Site Initiative Execution Leader (SIEL)

About The Job

At Danone, Manufacturing the best products and supplying them to meet demand is a key driver for our plant teams. We are currently looking to hire a Site Initiative Execution Leader based in Mount Crawford, VA!

Key Responsibilities

As a key member of our team, you will support the manufacturing operations in executing testing for validation and specification conformity of packaging, ingredients, and finished product. The primary focus will be on industrialization of packaging, product, productivity, innovation, and renovation projects at the manufacturing facility.

This role will work closely with the Senior SIEL on prioritization of projects and requirements. The following responsibilities outline the core expectations and contributions for this position

Own and lead from the Site Initiatives Master Plan (IMP), ensuring alignment with plant priorities and resource capacityEnsure accurate project prefeasibility and feasibility assessments during the project definition phase, with a strong focus on PQCDSM accuracyLead successful execution of product and packaging innovations at the site, including vertical start‑upsLead factory supply chain readiness for initiatives, including master data, materials supply, planning, first factory production, and remnant depletionOwn or participate in the evaluation and mitigation of manage Safety, Quality, Cost, Delivery, Mobility and Nature (SQCDMN) risks at the factory level for all initiativesPartner closely with factory and project teams to ensure strong quality of execution and achievement of SQCDMN performance indicatorsLead InnoPro Gate deliverables for the factory scope of initiativesEnsure initiatives meet defined objectives for safety, quality, delivery, cost, and sustainabilityProvide factory technical and industrial feasibility leadership from project definition through execution, ensuring alignment between product specifications and site capabilities. Lead factory resource planning and governance, including CAPEX/OPEX assessment, homologation, and stage‑gate execution for all site initiatives. Lead factory execution of innovation, productivity, and quality projects, integrating engineering and operations resources to deliver successful trials, start‑ups, and scale‑ups. Drive industrial testing, validation, and launch excellence, including scheduling and optimization of trials, start‑ups, artwork, and specification validations, with clear reporting to project teams. Ensure performance monitoring and continuous improvement, leading post‑launch reviews, post‑mortem analyses, and identification of new innovation and productivity opportunities.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential function of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs and ladders, balance; stoop, kneel or crouch; talk and hear. Occasionally required to lift and / or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

Work is performed in a manufacturing environment with exposure to moderate noise and temperature variations. Work schedules could include nights, weekends and/or holidays to provide the ability to support a 24/7 manufacturing environment as business needs dictate.

Engagement in our Integrated Work Systems

Ensure adherence to plant standards and procedures (including but not limited to GMP, AIB, FDA, IWS, Quality, Safety, Finance, ISO, HOPE, Danone Behaviors, Daily Direction Setting, Driving OE). As a fundamental piece of the organization, your responsibility is to participate and own the implementation and deployment of IWS system and its pillars (Leadership foundation, Daily Direction Setting, Driving OE; Autonomous Maintenance; planned Maintenance; Focused Improvement; Education and Training; Environmental, Health and Safety; Quality; Organization; Supply Network; Early Equipment Management) with the objective of owning your space, owning your performance (Safety, Quality, Cost, Delivery, Mobilization, Nature) and owning your continuous improvement.

Compensation & Benefits

The salary range for this role is $90K to $115K. Danone North America additionally offers a performance-based bonus and has a strong benefits package including Medical, Dental, Vision, Prescription Drug Coverage, 401k Plan, Wellness Program, Life Insurance, Tuition Reimbursement, Flexible Time Off, and Paid Parental Bonding Leave, among other benefit plan options.

About You

The ideal candidate will bring a combination of education, experience, and skills that enable them to excel in this position. The following qualifications outline what we’re looking for, including both required and preferred criteria

Education & Experience

Required Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, or a related fieldPreferred Advanced degree or certification in Project Management, Operations Excellence, or Supply ChainRequired 5 + years of experience in manufacturing, operations, supply chain, or project execution rolesPreferred Experience leading site‑level initiatives or innovation execution in a manufacturing environment

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Strong understanding of manufacturing operations and supply chain integrationExperience with project governance, stage‑gate processes, and initiative executionAbility to assess and manage Safety, Quality, Cost, Delivery, Mobility and Nature (SQCDMN) risks at the site levelStrong analytical, planning, and problem‑solving skillsEffective communication and collaboration across cross‑functional teamsDemonstrated ability to drive continuous improvement within structured operatingMust understand vague and implicit instructions and react favorably in all work situationsMust be mentally adaptable and flexible in dealing with a variety of peopleMust be able to communicate providing verbal feedback in a professional manner systems

About us

Danone U.S. is part of Danone North America, a purpose-driven company and an industry leader in the food and beverage category. You’ll work with some of the best-known food and beverage brands in the world. Our strong portfolio of brands includes Activia®, DanActive®, Danimals®, Dannon®, evian®, Follow Your Heart®, Happy Family® Organics, International Delight®, Light + Fit®, Nutricia ®, Oikos®, Silk®, So Delicious® Dairy Free, STōK® Cold Brew Coffee ®, Too Good & Co™, and YoCrunch®.

With approximately 5,000 employees and 13 production locations across the U.S., Danone North America's mission is to bring health through food to as many people as possible.

You’ll be part of one of the largest Certified B Corps™ in the world, working to make sure our company creates real value for people and the planet. Come join our movement for a healthier world One Planet. One Health BY YOU.

Danone North America is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer. It is our policy to give equal employment opportunities to all qualified persons without regard to legally protected characteristics, or any other consideration made unlawful by applicable federal, state/provincial and/or local law. For our EEO policy statement and your EEO rights under law click here.