Continuous Improvement Manager - New Ulm, MN

Continuous Improvement Manager
New Ulm, MN, US
On-Site

The Manager, Continuous Improvement (CI) is responsible for leading strategic initiatives that drive operational excellence across the New Ulm site. This role will champion Lean methodologies, Six Sigma tools, and cross-functional collaboration to improve safety, quality, productivity, and cost efficiency. The CI Manager will work closely with site leadership, production teams, and support functions to identify improvement opportunities, implement sustainable solutions, and foster a culture of continuous learning and innovation.

At dsm-firmenich, being a force for good is not optional. Diversity, Equity & Inclusion is a shared responsibility woven into our daily work, benefiting to our People, Customers & Communities and driving business value. Equal access to opportunities is a given, belonging is a shared feeling, authenticity is celebrated.

Your key responsibilities

Develop and execute the site’s CI roadmap aligned with corporate goals and local operational priorities.
Facilitate workshops and kaizen events to identify and eliminate waste, reduce variability, and improve flow.
Lead cross-functional teams to deliver measurable improvements in KPIs such as throughput, OEE, cost per unit, and safety incident rate.
Analyze performance data and conduct root cause analyses to identify systemic issues and improvement opportunities.
Implement Lean tools (5S, value stream mapping, standard work, visual management) and Six Sigma techniques (DMAIC, statistical analysis).
Build CI capability across the site through structured learning programs and hands-on coaching.

We bring

Empowerment to make meaningful contributions while upholding ethical standards.
Opportunities for growth and advancement for those who embrace innovation and take initiative.
Collaboration with experts in health, nutrition, and beauty to drive progress.
Opportunity to build a career making a significant impact on billions of lives, with the freedom to shape your own path.
Dedication to creating better futures for customers, communities, people, and the planet.
Supportive environment where individuals are empowered to progress and contribute to meaningful change.

You bring

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, Business, or related field. If no degree, relevant experience will be considered.
Minimum 5 years of experience in manufacturing or operations, with at least 2 years in a CI or Lean leadership role.
Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or higher preferred, with proficiency in CI tools & methodologies
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Excellent facilitation and coaching abilities.
Effective communicator with ability to influence across levels.

The salary or hourly wage scale provided reflects the pay range dsm-firmenich expects to pay the successful candidate for the position. Individual pay offered will be based on the applicant’s job-related skills, experience, relevant education, or training, and primary work location. Salary $120-$140k.

In addition to base salary, we also offer a comprehensive total rewards package, inclusive of annual incentive pay, a retirement savings plan, health care coverage, paid time off, recognition programs and a broad range of other benefits. All benefits and incentives are subject to eligibility requirements.

About dsm-firmenich
At dsm-firmenich, we don’t just meet expectations – we go beyond them.
Join our global team powered by science, creativity, and a shared purpose: to bring progress to life.

From elevating health to making fortified food and sustainable skincare, the impact of your work here will be felt by millions – every single day. Whether it’s fragrance that helps you focus, alternative meat that’s better for the planet, or reducing sugar without losing flavor, this is where you help shape the future of nutrition, health, and beauty for everyone, everywhere.

And while you’re making a difference, we’ll make sure you’re growing too. With learning that never stops, a culture that lifts you up and the freedom to move across businesses, teams, and borders. Your voice matters here. And your ideas? They’re essential to our future.

Because real progress only happens when we go beyond, together.

Inclusion, belonging and equal opportunity statement
At dsm-firmenich, we believe being a force for good starts with the way we treat each other. When people feel supported, included, and free to be themselves, they do their best work – and that’s exactly the kind of culture we’re building. A place where opportunity is truly equal, authenticity is celebrated, and everyone has the chance to grow, contribute, and feel they belong.

We’re proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and we’re serious about making our hiring process as fair and inclusive as possible. From inclusive language and diverse interview panels to thoughtful sourcing, we’re committed to reflecting the world we serve.

We welcome candidates from all backgrounds — no matter your gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or anything else that makes you, you.

And if you have a disability or need any support through the application process, we’re here to help – just let us know what you need, and we’ll do everything we can to make it work.

Agency statement
We’re managing this search directly at dsm-firmenich. If you’re applying as an individual, we’d love to hear from you. We’re not accepting agency submissions or proposals involving fees or commissions for this role.