Continuous Improvement Specialist

Summary Description: 

The Continuous Improvement Technician reports directly to the Continuous Improvement Leader. The Continuous Improvement Technician assists with process improvements and other CI initiatives to support a continuous improvement culture throughout the plant. This position will assist teams in deploying tools, technology, policies and processes to improve operational effectiveness to maximize efficiency and customer satisfaction (both internal and external). In addition, the role is responsible for completing the administrative tasks (Training Plan tracking, data entry, documentation updates, and all other tasks as assigned) associated with the Plant Technical Training plan for all New Hire team members. All other duties as assigned.

Job Duties (Accountability Categories and Essential Functions/Key Responsibilities):  NOTE:  The job may include other “non-essential” responsibilities and duties that are not listed on this form.

Continuous Improvement 

• Sustains visualization of functional metrics on the appropriate frequency.
• Partners with team members to develop sustainable, repeatable and quantifiable process improvements. 
• Participates in cross-functional continuous improvement projects that reduce operational costs while increasing efficiency and effectiveness.
• Performs root cause analysis and utilizes other continuous improvement tools and activities to maximize safety, quality, and productivity. (5S, 5 Whys, Time Studies, metrics, etc.)
• Partners with plant operators to understand road blocks, barriers, pain points, opportunities, and so on to derive relevant and impactful CI efforts on the production floor.
• Brings expertise or identifies Process Owners in support of multi-functional efforts in process improvements.

Training & Development 

• Partners with Plant team members to develop and continuously improve Standard Work.  
• Reviews training documentation for gaps and provides support in updating documentation and training materials periodically.
• Ensures proper tracking of improvement actions and measures impact of changes (process efficiency gains, employee engagement, safety).

Floor Time 

• Attend Pre-Shift Meetings as needed.
• New Hire Applicant Plant Tours as needed
• Routine floor walks.
• Floor observations as required for project/process improvements.

Minimum Qualifications & Experience:

• Must be 18 years of age
• 2 to 4 years work experience in a manufacturing position or similar technical role 

Mechanical skills/aptitude

• Time management and organizational skills
• Ability to influence and motivate others in a positive manner
• Ability to effectively train others
• Intermediate skills in Microsoft Office (e.g. Excel, Word, PowerPoint), and e-mail communication;
• Read, write and speak the English language in order to understand/adhere to Standard Operating Procedures (SOP's) and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP's), to communicate effectively with others, and to complete required documentation both in written and electronic form utilizing the English language
• Ability to communicate effectively in relaying information to team members, team leads, supervisors, and managers
• Ability to work with minimal supervision to achieve assign work on quality and on time.
• Wear required personal protective equipment; comply with all applicable safety practices.
• Working knowledge of the Cheese Make, Pack and/or Nutrition technical process

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities/Competencies:  

• Work standards
• Initiating action
• Quality orientation
• Safety awareness
• Working effectively with others
• Decision making
• Gaining commitment
• Communication
• High personal initiative
• Resourceful
• Problem Solving Skills
• Professional presence