Digital Manufacturing Manager

Job Summary
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 Digital Manufacturing Manager based in Mount Crawford, Virginia!

This Digital Manufacturing Manager will be responsible for leading the execution of the Digital Manufacturing Acceleration (DMA) Program, maximizing the business impact through digital catalog solutions, exploring new technologies, and tracking the value generated. As our plants continue their digital transformation journey, the Digital Manufacturing Manager will be instrumental in advancing our facilities toward comprehensive Industry 4.0 maturity.

While some digital tools are already in place, there remains significant opportunity for further integration and

optimization. This role will not only drive the adoption of advanced digital solutions but will also ensure our progress is aligned with the emerging principles of Industry 5.0, focusing on human-centric innovation, sustainability, and workforce empowerment. This role is responsible for oversight of the manufacturing facility's 3-5 year strategy through the development and implementation of the Factory Strategic Plan incorporating business needs, digital manufacturing and workforce planning. A hands-on passion for manufacturing process optimization & technology, coupled with a creative/productivity driven mindset are key pre-requisites.

Key Responsibilities
As a key member of our team, you will play an important role in driving our mission forward. The following responsibilities outline the core expectations and contributions for this position:

Strategic development and comprehensive implementation of the Factory Strategic Plan, integrating advanced business needs, digital manufacturing optimization, and forward-thinking workforce planning
• Design and implement improvements to business results through continuous improvement approaches optimizing the implementation time and user adoption (change management) of solutions
• Interacting with and influencing both internal and external stakeholders to problem
  solve and drive solutions to roadblocks
• Driving and challenging the implementation plan of the facility to maximize value capture
• Tracking impact and implementation value via KPI's
• Communicating and working with stakeholders to ensure the global innovations and solutions catalogue is updated and maintained with improved processes, networking for accelerated optimization
• Leading the DMA model for the site: Preparation, Ideation, Business Case Development
• Assess current digital manufacturing capabilities and identify gaps to develop a clear roadmap toward Industry 4.0 maturity. Ensuring implementation of applicable catalogue and innovation solutions through DMA
• Lead the implementation and integration of new digital tools and technologies, ensuring scalable and sustainable progress across all facilities.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and change management, engaging teams at all levels to support digital adoption.
• Champion Industry 5.0 principles by promoting human-machine collaboration, prioritizing workforce well-being, and embedding sustainability into digital initiatives.
• Prepare the organization for future advancements by staying informed on emerging trends and ensuring teams are equipped for the next wave of digital and human-centric manufacturing.
• Develop and drive a strategic focus for digital manufacturing initiatives, ensuring alignment with long-term manufacturing priorities rather than isolated solutions.
• Champion a culture of technological enthusiasm, inspiring teams to embrace cutting-edge digital transformation and become industry innovation leaders

Travel required: ~ 30%

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.

Mental Demands:

• Must understand vague and implicit instructions and react favorably in all work situations.
• Must be mentally adaptable and flexible in dealing with a variety of people.
• Must be able to communicate providing verbal feedback in a professional manner.
• Ability to give, receive and analyze information, formulate work plans, prepare written materials, and articulate goals and action plans.
• Must understand people and be able to communicate effectively with them.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works near moving mechanical parts and is regularly exposed to wet and/or humid conditions. The employee may be exposed to fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals and may be exposed to loud noises in the plant. The employee
  occasionally works in high, precarious places and is occasionally exposed to extreme cold, risk of electrical shock and vibration.

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:
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.

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:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Information Technology, Business, Manufacturing Technology or other related technical disciplines, required.
• 8+ years leadership experience in positions of increasing responsibility demonstrating excellence in results delivery

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Advanced knowledge of digital manufacturing platforms and solutions, including AI driven performance optimization, energy and resource management systems, connected worker tools, and smart automation technologies used to drive efficiency and data-informed decision-making
• Excellent stakeholder management, influence, and communication skills
• Knowledge of LEAN Manufacturing principles
• Open to change and new technologies
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to build positive relationships
• Proven ability to improve results & increase efficiency
• Demonstrated leadership in accordance with our Danone Behaviors
• Excellent planning and organization skills
• Team Player
• Process Oriented
• Self-Starter with effective drive

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, STK 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.

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