Continuous Improvement Specialist

Our Continuous Improvement Specialist supports site efforts to maintain the Winland Management Operating Structure (MOS). Facilitates projects to review supply chain processes and related areas by applying continuous improvement principles and practices to improve products, quality, efficiency, financials, operations, and related areas. Responsibilities may include participating with management to develop project objectives, facilitating teams, coordinating the implementation of project solutions, and tracking/reporting results. Employee Type: Full time Location: MO Lee’s Summit Job Type: Supply Chain Continuous Improvement Job Posting Title: Continuous Improvement Specialist Job Description: Position Responsibilities: Supports site leadership team and process owners to maintain the Winland Management Operating Structure and ensure standard manufacturing processes are in place. Monitors key metrics and KPIs for overall supply chain performance and process effectiveness within the site. Supports development of gap analyses and development/implementation of corrective actions to close KPI gaps. Supports the division continuous improvement leader to maintain alignment and compliance with the Winland continuous improvement strategy and division/enterprise initiatives. Coordinates a portfolio of projects and team(s) in the review and analysis of moderate to large supply chain processes to ensure efficient and effective operations. Identifies supply chain process requirements, improvement opportunities and best practices for site, ensuring alignment with Winland Management Operating Structure. Supports replication activities for the site. Participates with management to develop project charters for improvement efforts. Charter development includes defining project requirements, scope, resources, team members, tasks, and project and task owners. Serves as a culture change agent by leveraging influential authority with employees and stakeholders. Models behavior expected of leaders within the Winland Management Operating Structure and advocates for use of appropriate CI tools. Facilitates meetings to review and examine project completion, obstacles, problem resolution, timelines, recommendations, and conclusions. Supports site management and process owners to implement new processes or guidelines, determine improvements, identify and track savings, develop reports, and receive approval when required. Assists with training and coaching others to build organizational self-sufficiency with basic continuous improvement methods and tools. Identifies training needs and—as appropriate—elevates to Plant Mgr or CI resource to address. Performs other duties as assigned. Qualifications and Requirements: Situational leadership and influencing skills. Capable of building relationships with site personnel—within both the floor and leadership ranks—in order to effect change. Must have a bias for action and a track record of delivering results. Self-starter to lead change and make independent and informed decisions. Personal traits--adaptable, flexible, high-energy, mature, interpersonal skills. Able to become the CI go-to person for the site and build a culture of continuous improvement. Must have strong verbal and written communication skills to represent site CI activities. Willingness and capacity to pursue CI certifications and/or proficiency in CI tools and practices. Strong PC skills; Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook). Demonstrated facility with additional, relevant applications ( e.g. Microsoft Project, Minitab) preferred. Ability to relocate preferred. Education: Bachelor’s Degree Preferred – Type: Operations, Engineering, Management or relative field. Preferred Attributes, Qualifications & Working Conditions: Must be able to perform periods of standing, crawling, stooping, walking, and repetitive motions. Must be able to lift up to 50lbs Position requires less than 25% travel time Exposure to moving mechanical parts 50-75% of the time Exposure to fumes or airborne particles 25% of the time Exposure to outside weather conditions 5% of the time Must be confident working in high areas up to 20’ Ability to work in ambient manufacturing noises 50%-75% of the time EEO Statement: Winland Foods believes that diversity and inclusion among our teammates is critical to our success as a global company, and we seek to recruit develop, and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool. Winland Foods is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and teammates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, military and veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Winland Foods is a leading private label food manufacturer of pasta, dry dinners, condiments, syrups, and more with nearly 3,000 employees operating out of 14 production facilities in US, Canada, and Italy. As a ‘newly’ established company, we are creating the building blocks for an innovative and agile organization that is purpose driven - delivering high quality food to our customers and communities. We foster an environment that encourages all employees to be heard, and values their contributions and ideas. By joining Winland Foods, you become a part of a new team that values passion, collaboration, and strives to prosper with our customers. To all recruitment agencies: Winland Foods does not accept unsolicited agency resumes/CVs. Please do not forward resumes/CVs to Winland Foods employees, or any company location(s). Winland Foods is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes/CVs.