By collaborating with department heads, process engineers, and other stakeholders, lead the change management efforts to implement data driven mindset, right by design and process improvements effectively and systematically.
Promote a culture of continuous improvement by leading the adoption of Six Sigma, Statistical Process Controls and Lean methodologies at all levels of the organization.
The Director, Six Sigma & IWS – Q Pillar is a key strategic leader responsible for shaping the Quality and Food Safety (QFS) vision across the manufacturing network while driving harmonized, data‑driven continuous improvement. This role integrates advanced Lean Six Sigma expertise with end‑to‑end quality governance, capability building, and cultural transformation across all plants.
This role is an active member of the Global Quality Pillar team and is responsible for deploying the Pillar across regional sites in full alignment with Danone’s QFS and Dan-IWS standards and requirements. This requires fostering strong relationships with site-level Pillar teams, demonstrating a service-oriented mindset, and continuously learning from best practices to enhance the Quality Pillar's execution. This position can be based at any of our US plant or HQ locations.
Key Responsibilities
Continuous Improvement Leadership/ Six Sigma
Build the Six Sigma/SPC governance and network across US/Canada and SPOC for US + Canada in Global SPC network
Provide training, coaching, and mentoring to project team members to build Lean Six Sigma capabilities across the organization in the scope of quality by design and continuous excellence.
Utilize Lean Six Sigma tools to enhance product superiority by design, improve process stability and capability, focusing on reducing variability, center-lining and eliminating non-value-added activities.
Establish systems to collect, interpret, and analyze data to identify trends, root causes of process issues, and opportunities for improvement. Use statistical tools to validate improvements and ensure sustainability.
Develop and implement product, process and defect reduction strategies.
influence stakeholders to foster a culture of Excellence in Execution and Continuous Improvement.
identify, prioritize, and lead/co-lead complex, cross-functional Lean Six Sigma projects to improve product and package consistent Right-First-time delivery of quality attributes, reduce waste, increase throughput, drive quality excellence and cost reduction.
Develop and deploy impactful SPC train-the-trainer modules.
IWS Quality Pilar
Be the US + Canada IWS Q pillar activator building a strong and effective IWS Q pillar across all plants
Build and deploy IWS Q pillar master plan, train and coach the plants, integrate IWS capabilities into quality processes to define ways of working, establish KPIs, and monitor quality performance to drive continuous improvement,
Collaborate with Corporate Quality and Global Quality teams to fully leverage IWS Danone initiatives, build communication plans
Leading the deployment of the Global Quality Pillar Guidebook within the region.
Maintaining and nurturing the regional Quality Pillar network to provide support, drive continuous improvement, capture learnings, and enable best practice sharing.
Collecting and sharing feedback and insights from regional sites to support ongoing improvement and innovation of the Quality Pillar.
Assessing the effectiveness of quality systems across the region.
Collaborating with MCLs and IWS Managers to ensure seamless integration of Pillar activities within broader operational frameworks.
Reporting & Communication
- Prepare and present strategic roadmaps and performance dashboards.
- Provide regular updates to senior leadership.
- Foster open communication across plants and corporate teams.
The salary range for this position is $136,000-195,000 USD. The exact salary offered will depend on several factors, including the candidate’s relevant experience, geographic location, internal equity, and market conditions. 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. To give our employees flexibility, Danone is a hybrid work environment.
About you
Qualifications & Skills
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Science, or related field.
- Expertise in food manufacturing, Lean tools, Six Sigma, and statistical analysis.
- Six sigma black belt certification
- Proficient in data analysis, statistical software (Minitab,…) and process simulation tools
- Experience leading large‑scale transformation initiatives.
- Strong analytical, communication, and leadership skills.
- Strong problem solving and decision making skills, driving tangible results
- Ability to travel domestically and internationally.
Key Interactions
- Corporate and Global Quality Teams
- Corporate Manufacturing teams
- Plant Directors and Quality Leaders
About Danone
Life at Danone With approximately 5,000 employees and 13 production locations across the U.S., our vibrant culture and endless growth opportunities are just a couple of the reasons our employees call themselves “Proud Danoners.”
Our Brands When you join us, you’ll work with some of the best-known food and beverage brands in the world, including 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®.
Our Purpose We’re committed to making a positive impact on our world. Rooted in our mission to bring health through food to as many people as possible, we’re proud to be the world’s largest B Corp.
Our Benefits Our commitment to making the world healthier starts with our employees.
Physical Wellbeing: We pay for the majority of your medical benefits – which include medical, dental and vision – with our competitive 80%/20% cost-sharing model
Mental Wellbeing: Danoners receive fitness discounts, unlimited flexible time off and hybrid work schedules. We also have a range of programs that support mental health and substance abuse.
Financial Support: We offer a performance-based bonus, a 401(k) plan, tuition reimbursement, employee discount programs and voluntary perks.
Family Care: We offer caretaker benefits, 18 weeks of parental bonding, fertility, surrogacy, adoption benefits and pet insurance.
Equal Opportunity Employer 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.
United States
