OVERVIEW 

The Continuous Improvement Specialist will work with the C.I. team (Continuous Improvement) and all operational excellence activities at the plant level. The C.I. Specialist is responsible for identifying and improving the outcomes of manufacturing and operational processes, improve efficiency, reduce cost, and increase yield with an eye on superior customer satisfaction.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND RESULTS

• Conduct root cause analysis to determine metrics or help troubleshoot manufacturing issues.
• Identify loss points, yield loss, develop appropriate continuous improvements strategies, perform time studies, cycle counts, or other. 
• Work with cross-departmental teams and individuals to implement continuous improvement strategies or address manufacturing issues. Support of all facilities in achieving their business plan goals.
• Create, implement, and sustain 6S standards company wide.
• Work with production team to create standard work instructions.
• Participate in C.I. activities such as Kaizen; line commissioning; R&D project support and tracking- both in Shelby and other Peterson Farms Family of Companies as needed.
• Participate in the Cost Containment Team, with an emphasis on increased ROI.
• Be able to work within variable temperatures including extremely hot and cold, as well as occasionally working on off shifts as needed.
• Other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS 

Education 

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred

Work Experience 

• Good analytical mind and common sense.
• Lean Manufacturing Tools welcomed but will train the right candidate. 
• Ability to work with plant management, maintenance, sanitation, operators, and many different cross-functional teams to develop appropriate continuous improvement strategies.
• Possess excellent written, oral, and interpersonal skills and communication.
• Must possess solid computer skills, including ability to learn Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Visio, PerformOEE, and RedZone quickly.

Skills and Knowledge

• Proficient using PC, via keyboard/mouse, and various software applications (i.e., Microsoft Office Suite and Kronos).

• Demonstrated ability to maintain integrity and privacy of confidential information.
• Ability to work well under pressure and quickly assess and respond appropriately to questions.
• Ability to adapt to change and learn quickly.
• Good organizational skills.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Ability to comprehend and comply with GMP rules and Food Safety guidelines.
• Ability to work as contributing member within the team.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• None

BEHAVIORAL REQUIREMENTS

As part of a team-based work environment, must be able to demonstrate the following Job Competencies:

Job Competencies

• Team Orientation – Shows skill and ease at working in groups; works with others to achieve better results and forges close working relationships and alliances to get things done; is quick to cooperate versus expect others to bend to his/her wishes; supports joint ownership and shared recognition for results; recognizes advantages of group participation in planning and problem solving.
• Develops Technical Competence – Seeks to stay abreast of new developments in core competencies and learn enough about related fields to apply knowledge effectively in business; enjoys learning and is intellectually curious; has strong desire to continuously improve knowledge, skills, and abilities; sees learning and knowledge as keys to building skills and abilities essential to job and career success.
• Attention to Detail – Committed to exactness and precision in task completion; identifies, pays attention to, and works to understand details; thorough and consistent in following up at detail level; seeks to become expert in disciplines related to adopted career path to ensure quality and precision in work; takes pride in knowledge base and level of expertise.
• Takes Personal Responsibility in Individual Contributor Role – Demonstrates attitude and commitment to take personal responsibility for results, even when in team environment with no authority over others; will step up to fill gaps so results can be assured; avoids excuses as explanations or defending/justifying negative but preventable outcomes.
• Practical Intelligence – Absorbs new information quickly and is comfortable dealing with abstract concepts and relationships; relates new information to previously acquired knowledge to expand and refine frame of reference; enjoys learning and expanding breadth and depth of understanding on variety of subjects.
• Reliability/Dependability – Responds to internal customer needs, questions, and concerns in accurate and timely manner. Follows through on commitments, assignments, and tasks; is at work when scheduled; takes timely breaks/lunches; uses work time wisely.
• Safety Awareness – Demonstrates use of safe and proper work methods and follows established safety procedures. Reports and corrects working conditions that may increase risk factors for injury.
• Good Manufacturing Practices/Food Safety – Demonstrates Good Manufacturing Practices and proper Food Safety procedures when performing daily job functions. Correctly wears required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in designated areas. Recognizes areas for GMP and Food Safety procedure improvements and shares ideas with leadership.
• Respects Diversity – Respects the Company’s diverse workforce, and behaves in a manner that does not cause harm to others based on age, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation or religious believes.
• Adaptability – Has ability to focus on the benefits of change and see it as positive; approaches change or newness in constructive, objective manner, views change as learning opportunity; able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.
• Positive Working Relationships – Listens to others without interrupting; keeps emotions under control; remains open to others’ ideas and tries new things; shares information and knowledge; demonstrates a high level of integrity and honesty.
• Focus – Maintains focus on tasks and does not stray from job assignments.

ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL DEMANDS :

• Noise level in work environment is moderate; Standard office setting.
• Eye, hearing, hair nets, bump hats, lab coats may be required.

DISCLAIMER

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable persons with disabilities the ability to perform the essential responsibilities and results.