Excellence Manager (Performance, Productivity & Sustainability)

Job description

Overview

The Excellence Manager is a key member of the site leadership team, responsible for designing, deploying, and sustaining the site’s Manufacturing Excellence & Sustainability agenda. This role drives a culture of Continuous Improvement (CI) and high performance, with a dual focus on delivering exceptional operational KPIs and achieving the site’s aggressive environmental sustainability targets. The incumbent will lead the deployment of PEP/SPARK (IWS/TPM) methodologies, coach and develop frontline capability, and act as the primary driver for the site’s Performance with Sustainability program.

Responsibilities

Performance Management & Operational Excellence Own the Performance Agenda: Lead the development and execution of the site manufacturing performance and productivity system, ensuring delivery of AOP (Annual Operating Plan) targets for Line Efficiencies, Material Efficiencies, and Opex Productivity.

KPI Governance

Own all manufacturing reporting systems (e.g., Measure Up, Power BI Dashboards). Monitor daily/weekly/monthly plant performance against SQDCI (Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, Inventory) targets, develop action plans to address critical issues, and ensure data accuracy through internal audits.

Continuous Improvement Deployment

Champion the deployment of SPARK (IWS/TPM) tools and governance. Facilitate Kaizen events, Value Stream Mapping (VSM), and Rapid Problem Solving (RCPS) to drive process optimization and waste reduction (e.g., scrap, downtime, material losses).

Performance Audits

Conduct regular "Performance Audits" to identify operational gaps and implement rigorous, sustainable solutions. Ensure adherence to Manufacturing & Warehouse (M&W) best practices and Standard Work.

Productivity & Cost Transformation Drive Structural Savings

Lead the site's Opex Productivity glidepath, identifying, scoping, and executing cost-saving projects (e.g., material efficiencies, spares localization, energy optimization).

Financial Stewardship

Partner with Finance to define baselines, validate benefits, and ensure the financial impact of CI projects is accurately tracked and reported. Sustainability Leadership (Water, Waste, Energy) Lead Sustainability Agenda: Own and drive the site's sustainability initiatives, focusing on water reduction, energy reduction (GHG Scope 1&2), and waste management (ReCon - Reduce, Reuse, Recycle).

Glidepath Development

Develop and implement an annual sustainability glidepath in line with AOP and corporate PEP+ (PepsiCo Positive) goals. Track progress on key metrics like Water Use Efficiency (WUE), waste recycling rates, and energy consumption.

Green Teams

Establish and manage site "Green Teams" to foster a resource conservation culture, conduct training, and develop action plans to achieve sustainability targets.

Utility Security

Support business continuity by exploring and implementing utility optimization projects (e.g., exploring biomass/electrical boilers to reduce diesel sage, power supply resilience).

Capability Building & Cultural Transformation Build Frontline Capability

Ensure sustainable frontline capability through coaching, refresher training, and mentorship. Coach FLMs (Front Line Managers), Team Leads, and Engineering teams on performance gaps, measures, and problem-solving tools.

Technical Leadership

Spearhead talent development through the SET (Site Expert Team) program. Increase the number of Kaizen Leaders and technical experts within the site, building a robust succession pipeline.

Change Leadership

Act as a visible role model for Lean thinking and continuous improvement behaviors. Lead cultural transformation by embedding ownership and accountability across all levels of the site team.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field.

Experience

• 5+ years of experience in FMCG manufacturing operations or a strong Continuous Improvement background, ideally within a complex, multi-line factory Environment.

Technical Expertise

• Demonstrated success in Lean implementation and operational excellence (IWS/TPM/SPARK).
• Deep understanding of manufacturing KPIs (OEE, Yields, Efficiencies, Material Losses).
• Proven ability to deliver measurable productivity, cost, or sustainability improvements.
• Strong analytical, data-driven mindset with proficiency in data visualization tools (e.g., Power BI).

Certifications

• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification is highly preferred.

Leadership

• Strong coaching, facilitation, and stakeholder management skills. Experience leading cross-functional teams and managing change.

Languages

• Fluent in English. Proficiency in [local language, e.g., Amharic for Ethiopia] is an advantage.