Job Description

Job Summary:

The position of Manager, Process Optimization serves as a leader of Global Business Services’ (GBS) Process Optimization program, identifying and deploying business process design improvements, process sustainability and cost savings, while focusing on the employee and customer experience. 

Leading a global team, the individual is responsible for thought leadership, program communication and the project pipeline, working with stakeholders to prioritize and implement solutions.  Responsibilities include championing process optimization and sustainment across the business and continuing to grow the team of experienced optimization professionals.

This individual will foster strong partnership and collaboration with all lines of business teams along with internal and external partners to achieve desired outcomes.

Role Responsibilities:

Process Optimization Program Management

Own and drive the Process Optimization operating model, setting the vision and strategic direction of the program with an established governance structure, considering the current and future needs of key corporate initiatives (e.g. S/4 Hana implementation, Finance Transformation).

Deliver Process Optimization thought leadership by analyzing industry trends, identifying future improvement opportunities, driving networking opportunities, attending industry seminars incorporating best practices, evaluating industry metrics, providing strategic recommendations to drive the future of the program
With the Process Optimization team, lead existing operational process discovery and develop proactive solutions for process innovation, including expense reductions, capability enablement, and continuous quality improvement
Collaborate with Senior Hershey Company leaders to promote the Process Optimization program, driving greater understanding of the importance of optimization and sustainment through demonstrations, operating model presentations and demand generation workshops
Partner with business leaders to understand their department’s vision, objectives and improvement needs, in order to help define and drive optimization
Liaise with the GBS Process Automation team to identify opportunities to automate optimized processes
Serve as escalation point for effective removal of issues and escalation at all levels.

Operations Management

Manage Process Optimization priorities using standard project management techniques, assessing project requirements and resource availability, providing timeline estimates for project delivery, while managing the overall project pipeline

Manage the portfolio of continuous improvement initiatives and projects and supervise the proper planning and resource allocation to ensure successful completion
Provide regular communication updates regarding the Optimization program and active projects to the Steering Committee/Management and cross-functional teams regarding projects status, recommendations and needs
Deliver metrics to monitor and assess current performance levels, drive identification of process re-engineering and improvement ideas 

People Leadership

Assess optimization program needs versus team skillset, building the right team makeup against program requirements, ensuring the program can grow and succeed

Coach, develop, train and motivate employees through a combination of personal interaction, inside and outside training, specific assignments and performance management
Understand individual needs, soliciting their input, empowering them to achieve breakthrough results, holding individuals accountable for own actions, and recognizing individual contributions and achievements
Take an active role in the development of team members, including holding development discussions, constructing development plans and monitoring progress toward goals, providing stretch tasks and assignments, providing timely, honest and “actionable” feedback, performance management, and taking corrective action as necessary .
Communicate clear and consistent messages, relying upon data and facts to advocate a position and overcome objections

Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Information Systems, or Engineering required

Qualifications:

5-7 years proven experience in successfully delivering business transformation, optimization and / or sustainment programs and solutions in a high-pressure, structured environment, prioritizing and managing multiple projects/areas of responsibility simultaneously
Demonstrated competency in strategic thinking and leadership with strong abilities in relationship management
Experience in Continuous Improvement methodologies: Six Sigma, Lean, Value Stream Mapping, Design Thinking required
Experience in one or more Project Management methodologies: Project Management Professional (PMP), Agile, Scrum a plus
Proven ability to establish collaborative relationships with Senior Leaders and key business stakeholders across The Hershey Company, providing clear and concise communication
Ability to liaise with senior level external suppliers in a rational and measured manner to review progress, issues, risks and solutions
Ability to develop efficient and effective solutions to diverse and complex business problems
Strong team builder, change agent, and motivator with experience in managing and motivating a cross-functional, cross-regional team
Detail oriented, logical and methodical approach to problem solving
High-energy, self-starter Willingness to travel domestically and internationally