Hybrid Continuous Improvement Process Engineer at House of Flavors Inc

Description

SUMMARY:  Providing safe and quality food is the job of all House of Flavors employees. The Continuous Improvement Process Engineer, an exempt position reporting to the company Director of Engineering, champions and facilitates continuous improvement initiatives using Lean Principles and Six Sigma methodologies that will drive and deliver on food safety & quality, cost, production, delivery, employee safety and engagement targets. The Continuous Improvement Process Engineer is accountable for partnering with company leadership to facilitate continuous improvement initiatives, achieve company performance goals, and maximize profitability. They are responsible for developing and executing systems and processes to optimize ice cream manufacturing.  Collaboration with all departments is critical.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Champion optimization of the ice cream manufacturing process to support product quality, process longevity, production efficiency, and productivity
2.  Manage continuous improvement and design projects independently with the ability to troubleshoot problems, and develop and propose solutions independently
3.  Training, coaching and assisting new Sigma Belts in developing solutions to a wide variety of manufacturing improvement projects
4.  Support engineering and R&D trials as directed
5.  Support quality sustainment and improvement projects as directed
6.  Identify, design, purpose, implement, and train on new equipment, technologies, and processes to promote safety, quality, and productivity
7.  Communicate effectively with suppliers, contactors, and other project stakeholders regarding projects
8.  Support business growth by aiding in the research, trials, and manufacturing implementation of new products
9.  Support production, providing technical assistance and training to teams on ice cream manufacturing processes, equipment operation and Maintenance
10. Maintain clear, complete and accurate records for project documentation and future reference
11. Completes all other duties as assigned, including working with the Director of Engineering and other company leaders to enhance the overall profitability of the organization.

These are not the only duties and responsibilities that the Continuous Improvement Process Engineer may be asked to perform, but it is a fair representation of the general duties that are required on a day-to-day basis.

Qualifications

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to successfully and consistently perform each essential duty and responsibility to the appropriate company standard. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

Four-year bachelor’s degree in engineering (Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial or Food Science preferred, Chemical or Material science will be considered); Advanced degrees are desirable.

4+ year post-graduate experience working in a manufacturing environment desired; Professional Engineer is also considered highly desirable.

Strong desire for a hands-on approach to process improvement and food manufacturing, backed by analytical skills and tools.  Experience with statistics and statistical process control, Lean Six Sigma Black Belt or greater highly desirable.  A significant track record of success providing Lean Continuous Improvement in a manufacturing preferably with food products. Demonstrated skills in applying Lean methodology including value stream mapping and root cause problem solving.  

Must be a problem solver, energetic, self-motivated, and self-starting. Capable of managing and prioritizing multiple assignments simultaneously.

Ability to work independently, as well as with others in a team environment.  Strategic and business acumen to help deliver vision and strategy and document waste reduction cost savings. Demonstrated skills and experience with project management and facilitating meetings and training.

LANGUAGE SKILLS:

Excellent communication skills (written and oral) are essential, including the ability to develop and deliver messaging efficiently. The ability to work with different levels of staff from line workers to managers throughout the organization is required. Ability to professionally and effectively present information in a group setting to employees, management, customers, or vendors when necessary.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job the employee is required to ambulate around and across all of the organization’s properties. The constant use of hands and arms during this time including lifting, pulling, reaching, and fine manipulation may be required. The use of lab instruments and tools requiring focus and fine motor skills is occasionally required. The employee may be required to stoop, crouch, climb, kneel, or work in tight places on an occasional basis. The employee is required to talk and hear.

The employee must be able to lift up to 10 pounds continuously and 40 pounds occasionally during the work time.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The employee works in a combination of office, manufacturing, and product storage environments. In the manufacturing environment they will encounter continuously a wet or humid environment where floors are slippery and splashing water, ice cream ingredients including allergens, and sanitation solution is frequently present.

The employee may work around moving mechanical components and is regularly exposed to high levels of noise. PPE and Safety equipment is required.

COMMENTS AND/OR ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

While working in the lab and food production spaces the employee is required to wear proper apparel, non-slip rubber boots that can withstand water, food products and chemical and a hairnet and/or beard net as appropriate. The use of latex gloves, ear plugs, and protective eyewear is required. An approved uniform and boots are available and provided by the company.