SR Continuous Improvement Engineer

Sr Continuous Improvement Engineer

Role Summary:

The Sr. Continuous Improvement Engineer drives change through focused continuous improvement efforts to ensure higher levels of performance in safety, quality, schedule adherence, cost, growth, and engagement. Effectively utilizes Lean, Six Sigma, DMAIC methodology, tools, and root cause analysis to eliminate waste. Coaches, trains, mentors via EAS’s overall Continuous Improvement methodology, and applies knowledge through project-based activity, as well as through strategic steering teams.

This key position is responsible for the delivery of process innovation and continuous improvement initiatives across Eden Prairie and Annandale plants (with extensions into EAS co packers and South Carolina as assigned). Plays an important role in helping to foster a culture of sustainable change, through the creation and embedding of CI methodology, to deliver business transformation.

Essential Competencies:

CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT

·        Facilitates and implements the continuous improvement process (e.g. behaviors, attitude, and culture), working with staff and operations to implement and sustain a continuous improvement program based upon Lean principles that supports meeting plant goals and targets.

·        Works closely with fellow technical resources to help drive efficiencies and develop continuous improvement opportunities and best practices. Coaches, trains, mentors, and models root cause analysis, problem solving methodology, strategy development, Leader Standard Work, 5S+1, and many other CI/Lean/TPM philosophies.

·        Acts as a change agent to challenge existing processes that create waste and non-value-added work.  Key focuses on give away, scrap, and raw material waste reductions.

·        Conducts GAP analysis across current equipment, products, and processes.  Makes recommended improvements based on these findings.

·        Leads cross functional Kaizen teams to resolution of problems or achievement of desired goals.

·        Shares best practices and build relationships with CI resources, at all EAS facilities.

MEASUREMENT

·        Monitors data and metrics to identify areas of waste and prioritize the development and implementation of solutions.

·        Leads focused efforts aimed at breakthrough and incremental improvements in process, department and/or line-specific opportunities that meet and exceed plant operational performance metrics.

PROJECT MANAGEMENT (Start-Ups, New Equipment, etc.)

·        Works with technical support teams, Finance, and Plant Leadership to manage a Continuous Improvement docket to both prioritize projects and track results against Cost Out targets.

·        Start-Up Process Management—equipment, processes, new projects

·        Operations champion within new product development.  Partners on verifying true COGS and scrap rates based on equipment capabilities.

SAFETY and QUALITY

·        Partners on the Safety Action Item List to ensure efficient completion of open items.

·        Ensures SAIL items align with team member safety and morale.

·        Reviews equipment for any necessary safety or quality-related changes or recommended process changes.

EQUIPMENT and TOTAL PRODUCTIVE MAINTENANCE (TPM)

·        Develops current equipment capabilities and reliabilities, factoring in standard deviations.

·        Mentors Operators and develops them to be sufficient with maintaining their own equipment, laying a foundation for improved production and fewer break-downs, stops and defects.

All other duties, as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

·       4-year degree in a Science or Engineering (Chemical, Mechanical, Industrial, Electrical, Manufacturing) field or equivalent work experience/training.

·       3-7 years combined related work experience in a manufacturing environment (food preferred).

·       Demonstrated passion for safety. Able to develop and maintain a respectful and safe work environment.

·       Deep understanding of Lean Manufacturing/Continuous Improvement methodologies and ability to model them.

·       Must have strong analytical and business judgment including demonstrated problem-solving and trouble-shooting skills.

·       Ability to influence, mentor, and coach to get results through others

·       Results driven for support of company growth strategies.

·       Have strong bias for action, with the ability to inspire others.

·       Convey a high level of optimism in finding ways to achieve aggressive targets.

·       Communicates a sense of purpose. Talks about the possibilities and is optimistic. Creates strong morale and spirit within teams.

·       Solves highly complex problems and prioritizes actions in a timely manner. Probes all sources for answers and can quickly sense what will help resolve issues.

·       Establish clear directions, lays out work in a well-planned and organized manner.

·       Speaks candidly and in a professional manner.

·       Organizes and manages projects; interacts, supports, facilitates, and leads multi-functional work teams; leads teams to consensus; strong negotiation skills.

·       Able to build strong relationships with cross-functional partners. Supports and fosters change.

·       Comprehensive knowledge of defect reduction and waste variance processes

This position will be required to travel up to 25% of the time.