Continuous Improvement Specialist

dnata•Brisbane, CA

About The Position

We recruit the best talent and invest in their ongoing development, through training and mentoring. We provide opportunities to work across our national network. dnata catering U.S. is looking for a Continuous Improvement (CI) Specialist to join our Brisbane, CA team. Key Responsibilities As a Continuous Improvement Specialist at dnata Catering, you will drive operational excellence and enhance efficiencies within our aviation catering operations. With a keen eye for process improvement and a passion for driving positive change, you will play a pivotal role in identifying areas of improvement and implementing strategies to optimize productivity, reduce costs, and enhance customer satisfaction. Collaborating closely with cross-functional teams, you will lead and facilitate continuous improvement initiatives, utilizing lean methodologies, data analysis, and best practices. Your expertise in process mapping, root cause analysis, and performance metrics will be critical in identifying bottlenecks and implementing innovative solutions. Additionally, you will be responsible for developing and implementing training programs to enhance employee skills and knowledge, fostering a culture of continuous improvement throughout the organization. By monitoring performance metrics, analyzing data, and providing actionable insights, you will enable dnata Catering to make informed decisions and drive sustainable improvements. Your ability to work collaboratively with stakeholders at all levels, including front-line employees and senior management, will be vital in building strong relationships and driving a culture of continuous improvement. As a Continuous Improvement Specialist , you will contribute to the success of dnata Catering by implementing strategies that streamline operations, enhance customer satisfaction, and position the company as a leader in the aviation catering industry.

Requirements

A bachelor's degree preferred or a High School diploma with 10 years’ experience within the airline industry or lean manufacturing.
Experience working in a high volume, manufacturing, food production, restaurant, or catering environment preferred.
Experience with leading projects, people across organizations, maintaining mandatory standards to ensure the safety of products and processes, and improving product quality required.
Experience analyzing operations and their cost drivers, analyzing material and information flows, and analyzing productivity, material consumption, and operation expenses required.
Experience with Lean Manufacturing techniques, including "Just in Time" (takt-flow-pull), 5S and workplace organization, and value stream mapping and Kanban system preferred.
Strong organizational, analytical, and leadership skills required.
Must be innovative in making changes to the operation as needed to improve the work environment.
SERV Safe Certification preferred or the ability to obtain SERV Safe Certification
Full-time Travel: 75%
Thinking – Information Search and analysis & problem resolution skills
Engaging – Understanding others Team Leadership and Developing People
Inspiring – Influencing and building relationships, Motivating, and Inspiring,
Achieving – Delivering business results under pressure Championing Performance Improvement and Customer Focus
Demonstrated Values to be Successful in the Position Intellectual/Social demands: While performing the essential functions of this job, the employee is continuously asked to multi-task under time limits.
Position requires constant attention to precise details and accuracy of specified standards including following simple to complex (more than 3 steps) instructions, and concentration which frequently extends beyond 30 minutes at a time.
This position also requires constant attendance and punctuality - Is consistently at work and on time.
Follows instructions, responds to management direction; Takes responsibility for own actions; Completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan.
Meets productivity standards; Completes work in timely manner; Strives to increase productivity; Works quickly.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk; reach with hands and arms and stoop, kneel, or crouch.
The employee must regularly lift and /or move up to 30 pounds.
Observes safety and security procedures; Reports potentially unsafe conditions; Use equipment and materials properly.
Does what they say they will. And they balance the needs of our customers' needs with our business's needs.
Always gets the job done. And still put the needs of our business first.
Adapts when plans change. Is open to new ideas. Makes suggestions that will help shape our culture.
Understand our business. Uses this understanding in their day-to-day work and plans for the future.
Look for solutions that work for themselves, their team, and the whole organization.
Acts in a way that gets others on board – and when things don’t go to plan, they deal with conflict in the right way.
Share plans with others. Tracks how each project is progressing. Gives constructive feedback during, and after, each project.
Self-aware. Always learning. Always developing. And always helping others to develop, too.

Responsibilities

Responsible for analyzing material and information flow for the operations unit to identify opportunities for improvement in productivity, material consumption, other operation expenses, quality, safety, and space utilization.
Plans and guides Unit management in productivity, material, waste, safety, and quality improvement initiatives; analyzes material and information flows; explore opportunities in productivity, material consumption, other operation expenses, and space utilization; quantifies the effects of improved processes, workflows and fore mentioned opportunities.
Support and drives continuous process improvements utilizing Lean Manufacturing principles to maximize departmental efficiencies, minimize waste and improve safety.
Communicate with unit management and leadership team on implementation of changes.
Secure relevance and availability of Production System Road maps and blueprints
Perform diagnostics on significant cost drivers, including material, labor, and OpenX.
Make documented proposals for improvements and syndicates with unit management on the implementation of changes; responsible for supporting management and associates in the overall change process.
Actively practices change management and actively participates in the Unit’s performance management system and dialogue; presents progress and plans to company executives; liaises with corporate and area Continuous Improvement resources
Propose and keeps up with company Best Practices and benchmark initiatives.
Coach other Continuous Improvement staff and leads training and presentation sessions.
Train and builds capability in all levels of the plant regarding Lean Manufacturing
Work on all related training materials and works with other team members to identify improvements, additions, corrections, or clarifications to the training material provided.
Work with Lean Manufacturing tools and techniques, such as 8 Waste (Muda), Just in Time (takt-flow-pull), Value Stream Mapping, Kanban system, Problem Solving, FIFO, and 5s workplace organization, including layout changes when necessary.
Other duties as assigned by management.

Benefits

Full-time employees are eligible for 401(k) and healthcare benefits including Free Medical , Dental & Vision
Enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner during your shift
Accelerate your career with structured development programs, mentorship, and our Najm recognition platform that celebrates performance and service excellence.

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