Continuous Improvement Manager Jobs for OPT Students
Continuous Improvement Manager roles on OPT require employers to sponsor H-1B or other work visas after your authorization period ends. Most positions qualify as specialty occupations under engineering or business operations, making them a strong fit for STEM OPT extensions if your degree is in industrial engineering, operations research, or a related field.
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Our vision is both simple and ambitious: to put our drinks on every table.
We are the leading global independent beverage solutions provider. We serve a broad range of national and international retailers as well as Global, National and Emerging (GNE) brands. Our products are distributed worldwide from our production sites in Europe, North America, and Australia. Although our own branding may not appear on the labels of the beverages we produce, there is a good chance you are reading this while sipping one of our drinks.
Our ambition is to continually improve and it’s what keeps us at the top of our game. We are solutions-based. We are innovative. We seek out new challenges and conquer them. This is our company ethos, but it’s our people’s too: Refresco is at the cutting edge of a fast-moving industry because we have passionate people pushing the boundaries of what’s best.
Stop and think: how would YOU put our drinks on every table?
Position Description
Reporting to the Sr. Regional Operations Excellence Manager, the Continuous Improvement (CI) Manager is responsible for developing, coordinating, and sustaining CI initiatives within the manufacturing plant. Partnering with the Plant Leadership team and Sr. Regional Operations Excellence Manager, the CI Manager will drive the deployment of CI strategies across the facility. This role involves leading improvement projects, training and developing employees to lead similar initiatives, and fostering a Lean mindset throughout the plant. A strong Lean background is essential, as the CI Manager will spend significant time on the production floor, driving sustainable improvements and securing buy-in at all levels.
Essential Job Functions:
- Adhere to and ensure compliance to all health and safety policies/procedures, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and PPE requirements.
- Adhere to and ensure compliance to food quality and food safety as per the standard(s) provided by corporate, customer, and/or governing bodies (ex. SQF).
- Develop and support the execution of improvement plans aligned with company strategy by collaborating with the Plant Leadership Team and Sr. Regional OPEX Manager.
- Lead, facilitate, and coach Kaizen events to drive sustainable improvements in safety, first-pass quality, direct labor efficiency, yield, maintenance excellence, and indirect labor optimization.
- Mentor and train employees at all levels in CI tools, including the 8 Wastes, Standard Work, SMED, 5S, 5 Whys/RCA/Fishbone, and Center lining, to build a culture of continuous improvement.
- Maintain a rolling 12-month pipeline of productivity initiatives and capital improvement opportunities.
- Facilitate regular planning meetings to validate cost savings, review project status, and develop contingency plans if initiatives are off track.
- Track and report cost savings, project sustainability, and employee engagement related to continuous improvement initiatives.
- Analyze plant financials, including P&L and other internal data tools, to identify cost-saving opportunities and prioritize high-impact areas for improvement.
- Lead the implementation and sustainment of the Refresco Management System (RMS), ensuring alignment with plant objectives.
- Identify, evaluate, and execute process improvement opportunities that enhance efficiency, reduce waste, and increase plant output.
- Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure alignment, information sharing, and a unified approach to continuous improvement initiatives.
- Implement and promote best practices through the Best Practice Sharing process, fostering innovation and operational excellence.
- Define, monitor, and maintain key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure plant performance and drive accountability.
- Partner with plant leadership to enhance workplace safety by developing and executing strategies to reduce accidents, energy consumption, and material waste.
Required Skills:
- Demonstrated success in implementing and driving cultural and operational improvements through structured change management.
- Hands-on experience deploying Lean methodologies, including Value Stream Mapping, Standard Work, and Visual Management, to improve efficiency and reduce waste.
- Skilled in planning, leading, and coaching Kaizen events to drive continuous improvement and operational excellence.
- Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, and Windows) with the ability to quickly adapt to new software applications. Experience with SAP is highly preferred.
- Comprehensive understanding of SQF standards with a strong sense of responsibility for Food Safety and Food Quality. Must take immediate action when any Food Safety or Quality issue is identified.
- Willingness to adjust work hours or shifts as needed based on production and operational demands.
- Ability to teach, coach, and apply structured problem-solving methodologies such as 5-Why and Fishbone Analysis to identify and eliminate the root causes of issues.
- Proactive in identifying opportunities, making data-driven decisions, and executing improvements with a sense of urgency.
- A strong self-driven work ethic, personal accountability, effective time management, and the ability to influence others are critical to success in this role.
Competencies:
- Leadership - Foster a culture of empowerment by building relationships based on trust, lead courageously on a day-to-day basis, and inspire growth with a clear and ambitious vision that guides the collective effort toward success.
- Independence & Accountability – Take ownership of responsibilities, effectively prioritize multiple assignments, and work independently to drive results with minimal supervision.
- Organization & Time Management – Maintain strong organizational skills to manage competing deadlines, ensuring efficiency and effectiveness under pressure.
- Communication & Collaboration – Demonstrate excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written, to engage and influence stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
- Adaptability & Resilience – Thrive in dynamic environments by embracing change, demonstrating flexibility, and maintaining focus in fast-paced, evolving work settings.
Education and Experience:
- Bachelor’s Degree required, preferably in Engineering, Business or Operations.
- 3-5 years’ experience in Continuous Improvement role required.
- Strong leadership capabilities in a fast-paced production environment required.
- Previous experience in the food/beverage manufacturing industry preferred.
- Ability to understand mechanical workings of equipment strongly preferred.
Working Conditions:
- Work Schedule: Weekdays, weekends, afternoon, evenings, overnight and holidays may be required.
- Work Environment: Operating in a fast-paced production plant with numerous moving parts. Noise levels require hearing protection and temperatures can get very hot and/or relatively cold. The environment is structured and supervised, with clear production targets and schedules to meet.
- Visual/Sensory – This position requires attention to detail, requiring attention with one or two senses at a time.
- Mental Stress – There is pronounced pressure from deadlines, project management, accuracy or similar demands.
Travel Requirements:
- Travel anticipated: Up to 25%
Physical Requirements:
R = Rarely (0-15%) O = Occasionally (16-45%) F = Frequently (46-100%)
Physical Demand
R
O
F
Stand or Sit
X
Stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl
X
Lifting 50 lbs. (minimum lbs. lifted 5 lbs.)
X
Carry weight, lift
X
Walking
X
Driving
X
Climb (stairs/ladders) or balance
X
Other Duties:
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.
A Career with Refresco
Refresco Beverages US Inc. offers the following competitive pay and comprehensive benefits:
Pay Range: $103,436 - $130,000, plus eligibility for performance-based bonuses based on company objectives.
Status: Exempt
- Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance
- Health Savings Accounts and Flexible Spending Accounts
- Life and AD&D Insurance, critical illness, hospital indemnity, and accident insurance
- Short-term disability and long-term disability
- Pet Insurance
- Legal Benefits
- 401(k) Savings Plan with Company Match
- 12 Paid Holidays
- 15 Vacation Days and 5 Paid (Sick) Time Off Days
- Well-being Benefit
- Discount and Total Reward Programs
The applicant who is hired will receive wages within the range that will be based on several factors, including, as applicable, criteria such as years and type of experience, relevant education, training, qualifications, certifications/licensing, skills, geographic location, performance, market considerations, seniority system, merit system, systems that measure earnings by quantity or quality of production, and business or organizational needs.
Application deadline: May, 18, 2026 (the application deadline is a good-faith estimate and may be extended in certain circumstances)
How to apply: Please visit our careers site at https://www.refresco-na.com/na/careers/
Join Refresco TODAY and enjoy a rewarding CAREER!
Any employment agency, person, or entity that submits a résumé to this career site or a hiring manager does so with the understanding that the applicant's résumé will become the property of Refresco Beverages US, Inc. Refresco Beverages, US Inc., will have the right to hire that applicant at its discretion without any fee owed to the submitting employment agency, person, or entity.
Employment agencies that have agreements with Refresco Beverages US, Inc., and have been engaged in a search shall submit a résumé to the designated Refresco recruiter or, upon authorization, submit a résumé to this career site to be eligible for placement fees.
Refresco Beverages US Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity, gender expression, Veteran status, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local law.
Make a Difference in YOUR Career!
Our vision is both simple and ambitious: to put our drinks on every table.
We are the leading global independent beverage solutions provider. We serve a broad range of national and international retailers as well as Global, National and Emerging (GNE) brands. Our products are distributed worldwide from our production sites in Europe, North America, and Australia. Although our own branding may not appear on the labels of the beverages we produce, there is a good chance you are reading this while sipping one of our drinks.
Our ambition is to continually improve and it’s what keeps us at the top of our game. We are solutions-based. We are innovative. We seek out new challenges and conquer them. This is our company ethos, but it’s our people’s too: Refresco is at the cutting edge of a fast-moving industry because we have passionate people pushing the boundaries of what’s best.
Stop and think: how would YOU put our drinks on every table?
Position Description
Reporting to the Sr. Regional Operations Excellence Manager, the Continuous Improvement (CI) Manager is responsible for developing, coordinating, and sustaining CI initiatives within the manufacturing plant. Partnering with the Plant Leadership team and Sr. Regional Operations Excellence Manager, the CI Manager will drive the deployment of CI strategies across the facility. This role involves leading improvement projects, training and developing employees to lead similar initiatives, and fostering a Lean mindset throughout the plant. A strong Lean background is essential, as the CI Manager will spend significant time on the production floor, driving sustainable improvements and securing buy-in at all levels.
Essential Job Functions:
- Adhere to and ensure compliance to all health and safety policies/procedures, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and PPE requirements.
- Adhere to and ensure compliance to food quality and food safety as per the standard(s) provided by corporate, customer, and/or governing bodies (ex. SQF).
- Develop and support the execution of improvement plans aligned with company strategy by collaborating with the Plant Leadership Team and Sr. Regional OPEX Manager.
- Lead, facilitate, and coach Kaizen events to drive sustainable improvements in safety, first-pass quality, direct labor efficiency, yield, maintenance excellence, and indirect labor optimization.
- Mentor and train employees at all levels in CI tools, including the 8 Wastes, Standard Work, SMED, 5S, 5 Whys/RCA/Fishbone, and Center lining, to build a culture of continuous improvement.
- Maintain a rolling 12-month pipeline of productivity initiatives and capital improvement opportunities.
- Facilitate regular planning meetings to validate cost savings, review project status, and develop contingency plans if initiatives are off track.
- Track and report cost savings, project sustainability, and employee engagement related to continuous improvement initiatives.
- Analyze plant financials, including P&L and other internal data tools, to identify cost-saving opportunities and prioritize high-impact areas for improvement.
- Lead the implementation and sustainment of the Refresco Management System (RMS), ensuring alignment with plant objectives.
- Identify, evaluate, and execute process improvement opportunities that enhance efficiency, reduce waste, and increase plant output.
- Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure alignment, information sharing, and a unified approach to continuous improvement initiatives.
- Implement and promote best practices through the Best Practice Sharing process, fostering innovation and operational excellence.
- Define, monitor, and maintain key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure plant performance and drive accountability.
- Partner with plant leadership to enhance workplace safety by developing and executing strategies to reduce accidents, energy consumption, and material waste.
Required Skills:
- Demonstrated success in implementing and driving cultural and operational improvements through structured change management.
- Hands-on experience deploying Lean methodologies, including Value Stream Mapping, Standard Work, and Visual Management, to improve efficiency and reduce waste.
- Skilled in planning, leading, and coaching Kaizen events to drive continuous improvement and operational excellence.
- Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, and Windows) with the ability to quickly adapt to new software applications. Experience with SAP is highly preferred.
- Comprehensive understanding of SQF standards with a strong sense of responsibility for Food Safety and Food Quality. Must take immediate action when any Food Safety or Quality issue is identified.
- Willingness to adjust work hours or shifts as needed based on production and operational demands.
- Ability to teach, coach, and apply structured problem-solving methodologies such as 5-Why and Fishbone Analysis to identify and eliminate the root causes of issues.
- Proactive in identifying opportunities, making data-driven decisions, and executing improvements with a sense of urgency.
- A strong self-driven work ethic, personal accountability, effective time management, and the ability to influence others are critical to success in this role.
Competencies:
- Leadership - Foster a culture of empowerment by building relationships based on trust, lead courageously on a day-to-day basis, and inspire growth with a clear and ambitious vision that guides the collective effort toward success.
- Independence & Accountability – Take ownership of responsibilities, effectively prioritize multiple assignments, and work independently to drive results with minimal supervision.
- Organization & Time Management – Maintain strong organizational skills to manage competing deadlines, ensuring efficiency and effectiveness under pressure.
- Communication & Collaboration – Demonstrate excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written, to engage and influence stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
- Adaptability & Resilience – Thrive in dynamic environments by embracing change, demonstrating flexibility, and maintaining focus in fast-paced, evolving work settings.
Education and Experience:
- Bachelor’s Degree required, preferably in Engineering, Business or Operations.
- 3-5 years’ experience in Continuous Improvement role required.
- Strong leadership capabilities in a fast-paced production environment required.
- Previous experience in the food/beverage manufacturing industry preferred.
- Ability to understand mechanical workings of equipment strongly preferred.
Working Conditions:
- Work Schedule: Weekdays, weekends, afternoon, evenings, overnight and holidays may be required.
- Work Environment: Operating in a fast-paced production plant with numerous moving parts. Noise levels require hearing protection and temperatures can get very hot and/or relatively cold. The environment is structured and supervised, with clear production targets and schedules to meet.
- Visual/Sensory – This position requires attention to detail, requiring attention with one or two senses at a time.
- Mental Stress – There is pronounced pressure from deadlines, project management, accuracy or similar demands.
Travel Requirements:
- Travel anticipated: Up to 25%
Physical Requirements:
R = Rarely (0-15%) O = Occasionally (16-45%) F = Frequently (46-100%)
Physical Demand
R
O
F
Stand or Sit
X
Stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl
X
Lifting 50 lbs. (minimum lbs. lifted 5 lbs.)
X
Carry weight, lift
X
Walking
X
Driving
X
Climb (stairs/ladders) or balance
X
Other Duties:
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.
A Career with Refresco
Refresco Beverages US Inc. offers the following competitive pay and comprehensive benefits:
Pay Range: $103,436 - $130,000, plus eligibility for performance-based bonuses based on company objectives.
Status: Exempt
- Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance
- Health Savings Accounts and Flexible Spending Accounts
- Life and AD&D Insurance, critical illness, hospital indemnity, and accident insurance
- Short-term disability and long-term disability
- Pet Insurance
- Legal Benefits
- 401(k) Savings Plan with Company Match
- 12 Paid Holidays
- 15 Vacation Days and 5 Paid (Sick) Time Off Days
- Well-being Benefit
- Discount and Total Reward Programs
The applicant who is hired will receive wages within the range that will be based on several factors, including, as applicable, criteria such as years and type of experience, relevant education, training, qualifications, certifications/licensing, skills, geographic location, performance, market considerations, seniority system, merit system, systems that measure earnings by quantity or quality of production, and business or organizational needs.
Application deadline: May, 18, 2026 (the application deadline is a good-faith estimate and may be extended in certain circumstances)
How to apply: Please visit our careers site at https://www.refresco-na.com/na/careers/
Join Refresco TODAY and enjoy a rewarding CAREER!
Any employment agency, person, or entity that submits a résumé to this career site or a hiring manager does so with the understanding that the applicant's résumé will become the property of Refresco Beverages US, Inc. Refresco Beverages, US Inc., will have the right to hire that applicant at its discretion without any fee owed to the submitting employment agency, person, or entity.
Employment agencies that have agreements with Refresco Beverages US, Inc., and have been engaged in a search shall submit a résumé to the designated Refresco recruiter or, upon authorization, submit a résumé to this career site to be eligible for placement fees.
Refresco Beverages US Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity, gender expression, Veteran status, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local law.
How to Get Visa Sponsorship as a Continuous Improvement Manager
Highlight your Lean and Six Sigma credentials upfront
Certifications like Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt signal immediate value to hiring managers. List them prominently on your resume and mention your OPT status alongside them so employers see your credentials before the visa conversation begins.
Target manufacturers and logistics companies first
Industries like automotive, aerospace, medical devices, and supply chain rely heavily on continuous improvement and have established visa sponsorship infrastructure. These employers are far more likely to have HR teams experienced with OPT and H-1B processes than early-stage startups.
Quantify your process improvement results with numbers
Employers evaluating OPT candidates weigh demonstrated impact heavily. Include metrics like cycle time reductions, defect rates improved, or cost savings achieved. Concrete numbers make your case for sponsorship much easier when HR escalates your application internally.
Clarify your STEM OPT eligibility early in conversations
If your degree is in industrial engineering, systems engineering, or operations research, you likely qualify for a 24-month STEM extension. This gives employers a three-year window before H-1B sponsorship is needed, which significantly reduces their perceived risk.
Frame visa sponsorship as a long-term investment discussion
Continuous Improvement Managers build institutional knowledge over time. During interviews, emphasize your long-term commitment to the role and organization. Employers who see you as a retention investment are more willing to initiate sponsorship conversations proactively.
Use Migrate Mate to focus your search on sponsoring employers
Searching broadly wastes your limited OPT time. Migrate Mate filters for employers who actively sponsor OPT and visa candidates, so every application you send targets a company already open to your work authorization situation.
Continuous Improvement Manager jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Does a Continuous Improvement Manager role qualify for STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree, not the job title. If your bachelor's or master's is in industrial engineering, systems engineering, operations research, or a related STEM field, your role will likely qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Business administration or management degrees typically do not qualify, even if the job involves data-heavy process analysis.
Do Continuous Improvement Manager jobs typically qualify for H-1B sponsorship?
Most do, because the role generally requires a bachelor's degree or higher in a specific technical field such as industrial engineering or operations management, meeting the specialty occupation standard. However, if the job description is vague about degree requirements, USCIS may push back during adjudication. Look for postings that specify a relevant engineering or technical degree as a requirement, not just a preference.
How do I find Continuous Improvement Manager jobs that sponsor OPT students?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for this search. Rather than applying blindly and discovering mid-process that a company won't sponsor, Migrate Mate surfaces roles from employers with a track record of OPT and visa sponsorship. This is especially important for Continuous Improvement roles, where smaller companies may want to hire but lack the HR infrastructure to support sponsorship.
What degree fields are most relevant for OPT students applying to Continuous Improvement Manager roles?
Industrial engineering is the strongest match and the most commonly listed degree requirement in job postings. Operations research, mechanical engineering, manufacturing engineering, and systems engineering are also well-aligned. Some employers accept supply chain management or business analytics degrees, but those typically won't support a STEM OPT extension, so confirm eligibility with your DSO before accepting an offer.
What should I include in my resume as an OPT student applying for Continuous Improvement Manager positions?
Lead with certifications like Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt, then quantify your project outcomes with specific metrics such as percentage reductions in defect rates or lead times. Include your OPT work authorization status and STEM extension eligibility clearly so recruiters don't screen you out unnecessarily. Employers in manufacturing and operations move quickly, so a concise, results-focused resume gets more traction than a generic one.
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