Overview
Drive plant performance by improving production capacity, operational productivity, and raw material utilization in a fast-paced food manufacturing environment. This role acts as a key orchestrator of plant performance, translating data into actionable initiatives and ensuring disciplined execution on the plant floor. The candidate combines strong analytical capabilities with hands-on leadership to deliver measurable and sustainable performance improvements. This role will report to the Senior Engineer Project Manager.
Role Focus: Core Drivers of Plant Performance
This role is structured around three critical performance pillars:
- Capacity (OEE & Top Losses): Maximize throughput by identifying and eliminating major production losses
- Productivity (Methods & Flow): Improve line efficiency, workflow execution, and operational consistency
- Material (Yield & Giveaway): Optimize raw material usage and minimize processing losses and product giveaway
Key Responsibilities
- Monitor and analyze plant performance metrics including OEE, capacity, yield, and loss data to identify improvement opportunities
- Lead Top Loss identification efforts, conduct root cause analysis, and drive sustainable corrective actions
- Develop and implement initiatives to improve material utilization and reduce giveaway through data-driven decision-making
- Lead cross-functional improvement projects focused on increasing capacity, enhancing productivity, and optimizing process performance
- Apply Lean Manufacturing tools (5S, Pareto analysis, 5 Whys, A3 problem solving, SMED, and standard work) to eliminate inefficiencies and sustain results
- Act as a performance orchestrator across operations, maintenance, and quality teams to ensure alignment and execution
- Support the identification, prioritization, and justification of high-ROI improvement initiatives
- Maintain a strong presence on the plant floor to ensure initiatives are effectively implemented and sustained
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in industrial, Mechanical, Chemical, or Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical discipline
- 7–12 years of experience in manufacturing with a proven track record of improving operational performance
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and data interpretation skills
- Proficiency in Excel and data visualization tools such as Power BI, Tableau, or similar platforms
- Hands-on experience applying Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies
- Strong communication and collaboration skills with the ability to influence cross-functional teams
- English required; Spanish is a plus
Additional Requirements
- Demonstrated experience working with OEE systems, MES platforms, or production data collection tools
- Ability to translate complex data into clear, actionable plans for frontline teams
- Experience leading Kaizen events or continuous improvement workshops
- Strong project management skills, including planning, execution, and follow-through
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced, high-volume production environment with shifting priorities
- Willingness to spend significant time on the plant floor (50–70%)
- Ability to work flexible hours as needed to support production schedules
- Knowledge of food safety standards (e.g., HACCP, GMPs) is preferred
- Maintain and update product master data in the Aspen Canopy ERP system, including product codes, descriptions, weights, pack sizes, categories, and related attributes.
- Coordinate new product setups and updates with cross-functional teams including Quality Assurance, Sales, Accounting, and Operations.
- Manage and update product information across external customer and vendor portals to ensure alignment with internal systems.
- Ensure consistency and accuracy of product data across all systems and platforms.
- Monitor, identify, and resolve data discrepancies impacting orders, invoicing, EDI transactions, and portal submissions.
- Support product data imports, exports, and validation processes to maintain data integrity.
- Assist in continuous improvement initiatives related to data governance and process efficiency.
***EOE Race/Color/Religion/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/Gender Expression/National Origin/Protected Veteran/Disability Status***
Pay: $125,000.00 - $135,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Referral program
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
