologies, and partners with plant leadership to eliminate waste, reduce variation, and drive a culture of continuous improvement.This position serves as a key resource for efficiency improvements, audit readiness, cost‑savings initiatives, and standard work execution while ensuring product integrity and compliance.
Key Responsibilities
Identify, prioritize, and lead continuous improvement projects that improve plant performance in safety, quality, throughput, and cost
Lead and coach cross‑functional teams using Lean, Six Sigma, and structured problem‑solving tools
Drive corrective and preventive action (CAPA) initiatives to eliminate recurring issues and prevent reoccurrence
Support and lead initiatives such as:
Line efficiency improvements and scrap reduction
Cost‑savings and waste reduction initiatives
CIP optimization and process improvements
Audit gap closure and compliance improvements
Equipment, process, and facility improvement projects
Analyze plant performance data to identify trends, root causes, and improvement opportunities
Partner with Operations, Maintenance, Quality, and Supply Chain leaders to align CI efforts with business priorities
Standardize best practices and support deployment across departments
Support audit preparation, internal audits, and follow‑up actions
Coach leaders and frontline teams on CI tools, problem solving, and continuous improvement mindset
Track project progress, benefits, and savings and communicate results to leadership
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations, Business, or related field or equivalent experience
3-5+ years experience in a manufacturing environment
3+ years leading continuous improvement, Lean, or operational excellence initiatives
Working knowledge of Lean tools, root cause analysis, and structured problem solving
Experience leading cross‑functional teams and managing multiple projects
Preferred Qualifications
Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt (or equivalent CI certification)
Experience in food or beverage manufacturing
Familiarity with audits, CAPA programs, and compliance environments
Experience delivering measurable cost savings and efficiency improvements
Previous leadership or indirect people management experience
Key Skills & Competencies
Strong analytical and data‑driven problem‑solving skills
Ability to influence without direct authority
Clear and effective communicator at all levels of the organization
Highly organized with strong follow‑through
Change management and coaching capability
Results‑oriented with a continuous improvement mindset
Benefits
Our Total Rewards package is thoughtfully designed to support both you and your family:
Regular full-time team members are offered a comprehensive benefits package, while part-time, intern, and seasonal team members are offered a limited benefits package.
- Paid Time Off for holidays, sick time, and vacation time
- Paid parental and caregiver leaves
- Medical, including virtual care options
- Dental
- Vision
- 401(k) with company match
- Health Savings Account with company match
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Expanded mental wellbeing benefits including free counseling sessions for all team members and household family members
- Family Building Benefits including enhanced fertility benefits for IVF and fertility preservation plus adoption, surrogacy, and Doula reimbursements
- Income protection including Life and AD&D, short and long-term disability, critical illness and an accident plan
- Special discount programs including pet plans, pre-paid legal services, identity theft, car rental, airport parking, etc.
- Tuition reimbursement, college savings plan and scholarship opportunities
- And more!
https://careers.niagarawater.com/us/en/benefits
* *Los Angeles County applicants only** Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, the California Fair Chance Act, and any other applicable local and state laws.
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Employment agencies that have fee agreements with Niagara Bottling, LLC and have been engaged on a search shall submit résumé to the designated Niagara Bottling, LLC recruiter or, upon authorization, submit résumé into this career site to be eligible for placement fees.
Niagara Plant NamePLAINFIELD