What are the responsibilities and job description for the Continuous Improvement Specialist position at VPGC LLC?
Job Title: Continuous Improvement Specialist
Department: Operations
Location: Hinton, VA
Reports to: Plant Manager
Job Overview: The Continuous Improvement Specialist will play a crucial role in driving operational excellence and process optimization in our raw turkey processing facility. This position focuses on identifying inefficiencies, developing solutions, and implementing continuous improvement initiatives to enhance productivity, yield, quality, safety, and cost-efficiency across all aspects of plant operations.
This is a salary exempt position.
Key Responsibilities:
- Improve plant performance by identifying opportunities for yield, efficiencies, standards and staffing.
- Conduct root cause analysis and facilitate corrective and preventive actions to address production bottlenecks and issues.
- Analyze production data to identify trends, variances, and improvement opportunities.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Production, Maintenance, Quality Assurance, USDA and Safety, to develop and sustain efficient processes.
- Standardize and document operational processes and ensure compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements.
- Train and coach employees on principles, problem-solving tools, and continuous improvement techniques.
- Monitor and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) related to operational efficiency, yield, quality, and safety.
- Support safety initiatives and promote a culture of continuous improvement throughout the plant.
- Stay updated on industry trends, best practices, and emerging technologies relevant to poultry processing.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
- Proven experience in a manufacturing environment, preferably in food processing or poultry industry.
- Analytical mindset with excellent problem-solving and project management skills.
- Proficiency in data analysis tools, such as Excel and familiar with Word, Outlook and PowerPoint
- Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills to work effectively with diverse teams.
- Commitment to food safety, workplace safety, and quality assurance standards.
- Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
- Attention to detail
- Comfortable with speaking in formal settings
Work Environment:
- Physical presence on the production floor, with exposure to varying temperatures, noise levels, and odors typical of a raw poultry processing facility.
- Standing, walking, and occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds.