Continuous Improvement Lead

  • All Posting Locations: Woodstock, IL, US
  • Job Functions: Manufacturing
  • Date Published: June 17, 2025
  • Ref#: R-93842
  • Remote, Hybrid or Onsite: Onsite

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About the Role

Job Description

Job Summary: This job requires certification that the employee has the skill and ability to perform the job duties as detailed below. Employees will be provided with training as outlined in the training section of this document. Employees will then be required to complete the job's crucial tasks without help. This employee will be a critical member within the Continuous Improvement group acting as a change agent and champion of a continuous improvement culture focused on waste elimination, efficiency optimization and OEE improvement across the organization using KHMS methods, such as DDS, LSW, VSM, Kaizen, etc. to drive improvements on all key performance indicators, including but not limited to safety, quality, service, and cost. This position will also be focused on initiating and completing the RCFA process. Supervisory Responsibilities: None Essential Functions & Responsibilities: • Maintain and analyze data using AI (OEE), SAP, Excel, and/or Minitab, • Excel-Creating pivot tables, macros, formulas, statistical analysis, charting • Produce reports, charts and graphs to help find opportunities and supervise progress • Lead and Implement Root Cause Failure Analyses • Implement Continuous Improvement projects • Assist CI Manager with organization of CI project activities • Participate or lead operational meetings as a team member • Facilitate ion of work standardization of production routines through One Point Lessons and training • Auditing and tracking of CI tools, including Oscar boards, RCFAs, AI, 5S • Complete Kraft Heinz Management • All other duties as assigned by supervisor/manager • Maintain safety and quality awareness of team around line or process machinery. • Maintain a clean work area, implement to all GMP’s and safety policies such as LO/TO and Personal Protective Equipment.

• Responsible for compliance with the safety policy and accident prevention and compliance programs. • Responsible for reviewing work areas for potential losses and loss control opportunities and for reporting hazards, injuries/illnesses, and other losses to supervisors. • Help to motivate line personnel Motivate production associates at all levels • Instill a continuous improvement mindset in all employees Expected Experience & Required Skills: • Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. • Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. • Ability to speak optimally in one-on-one and group situations. Able to read and interpret opcodes, instructions, forecasts and other work-related documents. • Candidate must be proficient in dimensional analysis and statistics. • Candidate must have the ability to solve practical problems and take care of a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. • Digital literacy, teambuilding, multi-tasking, prioritizing, problem assessment/ troubleshooting, results driven, ability to teach others, initiative, quality orientation/attention to detail, safety awareness, teamwork/collaboration, adaptability. Work Environment & Schedule: This position is considered a Manufacturing plant environment with heavy machinery and equipment. Overtime and weekend work required as dictated by business needs. You may be required to switch schedule or shifts as the need arises. Must wear following PPE (Personal Protective Equipment): bump cap/hard hat, safety glasses, slip resistant shoes, ear plugs. Physical Requirements: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk, hear, walk and sit. The employee is often required to stand and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee is occasionally required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and climb or balance. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Education and Experience: • Manufacturing experience required. • Bachelor’s Degree in a technical function is required; Industrial, Electrical, Chemical, and Mechanical Engineering. Benefits: This Union position is eligible for benefits after successfully completing the probationary period. EEO Statement: The Kraft Heinz Company is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing qualified applicants consideration for employment without regard to race- color- religion- sex- national originsexual orientation- gender identity- disability- protected veteran status or any other applicable federal or state-protected classification. As an equal opportunity employer- the Kraft Heinz Company is committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce. In order to ensure reasonable accommodation for individuals protected by Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973- the Vietnam Veterans Readjustment Act of 1974- and Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990- applicants that require accommodation in the job application process may contact 847-646-0639 or Diversity&Inclusion@kraftheinz.com for assistance. This job description is not designed to cover or contain all duties or responsibilities that are required of the role. Duties or responsibilities may change or be added with or without notice.

Benefits: Coverage for employees (and their eligible dependents) through affordable access to healthcare, protection, and saving for the future, we offer plans tailored to meet you and your family’s needs. Coverage for benefits will be in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans and associated governing plan documents.

Wellbeing: We offer events, resources, and learning opportunities that inspire a physical, social, emotional, and financial well-being lifestyle for our employees and their families.

You’ll be able to participate in a variety of benefits and wellbeing programs that may vary by role, country, region, union status, and other employment status factors, for example:

  • Physical – Medical, Prescription Drug, Dental, Vision, Screenings/Assessments

  • Social – Paid Time Off, Company Holidays, Leave of Absence, Recognition, Training

  • Emotional – Employee Assistance Program , Wellbeing Programs, Family Support Programs

  • Financial – 401k, Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Disability

Location(s)

Woodstock Plant

Kraft Heinz is an Equal Opportunity Employer that prohibits discrimination or harassment of any type. All qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Applicants who require an accommodation to participate in the job application or hiring process should contact NAZTAOps@kraftheinz.com.

Digital at Kraft Heinz

The
Builders

Our Digital team empowers every aspect of our business.

Discovering what’s next in food using Python, Azure ML and Alteryx. Building and designing apps. Improving our supply chain.

We’re bringing agility to beloved brands across the globe — making life delicious for our customers and communities, today and tomorrow.

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HR at Kraft Heinz

The
Facilitators

People are what makes Kraft Heinz great. Today. And tomorrow.

In Human Resources, we’re finding and developing great talent to continue our legacy. We’re here for every colleague, for their performance and their wellbeing.

Together, we’re helping everyone to grow their own way.

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Manufacturing at Kraft Heinz

The
Makers

Our Manufacturing team is a fully-integrated end-to-end supply chain. We’re the backbone of Kraft Heinz. The people behind the products, delivering the highest quality and value.

Whether you’re a seasoned manufacturing veteran or new to the world of plants, there’s tons of opportunity for career growth and development.

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Marketing at Kraft Heinz

The
Strategizers

Our Marketing team are the voice of our consumers. Connecting the right people, to the right products, with the right messages and campaigns.

We’re the architects of category growth, making sure our brands are front and center — winning the battle for attention in the minds of people everywhere.

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R&D at Kraft Heinz

The
Creators

Our Research and Development team creates high-quality products that push the boundaries of what’s possible. Innovation is what gets us up in the morning!

Whether you want to develop your technical skills or grow as a people manager, there’s a place for you here to advance your career.

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Sales at Kraft Heinz

The
Connectors

Our Sales team drives multibillion dollar distribution strategies. And we do this across channels and across the whole world!

We thrive wherever consumers can meet iconic and innovative brands — in retail, on-trade, and B2B. We’re the closest people to our customers, getting our products to the right people, in the right places.

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Hear from
our people

“Kraft Heinz doesn’t just talk about their values, they live it every day.”

Traci
Senior Customer Sales Manager

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Hear from
our people

“The best is yet to come at Kraft Heinz. I’ve experienced the launch of a new purpose, new vision and values. Now I’m seeing all of those things truly take shape and that is very exciting.”

Michael
Associate Director Pension

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Hear from
our people

“The best thing about working at Kraft Heinz are the benefits and opportunities for growth and career development.”

Manetta
Talent acquisition Specialist

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About Us

Kraft Heinz is a global food company with a delicious heritage.  Our emerging and iconic food and beverage brands deliver the best taste, fun, and quality to every table we touch. Worldwide.

We’re on a mission to disrupt not only our own business, but the global food industry. Consumer obsession and unexpected partnerships fuel our progress. As we drive innovation company-wide.

Our people are connected by a culture of ownership, agility and endless curiosity. We believe in being good humans — working to improve our company, communities, and planet.

We’re proud of where we’ve been and even more thrilled about where we’re headed as we nourish the world and lead the future of food.

Why Us

We grow our people to grow our business. We champion great people who bring ambition, curiosity, and high performance to the table as the guardians of our iconic and nostalgic brands.

Good isn’t good enough. We choose greatness every day by making bold decisions and challenging what’s ordinary. All while celebrating our wins – and failures – as we work together to transform the future of food.

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