Continuous Improvement Manager

This role is aligned to the Coffee Operating Unit

Location: Moore,South Carolina,29369

Schedule: Full-time, Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Flexibility to work weekends and holidays as scheduled

The Continuous Improvement (CI) Manager identifies and delivers high-impact process improvement opportunities across the Supply Chain organization. This role independently leads cross-functional teams using Lean Six Sigma, Kaizen, and other continuous improvement methodologies to drive meaningful, sustainable business results.

This is a highly visible position with regular exposure to senior leadership and requires the ability to build strong relationships and influence colleagues at all levels of the organization. The successful candidate will demonstrate a passion for continuous improvement along with strong leadership, communication, facilitation, analytical, and project management skills.

The CI Manager will also lead and develop a team of three direct reports, including two employees focused on training and one Continuous Improvement professional. This leader will be responsible for building team capability, providing coaching and development, and strengthening a culture of continuous improvement across the organization.

At Keurig Dr Pepper (KDP), the consumer is at the heart of everything we do. Join our team and make a difference with one of North America's leading producers and distributors of hot and cold beverages, helping satisfy every consumer's beverage needs, anytime and anywhere.

Position Responsibilities

• Deliver Business Value: Partner with executive-level project champions to identify opportunities and deliver meaningful, measurable results for the business.

• Lead High-Impact Projects: Independently manage complex improvement initiatives and facilitate large-scale Kaizen events and cross-functional teams.

• Build Relationships and Influence: Establish credibility and strong partnerships across all levels of the organization to drive sustainable change.

• Lead and Develop Talent: Manage and develop a team of three direct reports, including two training professionals and one Continuous Improvement professional. Provide coaching, development, and clear direction while building organizational capability.

• Develop People: Coach and develop employees from the shop floor through management, increasing Lean capability and strengthening a continuous improvement culture.

• Drive Culture Change: Promote root-cause problem solving, standard work, and data-driven decision-making throughout the organization.

• Leverage Data and Technology: Utilize data extraction, statistical analysis, and other analytical tools to identify opportunities, measure results, and support business decisions.

• Facilitate Continuous Improvement: Train and facilitate Lean fundamentals, TPM, Yellow Belt, and Green Belt methodologies and improvement events.

• Travel: Travel throughout North America approximately 25% of the time.

Leadership Expectations

Ensure high performance and engagement by:

• Fostering a culture of trust and well-being that prioritizes the team and values employee contributions.

• Creating a shared vision with clear goals, accountability, and regular coaching conversations to maximize talent.

• Embracing diverse perspectives to encourage innovation and continuous learning.

• Creating a safe and inclusive environment where team members feel heard, supported, and aligned with clear expectations.

• Targeted annual compensation range of $120,000–$135,000.
• This is a salaried, exempt position paid biweekly. Compensation is competitive and commensurate with experience.
• Relocation assistance available for qualified candidates

Benefits (Effective Day One, Where Applicable):

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

• Disability Coverage

• Paid Time Off (including vacation and sick leave)

• 401(k) with company match

• Tuition Reimbursement

• Mileage Reimbursement

Benefits are subject to eligibility requirements and applicable collective bargaining agreements.

• Bachelor’s degree preferred; technical degrees in Engineering, Technology, Operations, or a related field strongly preferred. Relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• 3+ years of leadership experience in a manufacturing environment, preferably with experience in production start-up, ramp-up, or new equipment implementation.
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, Six Sigma, TPM, 5S, Autonomous Maintenance, Poka-Yoke, Visual Factory, and other continuous improvement methodologies.
• Demonstrated experience leading cross-functional teams and coordinating complex projects in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of production operations, equipment readiness, process capability, standardized work, and operational performance.
• Strong computer skills, including proficiency in Excel and PowerPoint, with the ability to develop and interpret performance data and visual management tools.
  Proven ability to build, develop, coach, and lead high-performing teams.
  Strong organizational, prioritization, time-management, and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage multiple competing priorities.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively at all levels of an organization.
• Self-motivated and decisive, with the ability to work independently while effectively coordinating across multiple functions

Keurig Dr Pepper (Nasdaq: KDP) is a leading beverage company with more than 150 owned, licensed and partner brands that meet a wide range of needs and occasions. Our North American refreshment beverage business holds leadership positions across carbonated soft drinks, water, juice and mixers with a portfolio of iconic brands such as Dr Pepper®, Canada Dry®, Mott’s®, A&W®, Peñafiel®, GHOST®, 7UP®, Snapple®, Clamato® and Core Hydration®. Our global coffee business spans more than 100 markets and includes the leading Keurig® single‑serve brewing system in the U.S. and Canada, along with powerhouse brands such as Peet’s, L’OR and Jacobs, and other regional coffee leaders. Our more than 50,000 employees aim to enhance the experience of every beverage and coffee occasion while making a positive impact for people, communities and the planet.

We strive to be an employer of choice, providing a culture and opportunities that empower our team to grow and develop. We offer robust benefits to support your health and wellness as well as your personal and financial well-being. We also provide employee programs designed to enhance your professional growth and development, while ensuring you feel valued, inspired and appreciated at work.

Whatever your area of expertise, at KDP you can be a part of a team that’s proud of its brands, partnerships, innovation and growth. Will you join us?

Keurig Dr Pepper is an equal opportunity employer and recruits qualified applicants and advances in employment its employees without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability or association with a person with a disability, medical condition, genetic information, ethnic or national origin, marital status, veteran status, or any other status protected by law.

A.I. Disclosure:
KDP uses artificial intelligence to assist with initial resume screening and candidate matching. This technology helps us efficiently identify candidates whose qualifications align with our open roles. AI does not make hiring decisions; all decisions throughout the hiring process are made by talent acquisition team members. If you prefer not to have your application processed using artificial intelligence, you may opt out by emailing your resume and qualifications directly to [email protected] in lieu of clicking Apply. In order for your application to be considered and opted out of AI, you must include the words "AI Opt-Out" and either job title and location or Job ID # in the email subject line in your email application.