The Focus Improvement Lead is responsible for driving continuous improvement initiatives across tobacco manufacturing operations to enhance productivity, quality, safety, and cost efficiency. This role leads loss elimination efforts, supports operational excellence systems, and partners with cross-functional teams to deliver sustainable performance improvements aligned with business objectives, while ensuring full compliance with ISO standards, OSHA regulations, and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
Responsibilities
- Drive loss elimination and waste reduction initiatives (NTM waste, powder waste).
- Own and execute the Daily Management System (DMS), including DDS meetings, KPIs, visual management, and action tracking.
- Lead change management efforts related to process, people, systems, and equipment improvements.
- Optimize line crewing and labor utilization while ensuring safety and quality compliance.
- Manage innovation, continuous improvement, and focused improvement initiatives from idea to sustainability.
- Facilitate Root Cause Analysis (RCA) and Focused Improvement (FI) using structured problem-solving tools (A3, 5-Why, Fishbone).
- Lead and sustain 5S programs, audits, standards, and corrective actions.
- Ensure full compliance with ISO requirements, OSHA regulations, and GMP standards during all improvement activities.
- Partner closely with Operations, Quality, EHS, Maintenance, and Engineering to meet site objectives.
- Support audit readiness, regulatory inspections, and internal/external compliance reviews.
- Coach and develop operators and team leaders in IOS behaviors, CI tools, and disciplined execution.
Systems & Tools
- MES (Manufacturing Execution Systems)
- DDS (Daily Direction Setting)
- IOS / Operational Excellence tools
- 5S, Visual Management
- Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
- CI tools (A3, Kaizen, RCA)
Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, or related field preferred.
- Bilingual: English / Spanish
- 3–5+ years of experience in manufacturing, continuous improvement, or operational excellence roles.
- Experience in regulated manufacturing environments (NGP, tobacco, pharmaceutical, medical devices, consumer goods).
- ISO standards
- OSHA regulations
- Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)
- Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and sustain performance improvements.
- Strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills.
Preferred Qualifications
- Lean / Six Sigma Green Belt or higher
- Experience with IOS or similar operating systems
- Strong facilitation and change leadership skills
WHAT WE OFFER
- Competitive benefits package including medical/dental/vision/life insurance/disability plans
- Dollar-for-dollar 401k match up to 3%
- Company-paid holidays
- 15 days of vacation
- Employee recognition programs
- Educational assistance
- Summer hours
- Wellness program
- On-site cafeteria
- Occupational clinic
- Weekly payroll
- Stock savings plan
- Health fair
APPLICANT INFORMATION
This job description describes the essential functions of the position at the time the job description was created, but is not an exhaustive list of tasks, duties and responsibilities. In addition, the position may evolve or change over time, and such changes will not be reflected in the job description until it is updated again.
WE ALL BELONG
ITG Brands are equal employment opportunities providers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.
All applicants must consent to an independent investigation of their background, references, previous employment, education, criminal history, and drug testing.
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Retirement plan
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
