The new facility located in Whitehall, OH is dedicated to the retail product portfolio with a specialization in rolled dough (pizza, pie, pastry), cookie dough and new brand expansions. Most importantly, we areGROWING. As we grow, our team members grow with us. If you are looking to do the best work of your career, be a part of an extraordinary company and have a passion for what we do, we want to hear from you!!
Our Cerelia Whitehall plant may be new, but the history of Cerelia goes back to 1974. As the years have passed, the company has grown from a France based production company to an international leader.
Position Profile
The R&D Process Optimization Specialist will observe, develop, and optimize manufacturing processes to achieve the output, quality, and cost goals of the organization. Identifies process bottlenecks and devises solutions to resolve. Recommends and implements changes or upgrades to equipment, work methods, or other aspects of the process to improve efficiency and utilization of resources including labor, energy, and raw materials. Support R&D team in designing processes for product or technology innovation, as well as establish control and capabilities in existing systems.
The ideal candidate will be spending up to 80% of their time on the manufacturing floor, actively engaging with our team members to foster a positive working environment while growing the business through a strong stream of new product launches. The candidate is also expected to spend up to 20% of their time working in the lab supporting R&D team in innovation and cost saving projects.
Primary Responsibilities
Manage manufacturing process analysis and continuous improvement initiatives:
Conduct in-depth analysis and document current manufacturing processes and establish baseline.
Collaborate with operation associates, maintenance, and engineers to identify inefficiencies, bottlenecks, and opportunities for improvement
Collaborate closely and learn from process SME to identify and implement process improvements opportunities
Collect and analyze data related to facility’s KPI
Lead continuous improvement initiatives using lean and six sigma principles
Make data-driven decisions to improve manufacturing OEE by analyzing production data, up/down time, changeover inefficiencies, shift variation, and process instabilities
Facilitate knowledge transfer sessions by capturing insights and lessons learned from successful implementations
Update documents and processes after implementation
Monitor and evaluate impact of applied improvements in the targeted areas using meaningful KPI to ensure sustainment of improvements as well as proper transfer of knowledge
Collaborate with appropriate departments to provide training and guidance to team members of process changes.
Manufacturing technology/process SME, new technology/process exploration, and commissioning of new applications:
Provide ongoing support to production team in troubleshooting equipment and process related issues and collaborate with equipment vendors to implement corrective actions
Contribute to key product improvement, cost reductions, new products launches, knowledge building or other technically based, business driven objectives
Apply fundamental processing principles to further deepen R&D knowledge of product-process interactions in existing and new production systems
Partner with engineers and product developer in commissioning new processes and equipment
Represent R&D team in equipment performance assessment and commissioning phase, address any potential issues related to equipment safety standards, quality, functionality, and efficiency
Stay informed about latest advancements in manufacturing equipment related to product produced and future innovation
Other tasks as assigned
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's Degree in Food Science, Food Engineering, or related science field
3+ years of relevant experience within food/beverage manufacturing
Knowledge of bakery operations and production equipment prefer
Strong knowledge of scientific process and application of experimental design in product development
Demonstrated experience in process improvement, continuous improvement, and project management
Strong analytical skills; excellent verbal and written communication skills
Demonstrated problem solving skills
Excellent organizational and time management skills
Demonstrated ability to influence without authority
Proficiency in conveying technical information to non-specialists
Ability to travel on occasion, including international traveling
Flexibility to work off shifts depends on project needs, including nights, weekends, and holidays
High level of integrity and conviction
Customer-centric mindset
Passionate about food trends and industrialization
Working knowledge of packaging and packaging equipment, such as case packer and flexible flow wrapper
Prior experience with ERP systems
Must be able to perform physical tasks for extended periods of time including standing, walking, climbing, bending, pushing, pulling and twisting
Core Competencies
Drive High Performance: Establish clear accountability for outcomes. Stays focused and discipline in planning and execution. Takes initiatives to overcome challenges. Celebrates wins and acts with urgency to keep momentum
Collaborate: Works as One Team. Builds relationships and makes commitments to others and follows through. An active listener who understands and communicates openly while engaging in healthy debate. Supports and execute decisions when they are made
Innovate: challenge the status quo by pro-actively identify opportunities to make things better. Encourages team to share best practices, be creative and try new things. Experiments, incorporates learning and adjusts as needed. Acts with speed and agility while accepting and learning from failure
Can-do attitude: has a pragmatic view on reality while understanding the challenges and perspectives across the organization. Pro-actively and easily connects with the customers, factories and the different stakeholders. Acts like an owner by providing ready-to-go solutions
Independent: ability to work independently while proactively updating the Sr mgt team about challenges, opportunities and progress
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Seniority level
Mid-Senior level
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
Research, Analyst, and Information Technology
Industries
Internet Publishing
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