Continuous Improvement Engineer

Position can be located in Lakeland FL or remote with 70% travel.

Why RealCold?

Established in 2022, RealCold was founded to address the unmet needs of the food cold chain sector. By combining high-growth strategic locations, state-of-the-art facilities, and exhaustive offerings that include traditional storage programs and diverse value-added services (including DTC), the company has positioned itself as a collaborative and integrated provider for food retailers, producers, and distributors. This mission is reinforced through its highly bespoke solutioning and customer-centric approach. The RealCold platform operates a national, omni-channel network, inclusive of traditional storage offerings, as well as comprehensive direct-to-consumer programs, which can reach the majority of U.S. consumers within 1- or 2-day ground service. For more information on RealCold, please visit www.realcold.com.

Role Overview:

Incumbent will be detail-oriented and results-driven.   The Continuous Improvement Engineer will be responsible for analyzing existing processes, identifying areas for improvement, and implementing strategies to enhance operational efficiency, reduce waste, and improve overall productivity. This role requires a strong understanding of frozen storage operations, supply chain logistics, and other lean principles.

Essential Functions and Key Responsibilities:

• Process Analysis and Improvement:
  • Assess current frozen storage processes, including inventory management, shipping, receiving, and storage, including the pick/pack E Comm lines.
  • Identify Labor Productivity Rates and Expectations.
  • Identify inefficiencies, bottlenecks, and areas of waste using data analysis and employee feedback.
  • Develop and implement process improvements to enhance throughput and reduce costs.
• Lean and Six Sigma Implementation:
  • Apply Lean and Six Sigma methodologies to identify root causes of operational issues and drive corrective actions.
  • Develop and lead Kaizen events and other continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Train and mentor team members on Lean principles and problem-solving techniques.
• Performance Monitoring and Reporting:
  • Establish and track key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the success of improvement initiatives.
  • Create reports and dashboards to provide visibility into operational performance and progress.
  • Regularly review and adjust strategies based on data and feedback.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration:
  • Work closely with warehouse managers, production teams, and quality assurance to align improvement efforts with business goals.
  • Partner with supply chain, logistics, and customer service teams to enhance the end-to-end process.
  • Lead change management efforts to ensure smooth adoption of new processes.
• Compliance and Safety:
  • Ensure all improvements align with industry regulations and safety standards.
  • Promote a culture of safety and continuous improvement across the organization.
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Requirements of the Position:

• Bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering, operations management, business, or a related field.
• Minimum of three (3) experience in a continuous improvement role, preferably in the frozen storage or food logistics industry.
• Strong knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma, and other process improvement methodologies required. (Green or Black Belt preferred).
• Knowledge of warehouse management systems (WMS) and cold storage operations is a plus.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Proficient in data analysis tools (Excel, Power BI) and process mapping software.
• Excellent Communication and Project Management Skills
• Ability to Lead Cross-Functional Teams and Drive Change in a fast-paced environment.
• Problem-solving and analytical thinking.
• Strong leadership and influence skills.
• Adaptability and resilience.
• Attention to detail and accuracy.
• Team collaboration and relationship-building.

Work Requirements:

• Time will be spent in a warehouse setting.
• Time may be spent in an office setting.
• Work Hours may vary depending on meeting deadlines and the needs of the company.
• Typical work weeks are the standard 40 hours – Occasional Overtime is Required.
• Travel 70% traveling to different facilities multiple times per month

Physical Work Environment:  

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in a cold storage facility with exposure to low to below zero temperatures. This job may involve occasional exposure to some disagreeable elements such as dust, noise, etc. Accidents are improbable other than minor injuries. Environment may be fast paced at times.

Physical Requirements:

This is not an all-inclusive list, but it is intended to give an overview physical requirement for this position. Reasonable accommodation will be provided under appropriate circumstances and in accordance with applicable law. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to:

• Continually:  Sit, walk, speak, and hear
• Continually:  Type, write, and read
• Occasionally: Stand, carry, lift push and reach up to 15 lbs.

What We Offer You:

• Comprehensive benefits package to include medical, dental, vision, HSA, FSA, Short- and Long-Term Disability, and Life Insurance
• Performance based annual bonus eligibility
• 401(k) Match
• Paid Time Off

RealCold is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.   We believe in providing employment opportunities to all Team Members and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.