Operational Excellence Engineer

I. Purpose of the Job
The Plant OPEX Engineer will be responsible for accelerating the Continuous Improvement efforts within the plant by leading organizational/leadership development processes, promoting employee engagement, and driving quality and productivity improvements. The successful candidate will provide necessary coaching to leadership and other individuals regarding organizational effectiveness, operational improvements, and execution of best practices. Monitor progress and advance the transformation to world class over time through continued coaching. Provide support to location personnel to make certain that progress meets location targets.
II. Major Duties and Responsibilities

• Responsible for implementing strategy and guiding advancement of Operational Excellence using the Edge Operating System at assigned plant location.
• Collaborate with the Production Manager(s), Quality Managers, and others at the location to understand site business priorities/goals and use this knowledge to prioritize Continuous Improvement activity at the production location.
• Be a role model for the Mindsets and Behaviors necessary to create an environment of trust, participation, and accountability.
• Consult with Regional and other OPEX Managers to identify best practices and to simplify and standardize work to deliver improved performance.
• Actively review site practices to identify opportunities and advise on appropriate organizational interventions (i.e. training, coaching, etc.) for improving site systems and practices to achieve desired outcomes.
• Guide locations in determining the priorities for process improvements that impact production and business results and champion waste elimination and reduction.
• Build a coaching culture and provide individual coaching to site and above site leadership throughout the change and transformation process.
• Monitor Improvement progress and sustain transformational gains over time through continued metric review and consultation with key stakeholders.
• Lead Improvement Projects utilizing standardized OPEX tools and methods to improve plant performance and achieve results for operations customers.

III. Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, Business, Operations, or comparable technical field with a minimum of 1-2 years Continuous Improvement Experience; or 3-5 years in a Continuous Improvement role.
• Professional certifications and/or experience especially helpful in the field of; Lean, 6-Sigma Green Belt and Change Management.
• Knowledge of production operations either in a food processing or other manufacturing environment.

IV. Knowledge and Skill Level

• Results oriented with the ability to gather, analyze, and interpret information from a variety of sources.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, manage and implement organizational and cultural change and deliver results.
• Be a recognized role model in key leadership development skills of feedback, coaching, listening, empowerment, and difficult conversations.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills which include building rapport and maintaining strong relationships across all levels, sensitivity to individual and team needs, collaborating effectively to accomplish work, effective facilitation, and teaching skills.
• Effective with coaching and influencing individuals and teams without authority.
• Demonstrated conflict resolution and solution focused problem-solving skills.
• Project management capability with effective time management skills and ability to manage multiple conflicting priorities.
• Ability to see the big picture translating details into an organizational perspective.
• Knowledge and strong working competence in MS Office toolset

V. Scope of the Job

• The Plant Operational Excellence Engineer will be responsible for accelerating the Continuous Improvement change efforts at their assigned production plant by leading organizational/leadership development processes, promoting employee engagement, and driving quality and productivity improvements.
• The OPEX Engineer will provide necessary coaching to the team and other individuals regarding organizational effectiveness, operational improvements, and execution of best practices.
• Monitor progress and advance the transformation to world class over time through continued coaching.
• Provide support to location personnel to make certain that progress meets location targets.

Position Summary:
This position will lead the facility in the development and implementation of a long-term Ventura Foods strategic plan to involve every plant employee in the pursuit of a lean manufacturing environment that lowers production costs.
Major Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop, lead, execute, sustain, and standardize major process improvement projects.
• Mentor plant leadership on process improvement projects.
• Develop, coordinate and train employees in various Lean/Sigma manufacturing techniques as part of the overall continuous improvement program.
• Build a pipeline of projects for major process improvement.

Education and Experience:

• Five (5) years of Lean experience in a complex manufacturing environment.
• Past experience in leading Kaizen workshops in the areas of 5S, standard work, visual management, daily management, SMED and OEE gap closure.
• 6 Sigma certification preferred.
• Food manufacturing experience preferred.
• Maintenance/manufacturing/engineering/QA/QS experience preferred.
• BS in Engineering, Business or related; Master's degree preferred.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Demonstrated ability to lead kaizen improvement events.
• Demonstrated ability to complete cost savings projects.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills and ability to work in a matrix organization.
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams to implement cost savings programs across plant.
• Strong analytical skills using tools such as statistics, downtime tracking, mechanical history, project planning to identify opportunity areas.
• Creative in problem solving and innovative approaches to resolve complex problems.
• Microsoft Office skills such as PowerPoint, Project, Excel, and Word.
• Ability to quickly come up to speed on complex production processes and work with others to identify opportunities areas via data.
• Ability to teach/coach CI concepts throughout the plant.

Physical Demands:
Regularly requires intermittent sitting, standing, walking, climbing, squatting, kneeling, pushing, and pulling. Physical strength and dexterity sufficient to perform the required task(s). Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds or more with assistance. Additional demands may be required.
Work Environment:
In addition to normal business hours, work schedules may include after hours and weekends as needed. May work outside and in adverse temperatures which include extreme hot, cold, and humidity. May be exposed to fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals and vibration. Must be willing and able to wear personal protective equipment as required by established Company Safety standards. May require work in confined and dark spaces, and at heights in excess of 18 feet for prolonged periods of time.
Diversity & Inclusion:
Our commitment to a diverse and inclusive environment in which all employees are treated with respect is evident in our company culture and values. We believe that fostering an environment of inclusion and a focus on diversity across our organization is vital to attracting top talent, driving innovation, and meeting the high expectations of our customers in a rapidly evolving global marketplace.
Ventura Foods is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.