Continuous Improvement Operations Specialist

Company: SunOpta
Location: Midlothian
Posted on: September 21, 2023

Job Description:

SunOpta Overview:SunOpta Inc. is a leader in the plant-based foods and beverages, fruit-based foods and beverages, and organic ingredient sourcing industries. SunOpta is focused on sustainability and specializes in the sourcing, processing, and packaging of organic, conventional, non-GMO food products.SunOpta is looking for talented individuals that demonstrate our most valued behaviors: Passion, Dedication, Speed, Entrepreneurship, Customer-Centricity, and Problem-Solver, to help create a brighter, healthier, and sustainable future of food!Job Summary:This position is responsible for leading, planning, standardizing, directing business process improvement and waste elimination activities to ensure business continuity and operational excellence within the Plant and assigned functional areas.This position is also responsible to identify, train, and deploy resources to apply state-of-the-art approaches and tools to achieve performance excellence and process improvements.Essential Functions of the Job:
Establish and standardize business and operational processes through facilitated work sessions, process & tool development, and process pilots; then educate and transfer ownership to end state users and process owners. Facilitates Kaizens, brainstorming sessions, workshops, problem solving sessions and process mapping exercises to bring alignment, extract knowledge, and improve performance. Monitors business and operational performance through metrics, identifies gaps in performance, and facilitates problem-solving activities to close performance gaps. Trains, coaches, and facilitates continuous improvement tools and methodologies such as lean, six sigma, kaizen, quality, and process management. Assists and executes improvement projects across or within functions/operational sites via Lean Six Sigma or similar methodology. Facilitate flow of information/processes/procedures and helps troubleshoot and resolve issues. Adheres to company GMP's (good manufacturing practices), safety procedures and all other quality processes. Works with management to ensure effective organizational design and that role is correctly organized, defined, documented, and communicated to all employees. Ensures effective safety procedures, tools and record keeping are managed through site leadership. Wear PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) when required. All other duties, as assigned.Supervisory Responsibilities:
None.Minimum Qualifications:
Associate degree. 3-5+ years related experience and/or training, or equivalent combination of education and experience. Proficient with MS Excel. Manufacturing experience.Preferred Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in Business or related field. Lean Six Sigma experience or equivalent training and/or certifications. Food industry experience. TPM experience. Experience with cross-functional project management. Bilingual.Knowledge and Skills:
Strong communication and presentation skills. Ability to create momentum and promote organizational change. Ability to plan, acquire, analyze, and interpret operations and business data to drive improvements and provide direction/focus. Demonstrated ability to lead teams in reviews, process improvement events and/or Kaizens. Ability to lead training and provide coaching support. Possess a disciplined approach to project execution with a track record of positive tangible and behavioral results.Additional Considerations:
Location: This position will be at the SunOpta Plant in Midlothian, TX. Shift/Hours: Monday - Friday. Training period (Approx. 1st month) Noon to 8 pm. After training, 8 am to 5 pm; 1 week a month will need to be available to work "off shift" - noon to 8 pm or 4 am to noon. Work Environment: Approximately 50% of work is performed in an office environment; approximately 50% of work may involve being in an agricultural or manufacturing/production environment.Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice.AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER EOE M/W/VET/DISABLED

Keywords: SunOpta, Dallas , Continuous Improvement Operations Specialist, Other , Midlothian, Texas