Continuous Improvement Specialist

Are you a self-driven person looking to advance your career as a high-impact player on a team? If so, we have an exciting challenge for you and your future!

At HP Hood, we celebrate our differences. Our diversity of people, backgrounds, experiences, thoughts and perspectives are fostered to create an inclusive work environment. We are at our best when we respect and value each other - One Team, One Company!

Our culture is built on value commitments to innovation, quality, results, integrity, community, people, and collaboration that fosters a strong employee engagement, teamwork, safety and wellness.

We offer a competitive benefits package that includes health, dental, vision, wellness programs, employee discounts, 401k match, tuition reimbursement, ongoing development, advancement opportunities and more. This position is also eligible for our bonus program.

Founded in 1846, today HP Hood is one of the largest and most trusted food and beverage manufacturers in the United States. Our portfolio of national and super-regional brands and licensed products includes Hood, Heluva Good, Lactaid, Blue Diamond Almond Breeze, Planet Oat, Hershey's Milk & Milkshakes and more.

Job Summary:

The CI Specialist will be a champion of the Hood Continuous Improvement methodology for the Winchester Plant. Provide the site with a high level of support to ensure that daily production activities are directed at business objectives, problems are resolved, communication is maintained and operations are efficient. Provide hands-on process improvement for increased quality, productivity, efficiency and cost savings.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Organization - wide planning and deployment of fundamentals of Six Sigma Lean methodologies

• Maintains business performance measures including plant balanced scorecards.

• Demonstrated fundamental knowledge of statistics.

• Familiar with lean methods including waste reduction, cycle time reduction, kaizens, and other improvement tools and techniques.

• Statistical process control working knowledge and application.

• Develop and support systems to foster accountability and recognition of continuous improvement activities.

• Lead, own, and drive cross-functional continuous improvement projects, as assigned, i.e. 6S, efficiency, etc.

• Work with Operators, Supervisors, Managers and all other Staff to achieve site and division goals.

• Leads small teams to perform DMAIC processes

• Facilitate data tracking, trending, and root cause analysis.

• Analyze data to gain a deeper understanding of processes and identify strategic improvement opportunities.

• Assist in identifying ways to reduce production, quality, inefficiencies, etc. through recommendations- i.e.: new processes, elimination of waste, machinery enhancement, process optimization, 6S, etc.

• Coordinate and facilitate efforts to eliminate waste, reduce operating costs, improve yield and maximize throughput.

• Prepare, distribute and present project status updates to project team members and all levels of management.

• Facilitate the implementation of 6S across an organization.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's Degree required and at least 5 years of related experience; or equivalent combination of education experience.

• Three (3) years of experience working with cross-functional teams in a manufacturing facility.

• Black Belt certification preferred

Skills and Competencies:

• Strong communication, listening, leadership, and organizational skills, ability to define problems, collect and analyze data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.

• Has the ability to think creatively and proactively propose solutions with an attention to detail.

• Strong knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, database management and statistical software.

• Is a high energy self-starter with a resilient, positive attitude

• Ability to work independently or as part of a team.

• Strong coaching, facilitation and organizational skills with a strong track record of successful change management.

• Prior knowledge/experience with Lean Manufacturing is preferred.

Performance Standards:

• Comply with performance criteria, standards of conduct, employment procedures and responsibilities as described in the HP Hood Guidebook and applicable site supplement.

• Adhere to all safety and environmental protocols, procedures and training. Maintain a safe work environment at all times and immediately report and take appropriate action to correct safety concerns.

• Comply with all Good Manufacturing Practices, including GMP dress code standards.

SQF Requirements/Responsibilities

Support SQF by the following:

• Adhere to all food safety and food quality requirements as well as the regulatory authorities with jurisdiction over our products and processes.

• Maintain food safety and food quality through completing job tasks and maintaining the work area in a sanitary manner.

• Report food safety problems to personnel with authority to initiate action.

Environmental Concerns:

• May be subject to exposure to ingredients used in the manufacture of food products including allergens.

• May be subject to exposure to chemicals involved in the manufacture and sanitation of a food processing facility.

HP Hood is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Female/Minority/Veteran/Disabled

"VERVRAA Federal Contractor"