R&D Process Optimization Specialist_

Whitehall

About the Company

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 are GROWING. 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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