Continuous Improvement Analytics Specialist

Seaboard Triumph Foods•Sioux City, IA

About The Position

The Continuous Improvement Analytics Specialist focuses on improving client value and plant performance through KPI data collection, calculation, reporting, and analysis. The role identifies opportunities to increase efficiency, reduce waste, improve yield and quality, and close operational gaps. Working with managers, supervisors, operators, trainers, and cross-functional plant teams, the specialist develops and implements process improvements while ensuring safety practices are maintained. The position leads and supports continuous improvement projects using Lean, continuous improvement, and Six Sigma tools and methodologies. It conducts time-and-motion studies, capacity analyses, value stream mapping, cost and feasibility analyses, and reviews of cycle times and labor utilization. The specialist also supports production layouts, equipment and tooling designs, visual aids, and process documentation, and trains and mentors personnel on improved processes and quality practices. The role requires movement around a production facility and work in an environment where temperature and noise levels may vary, including climate extremes and loud conditions. Work may involve extended periods standing, walking, or using a computer, as well as lifting objects up to 50 pounds.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a similar field.
Demonstrated working knowledge of Lean, continuous improvement, and Six Sigma.
Good project management skills and the ability to manage multiple projects accurately and confidently.
Experience using advanced Excel functions.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to write reports and business correspondence and present information effectively.
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret business and technical materials, safety documents, operating and maintenance instructions, procedure manuals, and governmental regulations.
Ability to influence and persuade others, identify problems, and resolve them quickly.
Ability to apply mathematics to practical situations and understand advanced statistics and statistical analysis for data analysis and process control.
Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, draw valid conclusions, and interpret technical instructions in mathematical, diagrammatic, written, or verbal form.
Strong understanding of project implementation, project structure and life cycle, and best-practice standards and tools.
Strong personal computer skills, including Microsoft products.
Strong change-management skills; team-oriented, positive, and process-oriented approach to achieving results.
Excellent analytical, negotiation, and conflict-management skills.
Adaptability to changes in Lean enterprise and commitment to staying current with developments in the field.
Ability to move about the facility; sit; use hands to finger, handle, feel, or hold objects; reach; climb or balance; and speak, hear, taste, and smell.
Ability to regularly lift or move up to 25 pounds, frequently lift or move up to 40 pounds, and occasionally lift or move up to 50 pounds.
Vision abilities including close vision, color vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
Ability to work in a production environment with variable temperatures and noise levels, including climate extremes and loud conditions.
Ability to stand and walk for extended periods and to sit and use a computer for extended periods.

Nice To Haves

A minimum of 5 years of meat industry work experience is a plus.
Formal training in Lean, continuous improvement, or Six Sigma is preferred.
Bilingual skills are a plus.
Market research skills are beneficial.

Responsibilities

Collect data and create and report plant KPIs.
Identify ways to improve plant productivity, yields, quality, and efficiency while eliminating waste.
Review production areas for safety hazards and ensure safety practices are followed when implementing new processes.
Train supervisors, trainers, and operators, and incorporate quality checks and workflow balances to improve productivity.
Prepare and maintain detailed layouts; design, develop, test, and cost-justify tools, equipment, and machinery for production processes.
Lead and deploy production best practices and support continuous improvement across production processes.
Reduce tooling costs and improve material flow by reviewing cycle times and labor utilization.
Facilitate, execute, and manage cost-reduction projects using Lean, continuous improvement, and Six Sigma tools and methodologies.
Conduct time-and-motion studies and production capacity analyses.
Work with cross-functional teams across the plant to perform value stream mapping.
Use Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma tools to prepare feasibility studies and assess whether costs are justified.
Evaluate potential improvements, conduct value analysis, and identify ways to reduce costs in production and production-support applications.
Work with senior and related personnel on layouts, equipment designs, and improvement plans, and clarify and resolve related issues.
Provide direction on layouts, visual aids, and detailed drawings to support improved production processes.
Research, design, and develop cost-effective production processes, including production value streams, methods, flow, and equipment for barn, kill, cut, packaging, and warehouse operations.
Identify root causes of system inefficiencies and failures and recommend design and processing-method changes.
Identify areas for improvement and incorporate techniques to enhance operating standards.
Train and mentor new staff and assist other team members.
Document improved processes and ensure manufactured product designs meet standards.