Excellence Manager (Performance, Productivity & Sustainability)

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.

Qualifications

• 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:

o Demonstrated success in Lean implementation and operational excellence (IWS/TPM/SPARK).

o Deep understanding of manufacturing KPIs (OEE, Yields, Efficiencies, Material Losses).

o Proven ability to deliver measurable productivity, cost, or sustainability improvements.

o 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.