Overview

A process manager or a continuous improvement manager facilitates process improvement plans within a division or throughout a company.

What responsibilities will I have?

• Identify and document business and gap analysis for workflow
• Develop and implement business improvement strategies
• Coordinate and manage key process improvement/change projects (e.g. launch new products)
• Facilitate business process re-engineering within and across divisions
• Communicate to the business and stakeholders on projects and initiatives
• Make recommendations for change, involving process redesign and business case development
• Ensure efficient and effective resource use at the lowest cost
• Ensure accurate and organized process documentation in procedures, paperwork and computer business systems
• Prepare and present annual process review documents
• Supervise product quality by adherence to product and packaging specifications, sanitation and inspection
• Ensure ongoing coaching, development and training of team members for a productive work environment
• Establish measurable criteria to ensure desired results are obtained; provide management with updates via tracking reports on project progress
• Align process goals with company’s key initiatives/accountabilities
• Assist with identification of hard and soft training needs; identify potential workforce training grants

What education and training is required?

A bachelor’s degree in engineering, operations management or business management is typically required.

To pursue a career as an Process / Continuous Improvement Manager:

The following high school courses are recommended: agricultural education, a focus on sciences, business and computer courses, personal finance, and advanced mathematics.

Where can I work?

Process/continued improvement managers most often work for medium to large-scale agricultural companies and manufacturers as well as research firms.

Future Job Market / Outlook

The future outlook for a continuous improvement manager will be great over the next five years.

Suggested Professional Organizations and Associations

• Association for Manufacturing Excellence
• The Association of Business Process Management International
• Business Process Management Institute