Continuous Improvement Specialist

JOB SUMMARY

As the Continuous Improvement Specialist, you will report directly to the Plant Manager, and will be responsible for the development and implementation of Standards of Work (SOW) and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for any/all processes throughout the operation, including the training of staff on documented practices. You will also be responsible for maintaining Key Performance Indicator (KPI) reports as well as the identification and execution of process improvements to maintain and lower operational costs, while maintaining product safety and quality.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

· ​Development of Standard of Work (SOW) documents for all equipment and processes used throughout production.

· Development, and update, Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) in compliance with January Foods Quality Standards.

· Work closely with both Operations and Quality Assurance Teams to ensure production is adhering to SOP & SOW.

· ​Data entry & distribution of KPI and/or other reports as requested. Develop additional metrics as needed.

· Monitoring/Auditing proficiency level of Machine Operators as well as run-rates (efficiency) and equipment settings throughout the operation.

· Development, and update, product specifications.

· Audit policies, procedures, tools, and systems are adequate to satisfy the fundamental responsibility of the position to ensure that the plant is supported across all areas.

· Develop, review, and maintain all necessary training tools.

· Coordinate the completion of documented training sessions with staff on SOP, SOW, Safety, etc..

· ​Coordinate the development of a training program for when new equipment is brought into the facility.

· Facilitate the mentor, auditor, and trainer programs (train the trainer).

· Strong floor presence (30-50% of your time, dependent on project specifics/workload).

· Other projects as assigned.

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​EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

· ​High School Diploma.

· Requires 1-3 years’ experience working in a manufacturing environment. Experience in food manufacturing is preferred.

· ​​Bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering or equivalent, and/or work experience (4-6 years) preferred.

· Prior Training and Development experience.

· ​Ability to manage several projects at once while adhering to pre-defined completion timelines.

· ​Strong critical thinking skills to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw accurate, and valid conclusions.

· ​Interpret a variety of technical information in mathematical and/or narrative form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.

· Ability to work independently, as well as the ability to collaborate within a team environment.

· Advanced level of experience with Microsoft Office Suite.

​Physical Demands and Work Environment

​The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

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​While performing the duties of this job, you are occasionally required to stand, walk, sit, and reach above shoulder level, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. You are frequently required to finger, handle, or touch objects, tools, and controls. You must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. The work environment is an office environment with a moderate noise level, and occasional time in the production area with loud noises