Location:
Remote CO
The Manager, Operations Excellence, plays a critical role in advancing the Ardent Mills Operational Excellence program (ROOT) by establishing standards, driving governance, and leading a team of CI practitioners. This role provides strategic direction, partners with leaders across the organization, and accelerates performance through structured improvement initiatives.
Job Description:
- Establish and maintain ROOT, the Ardent Mills Operational Excellence program, embedding standards of execution, behaviors, and KPIs across program components.
- Govern and maintain CI standards, toolkits, templates, and training materials to ensure consistent adoption and sustainment.
- Lead, coach, and develop a team of Continuous Improvement practitioners, providing day-to-day guidance and performance feedback.
- Execute a prioritized pipeline of operational excellence initiatives across sites and functions to drive cost savings and waste reduction.
- Develop and deliver Continuous Improvement training using Lean Six Sigma, TPM, and related methodologies.
- Partner with leadership to set performance expectations and influence outcomes through collaboration and shared accountability.
- Partner with Change Management to drive business engagement, adoption, and sustained improvement results.
- Travel required up to 50%
Essential skills and experience:
- Bachelor's degree preferred, with 8+ years of relevant experience in manufacturing and 5+ years in CI-focused roles.
- Demonstrated expertise in continuous improvement tools and methodologies used to implement a Continuous Improvement Culture
- Successful experience applying Lean and Six Sigma tools to get results (value stream mapping, 5S, Kaizen, Kanban, Error proofing, SMED, team problem solving, etc.)
- Six Sigma Black Belt Certification (or obtain certification)
- Ability to coach and develop both individuals and teams
- Self-starter with a high degree of energy and passion; ability to effectively multi-task and prioritize
- Ability to professionally communicate and work cooperatively with others both verbally and in writing. The ability to simplify and communicate broadly at all levels is a must- as is the willingness to work with and train others.
- Excellent computer skills including Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Visio and Outlook.
Good to have:
- 3-5 years of experience leading cross functional teams without formal authority
- Knowledge of facilitation and organizational change management (a plus)
- Food manufacturing experience
Location:
At this time, Ardent Mills is not hiring in the following states: Alaska, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Mississippi, New Mexico, Rhode Island, and Wyoming. Candidates must reside in an eligible state to be considered for employment.
Remote CO
Address:
126 Remote, Denver CO, 80202
Additional Locations (if applicable):
Employment Type:
Full time
Additional Information:
Competitive Compensation:
We provide market-driven base pay, based on skills, abilities, and level of experiences. Our salary ranges are broad, and individual salary will be market competitive based on a candidate’s unique set of skills and level of experience. The starting range for this position is $102,600.00 - $136,896.10, with additional earning potential possible commensurate with experience. Additionally, we believe that our team members are the reason for our success and all team members are incentive eligible with a target based on contribution, company performance, and individual results achieved. While the specific bonus plan and target amount will be determined based on the role and breadth of contributions, the targeted bonus plan and targeted percentage amount for this role is Bonus - MIP, 15% Annual.
Benefits:
At Ardent Mills we offer a wide range of benefits to our team members and their eligible family members. Some of our great benefit programs you may be eligible for include: • Medical, Dental and Vision Coverage• Health and Dependent Savings Accounts • Life and Disability Programs • Voluntary Benefit Programs • Company Sponsored Wellness Programs • Retirement Savings with Company Match • Team Member and Family Assistance Program (EAP) • Paid Time Off and Paid Holidays • Employee Recognition Program with Rewards (RAVE).
Application Deadline:
04/03/2026
04/03/2026
EEO Commitment:
At Ardent Mills, everyone matters and everyone has a voice. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal opportunities are available to all applicants and team members and the decisions will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, genetic information, veteran status, age, political affiliation, or any other non-merit characteristic protected by law or not. Together, celebrating our differences, we make Ardent Mills. The preceding position description has been designed to indicate the general nature and essential duties and responsibilities of work performed by employees within this position. It may not contain a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees in this position. The description, duties, functions, and responsibilities are subject to change at the discretion of Ardent Mills.
En Ardent Mills, todos importan y todos tienen voz. Estamos comprometidos a brindar un ambiente de respeto mutuo donde haya igualdad de oportunidades disponibles para todos los solicitantes y miembros del equipo y las decisiones se basarán en el mérito, la competencia, el desempeño y las necesidades comerciales. Estamos orgullosos de ser un empleador que ofrece igualdad de oportunidades. No discriminamos por motivos de raza, color, religión, credo, origen nacional, ascendencia, estado civil, sexo, orientación sexual, identidad o expresión de género, discapacidad física o mental, embarazo, información genética, condición de veterano, edad, política. afiliación, o cualquier otra característica no meritoria protegida por ley o no. Juntos, celebrando nuestras diferencias, formamos Ardent Mills. La descripción del puesto anterior ha sido diseñada para indicar la naturaleza general y los deberes y responsabilidades esenciales del trabajo realizado por los empleados dentro de este puesto. Es posible que no contenga un inventario completo de todos los deberes, responsabilidades y calificaciones requeridas de los empleados en este puesto. La descripción, los deberes, las funciones y las responsabilidades están sujetos a cambios a discreción de Ardent Mills.
Recruitment Fraud Disclaimer:
At Ardent Mills, the security of our employees and candidates is a priority. We will never request sensitive information such as your bank account information, social security number, or other non-publicly available information during the application and interview process. If someone asks you for sensitive information, we strongly advise that you assume that individual is not affiliated with Ardent Mills. Some things to watch out for:
Slightly altered or unprofessional email addresses. Ardent Mills’ Recruitment team only corresponds from email addresses with the domain first.last.talent@ardentmills.com or first.last@ardentmills.com.
Vague job requirements or job descriptions. Our open job opportunities and descriptions can be found at ardentmillscareers.com
