Process Improvement Manager - Lithonia GA

Griffith Foods is a global manufacturer of food products.  We provide a wide range of taste and texture components for food industry customers throughout the world.  Our products include seasoning blends, dry mixes, coating systems, dough blends, crumbs, flavors, sauces and food bases that are used in an extensive variety of application from snack foods and processed meat and poultry to ready meals. Our customers include food processors, restaurant operators and grocery retailers.  While our name may not be familiar to consumers, our products are key components of foods offered by many of the world’s best-known companies.

Purpose of the Position:

• The Process Improvement Manager (internally: GPS (Griffith Production System] Manager) is responsible for Supply Chain current processes improvement, capacity, and efficiency standards and KPI definitions.
• The Process Improvement (GPS) Manager is also responsible for the overall process standardization to continuously improve cost competitiveness while supporting a sustainable operation via employee safety, ergonomics and planet care metrics.
• This position is responsible for analyzing, identifying and leading the implementation of changes that drive detectable and measurable improvements while driving lean culture through the organization.

Major Duties & Responsibilities:

• Leads implementation of GPS/Lean Enterprise Management system across the Manufacturing Plant, including Daily Management System, Leader Standard Work, Kaizen Activities, Gemba Walks, and Root Cause Analysis.
• Responsible for achieving multi-million-dollar cost reductions on an annual basis through GPE process.
• Responsible for the implementation and management of Operational Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) tracking across the plant, with a year-over-year improvement of 10%.
• Responsible for implementation and management of One Kaizen a Month (OKAM) philosophy to drive operator engagement and ownership to facilitate incremental improvements in the manufacturing plant.
• Execute Productivity Improvements utilizing existing equipment and facilities to maximize internal capacity and reduce manufacturing cost per pound and manufacturing costs as a percentage of sales.
• Identifies areas for standardizing processes and equipment to be utilized across US Manufacturing Plants.
• Coordinates and facilitates 5S, SMED, VSM and Lean Manufacturing projects as needed.
• Analyze the production flow with the objective of identifying the 7 waste and implement the actions to eliminate the losses.
• Research, evaluate, and recommend equipment and/or software technologies to drive process automation and cost improvement.
• Assist Engineering team with financial justifications of Capital Investment Projects.
• Develop processes/visual displays to effectively communicate real time operational performance vs targets and historical performance.
• Manages and maintains the reporting of Productivity Metrics, KPI’s, and Scorecards for Manufacturing Plant
• Coordinates plant Kaizen Events & Ideation Sessions including project funnel and progress tracking.

Scope:

• Responsibilities will have a direct influence on our ability to improve overall operations efficiencies in order to achieve operating income goals and strong influence in securing the long-term business competitiveness.
• This position is responsible for contributing to GPE and overall manufacturing cost per pound budgets 
• Staffing includes management of 1 to 2 GPS Coordinator and/or Utility within the site to assist with driving GPS activities in the plant.

Problem Solving/Decision Making:

• The position requires strong problem-solving skills.
• The Process Improvement Engineer must collaborate effectively with plant operators to achieve agreement and buy-in for process changes and new equipment/technology.
• The candidate must manage multiple priorities simultaneously, while driving projects to completion.
• The Process Improvement Engineer must communicate effectively with employees at all levels of the organization and identify team members’ capabilities and limitations.

Working Relationships:

Internal

• Reports to Plant Manager with dotted line to US Process Improvement Manager
• Works closely with internal Plant Management, Supply Chain, Quality Systems, IT, and Engineering teams
• Work Globally with Lean Director and members of GFNA Community of Practice Team.

External

• Lean Consultants as required
• Hardware, Software, and Equipment Vendors as related to Capital Projects

Knowledge and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or equivalent.
• 5-10 years related experience in Food Manufacturing facilities, 5 years in Continuous Improvement roles in implementing CI programs – preferably lean manufacturing, TPM, Six Sigma.
• Lean Six Sigma Black Belt training or certification strongly preferred.
• Experience with RedZone Productivity and Compliance modules a plus
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Collaborative mindset with the ability to collaborate effectively with plant leaders and associates to achieve agreement and buy-in for process changes, work standards and new equipment/technology.

Work Environment:

• Typical office environment
• Job will require time spent in the Manufacturing and Warehouse areas, requiring proper PPE – lab coat, ear plugs, safety glasses, hair nets, and hard hat.
• Occasionally able to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Minimal travel, up to 10%, may be required.
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