Manufacturing Specialist - New Products

Position Summary

The Operations Specialist – New Products is responsible for supporting the end-to-end operational readiness and execution of new product launches. This role works cross-functionally with product development, supply chain, manufacturing, marketing, and quality teams to ensure new products are introduced efficiently, on time, and in alignment with business goals. This role is also involved in projects for improvement of productivity and efficiency on the packaging floor using tools such as DMAIC and break down analysis.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Evaluate new products for the packaging floor and identify gaps between customer needs and the site capabilities and develop line and labor standards.
• Leads effort in purchasing equipment and/or changing parts to support new products launches.
• Supports costing new products for the site by establishing labor standards and equipment layouts.
• Attends internal/external meetings as needed; provides tracking metrics and follow-up of outstanding projects and Commitments. Interacts and coordinates with appropriate personnel including management, operations, QA/QC, regulatory, and technical services. Participate in cross-functional team reviews to resolve operational issues
• Recommend and implement cost reduction projects by improving methods, equipment, procedures or material handling. Supports capital investments analyses by providing labor impact evaluations.
• Drives the implementations of improvements projects and efforts through 5S, DMAIC tools, or breakdown analysis.  Evaluates existing systems and equipment and identifies improvements in operating methods, equipment design, equipment utilization, or configuration to improve compliance, productivity and/or efficiency.
• Support new launches and be present during first productions with or without the customer.
• Other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Operations Management, Supply Chain, or related field
• 2–5 years of experience in operations, supply chain, or product launch roles
• Strong project management and organizational skills
• Experience working cross-functionally in fast-paced environments
• Proficiency in tools such as Excel, ERP systems, or project management software
• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills
• Must possess knowledge of current Good Manufacturing practices.
• Experience with new product introduction (NPI) processes
• Knowledge of supply chain and manufacturing operations
• Familiarity with Lean, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here 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 in accordance with applicable law:

The working environment includes both office and plant floor settings. Exposure to industrial noise, forklift traffic, noise, wet floors, odors, fumes, moving mechanical parts, and temperature fluctuations and extremes in operating areas of the plant. Specified PPE required in operational areas.

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 this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions in accordance with applicable law:

• Walking and some climbing of stairs & walkways required.
• Must be able to lift, bend, stoop, crouch, reach and climb.
• Repetitive motion of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 30 lbs. occasionally.
• Sitting for extended periods of time working in front of a computer screen.

Salary : $61,000 - $76,000