CI SPECIALIST

AMPI•Blair, WI

22h

About The Position

Associated Milk Producers Inc. (AMPI) operates six manufacturing plants in the Midwest, producing American-type and processed cheese and marketing cheese and powdered dairy products to foodservice, retail, and food ingredient customers. Its Dinner Bell Creamery brand and Co-op Crafted promise highlight partnerships between dairy farm families and skilled cheesemakers. The CI Specialist supports continuous improvement and Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) compliance at two plants. The role develops and tracks performance metrics, maintains procedures, leads process improvement and Lean initiatives, supports safety reviews, and works with plant leadership, employees, and engineering on operational projects. The position also supports quality assurance and food safety requirements and adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices.

Requirements

High school diploma or General Education Degree (GED) required.
Three years of continuous improvement-related experience preferred, preferably in a manufacturing environment.
A well-rounded knowledge of continuous improvement tools and regulations preferred.

Nice To Haves

Three years of continuous improvement-related experience, preferably in a manufacturing environment.
A well-rounded knowledge of continuous improvement tools and regulations.

Responsibilities

Develop and track key performance indicators and performance metrics to measure progress and drive continuous improvement.
Create and maintain standard operating procedures and work instructions.
Support the facility’s EHS compliance with applicable federal, state, local, and company rules and regulations.
Maintain a strong EHS presence in production, maintenance, and material handling areas of both plants.
Review safety issues and incidents and work with plant leadership and employees to develop resolution plans.
Plan and direct process improvement projects, resolve problems through information gathering and analysis, and lead group problem-solving.
Assess Lean initiatives, measure their success, identify refinements, and ensure improvements can be scaled.
Promote continuous improvement by coaching, providing feedback, and encouraging employees.
Partner with leadership to integrate Lean principles into strategic planning and decision-making.
Research systems and processes and develop analyses and recommendations for tools, processes, and infrastructure that support best practices and efficiency.
Assist with developing capital projects to improve efficiency, including collaborating with engineering on project costs.
Work with management on project planning related to business growth, customer specifications, innovation, quality, and safety improvements.
Work with corporate and site engineering to manage project budgets and help ensure projects are completed on time and within budget.
Communicate professionally with staff to share and develop technical knowledge.
Comply with Quality Assurance policies and promptly report and act on potential food safety issues.
Understand and adhere to Good Manufacturing Practices.
Perform other duties as assigned.