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Performance and Accelerate Manager (Continuous Improvement)

Kerry · Calhoun, GA

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Level
Manager
Team
Lean / CI
Base pay
$88k–$145k
Experience asked
5+ years
Industry
Food & beverage
Posted
3 days ago

The role in 30 seconds

A management continuous improvement role at Kerry (food & beverage) in Calhoun, GA. BS/MS in Engineering, Business or Food Science.

They ask for
5+ years
Tools it names
Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, 5S, Value stream mapping
Base pay
$88k–$145k

Read from the posting. The full description is below.

From the plant jobs report · week of November 9, 2026

Continuous Improvement roles in Georgia: typical posted base $101k–$148k. This one lists $88k–$145k.

Median of the low and high ends of 4 live postings that list pay, out of 10 continuous improvement openings in Georgia, read from manufacturers' own careers sites.

Georgia plant jobs report →Pay by team and state →What moves pay →

How this role compares

Against 9 other live lean / ci postings in Georgia.

Experience asked
Less than usual (5+ vs 8+)

Similar roles usually ask 8+ years.

Skills these teams ask for most

  • ✓ Lean 50%
  • ✓ Kaizen 40%
  • ✓ Six Sigma 40%
  • Team leadership 30%
  • Root cause 30%
  • Power BI / Tableau 30%

✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.

It asks for 5+ years. If you're close, apply anyway: requirements are a wish list. Talk to someone doing this work there first.

At a glance

Promotion path mentioned

Pulled from the posting text. If it's not listed here, the posting didn't say.

How to get in at this plant

Five moves over a week or two. The first one takes ten minutes.

  1. 1

    Pick 2–3 people on the Lean / CI team at Kerry

    Engineers who joined in the last year or two reply the most. Use the team search on this page to find them.

  2. 2

    Send a short, curious note

    One real question about their work. No favors yet. Each person gets a different note, written for this role.

  3. 3

    Turn a reply into a short call

    Questions worth asking about this team:

    • What does a normal week look like on your team?
    • Is CI run from the plant floor or from a corporate OpEx group?
    • Which metrics does leadership actually watch: OEE, scrap, cost per unit?
    • How did you land the job? What stood out in your interviews?
  4. 4

    Apply with someone vouching for you

    If the call went well, ask whether they’d pass your résumé to the hiring manager. Send your résumé link, apply that day, and let them know.

  5. 5

    Bring proof to the interview

    One page of before-and-after numbers from projects you led: scrap, OEE, cycle time, cost. Plant managers hire on results.

Full description from KerryAs posted on their careers site.Show

About the role

The Performance & Accelerate Manager (sometimes referred to as Manager, Continuous Improvement) at Kerry will spearhead the transformation of the plant's culture by leading continuous improvement initiatives. This role is instrumental in fostering an environment focused on removing waste, enhancing efficiency, and driving KPI performance. The individual will work closely with both leadership and hourly employees to implement proven process improvement methodologies, such as Six Sigma and Lean Manufacturing. By coaching employees at all levels, this role aims to develop the necessary skills for sustained operational excellence. The goal is to integrate a continuous improvement mindset into the fabric of everyday operations, ensuring long-term, measurable success. This role requires someone with a robust background in process improvement, a strategic mindset, and excellent communication skills to influence change at every level of the organization

Ready to make an impact? Apply today and help us deliver better food for a better world.

Key responsibilities

Support the development of process improvement methodologies for problem solving and efficiency building, standard work, training, and employee involvement.

Drive the implementation of a process improvement toolkit utilizing methods such as Six Sigma, 5S, PDCA, lean manufacturing process such as value stream mapping, 5 Whys, Kaizen, etc.

Lead, train, and coach employees at all levels on process improvement methodologies to develop an effective continuous improvement culture.

Facilitate continuous improvement events resulting in employee skill and knowledge development and KPI performance improvements.

Lead continued development of the Kerry Performance Systems for Manufacturing Operations adherence.

Using tracking and reporting systems, prepares plans, drives performance, and assures timely completion and achievement of product/process quality and savings goals.

Identifies barriers to success and solicits help from leadership when needed.

The above listed duties are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all

responsibilities

or duties required. Other related duties are expected to be performed as assigned.

Qualifications

and skills

BS/MS in Engineering, Business or Food Science

5+ Years in a process improvement role with prior experience and demonstrated proficiency leading events utilizing established process improvement methodologies.

Knowledge of process improvement methodology required; Six Sigma or Lean Manufacturing certification a plus.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Demonstrated experience in team leadership and development and motivating, coaching & influencing others.

Potential and desire to develop into a senior overall plant leadership role.

HACCP/food safety, chemical, or pharmaceutical industry experience preferred.

The pay range for this position is $88,000 - $144,800 Annual Salary. Kerry typically does not hire an individual at the top or near the top of the range, as we are a pay-for-performance company, and this range is set to continue to reward performance annually while in role. Compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. The specific compensation offered to a candidate within the above range may be influenced by a variety of factors including skills, qualifications, experience, and internal equity. In addition, this position is also eligible to earn a performance-based incentive compensation. Kerry offers a competitive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, paid time off, a 401(k) plan with employee and company contribution opportunities, Employee Share Plan, Life, disability, and accident insurance, and tuition reimbursement. This job posting is anticipated to expire on 11/30/26

Show full description ↓

Continuous Improvement

About Kerry

Kerry is the world's leading taste and nutrition company for the food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries. Every day we partner with customers to create healthier, tastier and more sustainable products that are consumed by billions of people across the world. Our vision is to be our customers' most valued partner, creating a world of sustainable nutrition. A career with Kerry offers you an opportunity to shape the future of food while providing you opportunities to explore and grow in a truly global environment.

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