OpEx Engineer (Operations Excellence) at Ventura Foods

Position Summary:

The Plant OPEX Engineer will be responsible for accelerating the Continuous Improvement efforts within the plant by leading organizational/leadership development processes, promoting employee engagement, and driving quality and productivity improvements. The successful candidate will provide necessary coaching to leadership and other individuals regarding organizational effectiveness, operational improvements, and execution of best practices. Monitor progress and advance the transformation to world class over time through continued coaching. Provide support to location personnel to make certain that progress meets location targets.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

• Responsible for implementing strategy and guiding advancement of Operational Excellence using the Edge Operating System at assigned plant location.
• Collaborate with the Production Manager(s), Quality Managers, and others at the location to understand site business priorities/goals and use this knowledge to prioritize Continuous Improvement activity at the production location.
• Be a role model for the Mindsets and Behaviors necessary to create an environment of trust, participation and accountability.
• Consult with Regional and other OPEX Managers to identify best practices and to simplify and standardize work to deliver improved performance.
• Actively review site practices to identify opportunities and advise on appropriate organizational interventions (i.e. training, coaching, etc.) for improving site systems and practices to achieve desired outcomes.
• Guide locations in determining the priorities for process improvements that impact production and business results and champion waste elimination and reduction.
• Build a coaching culture and provide individual coaching to site and above site leadership throughout the change and transformation process.
• Monitor Improvement progress and sustain transformational gains over time through continued metric review and consultation with key stakeholders.
• Lead Improvement Projects utilizing standardized OPEX tools and methods to improve plant performance and achieve results for operations customers. (Lead 5S initiatives and Kaizen events)
• Pull and analyze data from Tableau (Develop Gap closures for respective departments); Manage RedZone application i.e.. activities, process, operations, efficiencies, create new profiles etc.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Business, Operations, or comparable technical field with a minimum of 1-2 years Continuous Improvement Experience; or 3-5 years in a Continuous Improvement role.
• Professional certifications and/or experience especially helpful in the field of; Lean, 6-Sigma Green Belt and Change Management.
• Knowledge of production operations either in a food processing or other manufacturing environment.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Results oriented with the ability to gather, analyze, and interpret information from a variety of sources
• Demonstrated ability to lead, manage and implement organizational and cultural change and deliver results
• Be a recognized role model in key leadership development skills of feedback, coaching, listening, empowerment, and difficult conversations
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills which include building rapport and maintaining strong relationships across all levels, sensitivity to individual and team needs, collaborating effectively to accomplish work, effective facilitation and teaching skills
• Effective with coaching and influencing individuals and teams without authority
• Demonstrated conflict resolution and solution focused problem-solving skills
• Project management capability with effective time management skills and ability to manage multiple conflicting priorities
• Ability to see the big picture translating details into an organizational perspective
• Knowledge and strong working competence in MS Office toolset

Why Join Us:

Ventura Foods offers career growth opportunities as well as competitive compensation and benefits:?

• Medical, Prescription, Dental, & Vision – coverage beginning on your 1st day for eligible employees?
• Profit Sharing and 401(k) matching (after eligible criteria is met)?
• Paid Vacation, Sick Time, and Holidays?
• Employee Appreciation Events? and Employee Assistance Programs
• Salary Base Range of $100,665-$130,537 for Employees Located in California*

*The “base salary range” provided above is a good faith estimate of what we expect to pay for this position. The range provided is for California-based employees as Ventura Foods is required by California State Law to post pay rates. Ventura Foods reserves the right to pay outside of the given range based on a variety of factors including but not limited to: candidate skills and experience, complexity of the job, budgetary factors, and location/geography. Ventura Foods conducts regular reviews of compensation ranges and therefore reserves the right to alter this range at any given time.

Physical Demands:

Regularly requires intermittent sitting, standing, walking, climbing, squatting, kneeling, pushing, and pulling. Physical strength and dexterity sufficient to perform the required task(s). Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds or more with assistance. Additional demands may be required.

Work Environment:

In addition to normal business hours, work schedules may include after hours and weekends as needed. May work outside and in adverse temperatures which include extreme hot, cold, and humidity. May be exposed to fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals and vibration. Must be willing and able to wear personal protective equipment as required by established Company Safety standards. May require work in confined and dark spaces, and at heights in excess of 18 feet for prolonged periods of time.

Diversity & Inclusion:

Our commitment to a diverse and inclusive environment in which all employees are treated with respect is evident in our company culture and values. We believe that fostering an environment of inclusion and a focus on diversity across our organization is vital to attracting top talent, driving innovation, and meeting the high expectations of our customers in a rapidly evolving global marketplace.

Ventura Foods is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.