Find Jobs
Find Jobs Near You – Available Work in Your Location
Skip to job details
UC
Universal Corporation
Continuous Improvement Manager
Career Insights for Process Manager
See where this job fits in the broader career landscape. Knowing your career path helps you see what's possible from here.
Scorecard
Based on Pennsylvania data
Review key factors to help you decide if this role fits your goals. How is this calculated?
What they do
A Process Manager develops and manages business processes and process improvements, or manages processes in production or manufacturing. Identifies and creates processes that support the objectives of a business. May implement and manage business process improvements across operational departments in a company.
$102,231 / year median in Pennsylvania
+1% projected growth
Job Description
Shanks, a subsidiary of Universal Ingredients, is a premier manufacturer of vanilla extracts, other extracts, natural and artificial flavors, food colors, syrups, and sauces. Shanks quality products are widely distributed to industrial, private-label, and grocery customers worldwide.
Universal IngredientsUniversal Ingredients is a global supplier of high-quality, plant-based specialty ingredients for human and pet consumption. With thousands of products and global sourcing capabilities, we provide customized, value-added solutions including fruit and vegetable juices and concentrates, dehydrated ingredients, botanical extracts, flavors, and beverage systems for food and beverage manufacturers worldwide. Our advanced production capabilities, including aseptic beverage processing and flexible packaging solutions, enable safe, shelf-stable products with no preservatives. At the heart of our innovation is our Application Capabilities Lab, where food science experts collaborate with customers to develop market-ready solutions through product development, flavor analysis, sensory testing, and commercialization support. Driven by innovation, sustainability, and partnership, Universal Ingredients helps customers stay ahead of evolving consumer preferences while delivering consistent quality, functionality, and performance across global markets.
Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and operational metrics to track performance.
Ensure the successful start-up of any new operation as a key member of the start-up teamTrain the operations team in basic problem-solving frameworks and techniquesPartner with Plant leaders to ensure development of effective
Own the development and execution of the site training programLead and develop Continuous Improvement Specialists to drive manufacturing excellence, productivity, and waste reductionResponsible for promoting food safety and employee safety throughout the organization.
Responsible for establishing and implementing employee training programsOther duties, as assigned.
Able to make decisions, is goal-oriented, self-motivated, proactive, and able to solve multi-dimensional problems.
Experience working within a budget and being accountable for company equipment, facilities, and other material assetsEnglish comprehension including speaking, reading, and writing is required for our business's necessity to ensure a safe and effective work environment. Good verbal and written communication skills and ability to communicate well with all departments.
Seldom exposed to dirt, heat, cold, dryness, wetness, vibration, and poor ventilation. Occasionally exposed to dust. Regularly exposed to odor. Frequently exposed to noise.
Universal IngredientsUniversal Ingredients is a global supplier of high-quality, plant-based specialty ingredients for human and pet consumption. With thousands of products and global sourcing capabilities, we provide customized, value-added solutions including fruit and vegetable juices and concentrates, dehydrated ingredients, botanical extracts, flavors, and beverage systems for food and beverage manufacturers worldwide. Our advanced production capabilities, including aseptic beverage processing and flexible packaging solutions, enable safe, shelf-stable products with no preservatives. At the heart of our innovation is our Application Capabilities Lab, where food science experts collaborate with customers to develop market-ready solutions through product development, flavor analysis, sensory testing, and commercialization support. Driven by innovation, sustainability, and partnership, Universal Ingredients helps customers stay ahead of evolving consumer preferences while delivering consistent quality, functionality, and performance across global markets.
Available Immediately Upon Hire:
Medical, Dental, Vision, FSA, HSA, EAP, ID Theft, 401K, and PTO.Disclaimer:
Shanks Extracts manufactures various products that identify as major food allergens (milk, eggs, tree nuts, wheat, and soybeans) as well as several other food ingredients. We cannot guarantee you will not be exposed to skin and/or odor contact with these various ingredients. Your health and safety are our number one priority, and we will do our best to accommodate within reason.ESSENTIAL FUNCTION
The Continuous Improvement Manager will spearhead process improvement initiatives, implementing lean methodologies, Six Sigma, and other best practices to drive operational efficiency and enhance productivity. In this role, you will collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify improvement opportunities, optimize manufacturing processes, and foster a culture of continuous improvement across all levels of the organization.DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Continuously evaluates manufacturing capabilities and fosters an environment of continuous improvement with the goal of meeting or exceeding defined targets (strategic/ financial/ operational).Develop, lead, implement, scale, and track improvement initiatives across all aspects of the production operations in partnership with the Finance team. Drive initiatives by leveraging multiple problem-solving frameworks, tools, and methods such as Lean/Six Sigma/Theory of Constraints and traditional industrial engineeringWork closely with the customer and internal leaders to leverage system data to identify trends and opportunities for improvementFacilitate root-cause problem-solving techniques to drive out losses and reduce waste.Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and operational metrics to track performance.
Ensure the successful start-up of any new operation as a key member of the start-up teamTrain the operations team in basic problem-solving frameworks and techniquesPartner with Plant leaders to ensure development of effective
LEAN/TPM
operating culture, targeting specific loss areas of the plant operation.Own the development and execution of the site training programLead and develop Continuous Improvement Specialists to drive manufacturing excellence, productivity, and waste reductionResponsible for promoting food safety and employee safety throughout the organization.
Responsible for establishing and implementing employee training programsOther duties, as assigned.
ESSENTIAL/SKILLS NEEDED
Strategic thinker with the ability to translate vision into actionable plans and initiatives.Able to make decisions, is goal-oriented, self-motivated, proactive, and able to solve multi-dimensional problems.
Experience working within a budget and being accountable for company equipment, facilities, and other material assetsEnglish comprehension including speaking, reading, and writing is required for our business's necessity to ensure a safe and effective work environment. Good verbal and written communication skills and ability to communicate well with all departments.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE3-5
years experience executing and leading Continuous improvement methodologies Prior experience in the high-speed food manufacturing industry is requiredExperience in performing data analysis and leveraging reporting and data insights to drive decisionsExcellent communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across departments and influence stakeholders at all levels.PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Exposure to food allergens such as, but not limited to, milk eggs, tree nuts, wheat, and soybeans will occur.Seldom exposed to dirt, heat, cold, dryness, wetness, vibration, and poor ventilation. Occasionally exposed to dust. Regularly exposed to odor. Frequently exposed to noise.