General Summary

This position is responsible for the leadership of continuous improvement within the manufacturing plant. This includes the rollout and execution of lean manufacturing related activities, processes, and plans. Position will serve as a change agent and facilitator of the lean processes with the plant teams. Identifies and directs activities to attain goals consistent with process improvements, which encompass the sites key performance indicators.

Continuous Improvement Specialist will, implement and review projects and activities as set forth through the alignment of the General Manager.

Routinely solicits information from others with regard to improvement ideas, needs and requirements. This would include both internal and external resources.

Benefits and Culture 

We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package designed to help employees live a healthier life, build rewarding careers and save for the future. Reser's offers choices whenever possible, because we recognize the diverse and ever changing needs of our employees. Full-time employee benefits include medical, dental, vision, AD&D, life, 401(k) with discretionary match, wellness programs, paid time off, company paid holidays and a variety of voluntary benefit options.

We strive to be your Employer of Choice. As one of our five cornerstones, this means that we go all-out to create an environment that shows we are committed to investing in employee growth and creating a culture of belonging where employees want to build a lasting career.

Visit our website to learn more about our competitive benefit programs - https://www.resers.com/careers/#benefits

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

1. Provide the leadership and initiative to ensure the successful implementation of lean concepts. Proactively manage change in a way to help ensure continuous improvement success. 

2. Learn and develop the key skills required to implement Lean Sigma and other continuous improvement disciplines. Help create ownership and shared results from process improvements. 

3. Lead, manage, coordinate and drive activities such as Kaizen events, training/education in various continuous improvement processes, etc. Be a teacher and facilitator of continuous improvement. Monitor and communicate trending of supervisors and employees skill level improvements as they relate to Continuous Improvement

4. Develop and utilize tools that will maximize the effectiveness of lean and sustain them over time. This includes but is not limited to SPC, lean manufacturing, pass down meetings, and other related continuous improvement tools. 

5. Develop expert skills in and serve as a Lean or continuous improvement leader. Mentor and support the development of continuous improvement resources in the plant. Monitor and communicate trending of supervisors and employees skill level improvements as they relate to Continuous Improvement.

6. Ensure processes and practices are in place to identify and share best practices with the plant and across the organization. 

7. Provide a professional work environment with internal and external customers. Must be able to effectively manage up, down, and across the organization and successfully build collaborative relations across the supply chain. 

8. Perform other related duties as assigned. 

Job Specifications

• 2-5 years manufacturing experience is required; food industry experience is preferred.

• Associates Degree preferred, High School Diploma or equivalent is required.

• Proficient with computers and possess the ability to use standard computer programs including Microsoft Word, Excel and email with mastery.

• Proficient in looking at reports and taking appropriate actions based on information received.

• Proficient at writing reports to comply with requirements and to communicate to leaders.

• Minimum of 2 years’ experience in Manufacturing or related experience, Continuous Improvement experience, a solid understanding of product quality and waste reduction and experience in understanding product integrity required. 

• Ability to influence floor and staff associates in all activities desired. . 

• Must be analytical and able to organize data and communicate to all levels of organization in all areas of expertise. 

• Must demonstrate the ability to focus on results.

• English/Spanish bilingual a plus.

Working Conditions 

1. Refrigerated food manufacturing plant.

2. The environment may be wet or dry and temperatures may range from 25°F to 110°F.

3. Lifting, kneeling, and bending with packages in excess of 50 lbs.

4. Production demands may require evening or weekend scheduling.

This position is eligible for a bonus based on company goals/performance. 

Recipe for Success

Reser’s is the leading provider of fresh refrigerated deli salads, side dishes, and prepared foods for the supermarket, club store, and food service industries. Family owned and operated, Reser’s has been a proud sponsor of good times at racetracks, picnics, BBQs, music festivals, and affordable family meals since 1950. Reser’s family of brands include Reser’s American Classics, Main St Bistro, Stonemill Kitchens, and more. With more than 4,500 employees, Reser’s operates 14 facilities in the US, Mexico, and Canada and actively supports the communities it serves.