Demo

Special Projects Lead

Independence Premium Foods
Independence, IA Full Time
POSTED ON 10/8/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 1/31/2027

Overview

Independence Premium Foods is seeking a Special Projects Lead to support its food manufacturing facility in Iowa. This role is responsible for driving ERP system effectiveness, process improvement, data analysis, inventory management, and operational excellence across the organization. The Special Projects Lead collaborates closely with Production, Quality, Maintenance, Supply Chain, Sales, and Leadership teams to optimize business processes from procurement through invoicing, support system accuracy and functionality, lead continuous improvement initiatives, analyze operational performance, maintain formulas and components within ERP systems, and provide training to ensure consistent execution of processes and best practices.

Duties

  • Familiarity with food production equipment and processes.
  • Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.
  • Experience with S&OP processes and demand planning tools.
  • Experience leading or managing a supply chain or logistics team.
  • Experience with ERP/MES systems.
  • Experience managing projects from concept through startup.

Requirements

  • Design, evaluate, and improve ERP processes to improve accuracy, timing, safety, and cost.
  • Own demand forecasting, production scheduling, and assist in Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP).
  • Oversee inventory management across raw materials, work-in-process, and finished goods to minimize excess inventory.
  • Partner with Production, Quality, and Finance to align supply plan with manufacturing capacity and business goals.
  • Use ERP/MRP systems to manage formulas, batching, components, inventory value, and reporting.
  • Lead, train, and develop team members on ERP processes.
  • Troubleshoot process issues within ERP; lead root cause analysis and corrective actions.
  • Develop and maintain process documentation: SOPs, work instructions, and process flow diagrams.
  • Apply Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and other continuous improvement tools to reduce waste, time, and cost.
  • Monitor KPI’s (scrap rate, throughput, OTIF, schedule attainment) and report on process performance to plant leadership.
  • Support new product introductions and formulation or process trials.
  • Promote and uphold a strong workplace safety culture in compliance with OSHA requirements.

Join us as a Special Projects Lead to shape innovative solutions that propel our organization forward! Your expertise will be instrumental in delivering impactful projects that enhance our enterprise capabilities while fostering a culture of continuous improvement through agile planning and strategic leadership.

Pay: $60,000.00 - $70,000.00 per year

Benefits:

  • 401(k)
  • 401(k) matching
  • Dental insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Health savings account
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $60,000 - $70,000

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