Lead Manufacturing Specialist

Basic American Foods•Blackfoot, ID

About The Position

The Lead Manufacturing Specialist provides leadership and supervision across multiple production and packaging lines to support personnel and food safety and achieve manufacturing efficiency goals. The role coaches employees in safe work practices, supports production schedules and staffing, and collaborates with team members and functional support groups to meet line-rate, quality, training, and operational goals. The position is accountable for team problem solving, decision-making, conflict resolution, timely performance appraisals, and appropriate disciplinary action. It coordinates communication between shifts, represents the operation in emergency response matters, and addresses personnel issues and investigations. The role also supports customer and supplier certification requirements, sanitation, GMP and HACCP compliance, and plant cleanliness. The Lead Manufacturing Specialist promotes process improvement using lean manufacturing concepts and company values. The role facilitates root-cause investigations, implements and audits corrective actions, and uses methods such as 5-Why, A3, and statistical analysis.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree and more than three years of manufacturing-related experience in a lead role, or five or more years of experience in lieu of a degree.
Manufacturing and process knowledge.
Lean manufacturing knowledge and skills.
Working knowledge of workplace safety and GMP regulations.
Ability to lift and move up to 50 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Working knowledge of database software, ADP, IFS (ERP) software, Redzone, Excel spreadsheet software, and word-processing software.
Ability to make sound business decisions.
Keen attention to detail.
Written and spoken communication skills.
Ability to evaluate problems, correctly focus resources, and make efficient decisions.
Strong leadership and effective management skills to direct employees in efficient operations.
Ability to effectively perform root-cause analysis.

Responsibilities

Coach employees on performing their duties safely, including personnel safety and food safety, and participate in the SAFE process.
Support production and packaging schedules and distribute crewing.
Work with team members to achieve budgeted line rates, prevent out-of-specification production, direct maintenance activities, and manage raw material changes.
Use the hold process when necessary to prevent out-of-specification product from reaching customers.
Lead team problem solving and decision-making, resolve conflicts, and ensure fair and timely disciplinary action.
Ensure performance appraisals and progress reports are completed on time.
Facilitate communication between shifts and teams and work with functional support teams to ensure employees are trained and cross-trained.
Act as the on-shift representative for emergency response coordination and compliance with company policies.
Respond to personnel issues, conduct thorough investigations, and coordinate results and issues.
Support customer requirements through communication, documentation, employee training, sanitation practices, GMPs, and the HACCP program.
Help meet supplier certification program and audit requirements and maintain plant cleanliness to a satisfactory degree.
Improve processes using lean manufacturing concepts, company values, and company culture; support identification of value-added and cost-saving activities and projects.
Facilitate root-cause analysis, lead investigations, identify root causes, implement corrective actions, and audit results for effectiveness.
Use tools and methodologies consistent with lean manufacturing principles, including 5-Why, A3, and statistical analysis.