Continuous Improvement Manager

Build your career at Sazerac! With almost 400 years of rich history, Sazerac Company has thrived as an independent, American family-owned company with operations in the United States and around the world. Since the 2000s, Sazerac has averaged double digit growth every year! Sazerac Company produces and markets the most award-winning bourbons and whiskeys in the world, including Buffalo Trace, Pappy Van Winkle, Eagle Rare, Blanton’s, Traveller, and Sazerac Rye. Additionally, Sazerac owns many popular brands across a range of spirits, including Fireball, Svedka, Wheatley, BuzzBallz, Southern Comfort, Seagram’s V.O., Myers’s, Goldschläger, Parrot Bay, 99 Brand, and Platinum Vodka.

We’re proud of our award-winning culture and distilleries. Our Louisville office has been named one of the “Best Places to Work in Kentucky” four times, and our Buffalo Trace Distillery has earned the title of “world’s most award-winning distillery” through the dedication of our craftsmen for well over 200 years. Whether you’re a recent graduate or an experienced professional, Sazerac provides extraordinary opportunities for growth with competitive salaries and benefits in an exciting, entrepreneurial industry.

The Continuous Improvement Manager is responsible for leading operational excellence initiatives that improve safety, quality, productivity, efficiency, and overall business performance. This role is ideal for a self-starter who thrives in environments where processes are still being developed and refined and enjoys creating structure from ambiguity. The Continuous Improvement Manager will partner closely with cross-functional teams to identify opportunities, implement sustainable solutions, and build a culture focused on accountability, problem-solving, and continuous improvement.

What You'll Do

• Lead and facilitate continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, productivity, waste reduction, and operational efficiency across the facility.
• Analyze manufacturing processes and performance metrics to identify improvement opportunities, eliminate waste, and address root causes of operational challenges.
• Develop and implement standardized processes, workflows, visual management systems, SOPs, and KPI reporting tools to improve performance and accountability.
• Facilitate Kaizen events, problem-solving workshops, and cross-functional improvement projects involving production, maintenance, quality, and supply chain teams.
• Train, coach, and influence leaders and employees on Lean principles, continuous improvement methodologies, and operational excellence practices.

Required

• Associate's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, Business, or a related field; equivalent experience may be considered.
• 5+ years of experience leading continuous improvement, operational excellence, manufacturing engineering, production leadership, or related operational initiatives in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience building processes, systems, and performance management structures from the ground up while driving measurable operational improvements.
• Strong analytical, project management, communication, and leadership skills with the ability to influence change, manage ambiguity, and drive accountability across all levels of the organization.

Preferred

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, Business, or a related field; equivalent experience may be considered.
• Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Kaizen, or Continuous Improvement certification.
• Experience in wood products, cooperage, packaging, industrial manufacturing, or related production environments.
• Knowledge of operational excellence systems, change management principles, KPI dashboard implementation, and ERP, CMMS, or manufacturing data systems.

Sazerac Company offers a comprehensive compensation and benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, 401K, paid time off, and more. These benefits may vary depending on location and work type. Learn more about how we support our employees here.​​

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Sazerac is committed to equality of opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, veteran status, age, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, physical or mental disability or any other legally protected status.

What's Next:

After you apply, a recruiter will review your application and reach out to qualified candidates. Selected candidates will follow our interview process, which may include a phone screen, hiring manager interview, and panel interviews with business leaders. There may be additional steps or assessments throughout the process dependent on the position. Applicants who are not selected to move through the process, at any stage, will be notified via email. 

Need assistance throughout your application or interview process? Email talentacquisition@sazerac.com. 

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