Job Summary:

The Continuous Improvement (CI) Specialist plays a pivotal role in fostering a culture of continuous improvement within the value stream team. By leveraging core methodologies and implementing BOSS (Butterball Operating System Solution), this position drives operational excellence. This individual will be responsible for spearheading initiatives aimed at enhancing safety, quality, yields, cycle time, efficiencies, margin improvements, and customer service. Additionally, the role involves conducting root cause analysis, optimizing OEE (Overall Equipment Efficiency), and minimizing downtime across our food manufacturing facilities located in the Midwest.

Essential Functions, Duties & Responsibilities:

• Drives the Supply Chain and Operational Excellence Team (SCOPE) in embracing a culture of continuous improvement by coaching employees and leaders, fostering behaviors aligned with operational excellence principles and practices.
• Collaborates with stakeholders to manage change effectively, ensuring buy-in and engagement throughout the improvement process.
• Maintains and documents continuous improvement processes, procedures, and best practices to standardize operations and facilitate knowledge sharing across the organization.
• Provides necessary training on core continuous improvement tools and methodologies to equip team members with the skills required to drive improvement initiatives effectively.
• Coordinates, leads, and executes improvement projects, initiatives, and activities aimed at achieving business needs and objectives.
• Supports key activities integral to the organization’s continuous improvement transformation and BOSS implementations, including pre-shift meetings, start-up scorecards, productivity data capture, stand work development, utilization of visual management tools, and weekly operational excellence reviews.
• Utilizes value stream mapping techniques to design optimal information, material, and production flow methods, driving efficiency and effectiveness across operations.
• Participates in Gemba walks and acts as the main point of contact for employees in areas related to continuous improvement, waste reduction, problem-solving, value stream, root cause analysis, flow optimization, and follow-up on action plans.
• Creates and implements standard work processes, coaching plant line leaders on practices to ensure consistency and efficiency in operations.
• Oversees the use of control boards and other visual management tools to enhance transparency, communication, and accountability within the organization.
• Independently leads projects aimed at problem-solving in operations to address issues impacting yields, throughput, and efficiencies, while supporting Senior CI Specialists in more complex activities.
• Analyzes and partners with site personnel to identify, address, and eliminate process related obstacles.
• Facilitates the 5S process (sort, set in order, shine, standardize, and sustain) improvements across operations to enhance workplace organization, cleanliness, and efficiency.
• Stays abreast of industry best practices, trends, and benchmarks performance against competitors to identify opportunities for innovation and differentiation.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Superior written and verbal communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to cultivate working relationships and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders while delivering the highest level of customer service.
• Thorough understanding of Lean Six Sigma methodologies and tools (e.g., DMAIC, Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping, Root Cause Analysis).
• Excellent analytical skills with the ability to gather and interpret data to drive decision-making.
• Demonstrated attention to details and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to effectively manage multiple priorities.
• Proven track record of successfully leading and implementing continuous improvement projects and initiatives.
• Capability to guide and motivate teams in the implementation of continuous improvement processes and policies to attain ongoing enhancement.
• Results-oriented with a strong focus on driving measurable operational improvements.
• Proficient with Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, Outlook, etc.), Power BI, and SAP or other ERP (enterprise resource planning) systems.

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Food Science, Poultry Science, or related field is required.
• High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent with a combination of 5 years of work experience in a manufacturing environment considered in lieu of a college degree.
• A minimum of 2 years of industry experience serving in a continuous improvement, process optimization, or related roles.
• Prior work experience in industries such as Manufacturing, Retail, or Food Manufacturing is preferred.
• Candidates possessing a Lean Six Sigma certification is highly desired.

Working Conditions:

• Office and Plant work environments. Possibility of being exposed to varying conditions in the Plant setting, such as cold areas, warm areas, chemicals, loud noise levels, and other site conditions.
• Work in office environment revolves around use of telephones, personal computers, and printers.
• Physical requirements of the position may include standing, sitting, and walking for greater than 1/3 of the day and seldom to occasional lifting of less than 30 pounds.
• GMP (good manufacturing practices) are enforce; utilization of PPE (personal protective equipment) is required while out on the manufacturing floor.
• Maintains a flexible schedule to accommodate facility conflicts and audit requirements.
• Willingness and ability to travel up to 50% of the time on a regular basis.
• Must be able to travel to various locations (processing plants, offices, etc.) within the Midwest and North Carolina regions.

The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees and are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of what is required of personnel so classified. Furthermore, they do not imply or establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the employer.

Butterball, LLC is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to the fair and impartial treatment of all employees and applicants for employment without regard to gender, age, race, religion, color, national origin, physical or mental disability, military/veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, marital status, parental status, pregnancy, or any other status protected by law. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.