Mgr Hershey Lean Program

Job Location: 19 East Office

Pay Level: 2B

This position will be posted internally until the close of business on 07/02/25.

Summary:

The Manager Hershey Lean Program will manage a pillar of the Hershey Lean Production System and build the capabilities of the plant leadership team to own the process of embedding Hershey Lean throughout their site.

The role will focus on Autonomous Maintenance and Focused Improvement Pillars. This role involves building an AM journey, training, coaching, and assessing operators, identifying AM-related losses, and developing strategies to eliminate them.

The Manager Hershey Lean Program will leverage deep expertise in Hershey Operations, lean tools, Integrated work systems and Digital solutions to work with the Operations Excellence (OpEx) Manager on implementing and maintaining the Lean Program at the sites.

Additionally, the successful candidate will build and maintain interactive dashboards and reports, to identify and implement improvements in data processes and workflows. Strong proficiency in digital systems and data analysis is preferred.

The Manager Hershey Lean Program will manage the further evolution, development and deployment of new standards and will facilitate sharing of best practices between sites, perform Lean program “health audits” across sites, provide training and coaching to the site team to support all aspects of the Hershey Lean system, and support development of Hershey Lean Pillars. The Manager Hershey Lean Program will report directly to the Hershey Lean Program Director and update weekly on plant progress, issues and best practices.   

Scope of Responsibility:

• Promote the philosophies of Hershey Lean to the site leadership, management, and employee staff as a process to continuously improve all operations.
• Develops and maintains interactive and visually appealing Power BI reports and dashboards, working with data sources, data models, and visualization techniques to provide actionable insights for business decision-making. 
• Lead the deployment of the AM pillar across the organization, ensuring its successful implementation and continuous improvement.
• Develop and manage the detailed work-plan for the AM Pillar and full plant roll-out Work with the OpEx Manager and Plant Manager
• Train, coach, and assess operators on AM methodologies, skills, and processes, building their competence and knowledge. 
• Monitor and track AM performance metrics, identify areas for improvement, and implement changes to enhance efficiency and reliability. 
• Develop and refine technical work process standards, methods, and policies for AM
• Ensure adherence to critical program elements to ensure continuity. Partner with Global and Site pillar Leads to develop and implement standards, phase progression and assessment tools to create a Zero loss culture.
• Manage the activation or assembly of new pillars agendas, standard processes or stds to assure the growth and strength of the Hershey lean program.
• Facilitate the adoption of Digital solutions and tools to enable faster and more reliable execution of the Hershey Lean Operation System.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Knowledge and experience in CI systems and methodologies including TPM, Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma.
• Deep understanding of the AM philosophy, principles, and practices.
• Proven leadership skills, including strong influencing skills without direct reporting.
• Exceptionally strong drive, sense of urgency, energy level and problem-solving abilities will be critical for his/her success.
• Power BI proficiency: Expertise in Power BI Desktop, Power Query, DAX, and Power BI Service.
• Data analysis: Analytical skills to understand data trends and patterns.
• Strong communication skills – both written (e.g. PowerPoint) and oral
• Demonstrated ability to use a “coaching” mindset to build capability and confidence in team in utilizing the Hershey Lean system principles.
• Ability to adapt to multiple and changing priorities.
• Ability to operate seamlessly in all levels of the plant organizations.
• Ability to travel 40% of the time to out-of-town locations.

Minimum Requirements and Education:

• Bachelor’s degree required; a degree in an engineering or related discipline strongly preferred. Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of 8+ years of experience in manufacturing (preferably in food processing engineering).
• Experience in an automated manufacturing environment strongly preferred.
• Experience in leading Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma and/or TPM projects is preferred.
• Completion of Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification is required within 6 months of start date, if not already obtained.