Production Systems Implementation Specialist - UniFirst

UniFirst•Wilmington, MA

About The Position

The Production Systems Implementation Specialist supports the deployment, implementation, and ongoing optimization of production systems, automation technologies, and operational improvement initiatives across UniFirst locations. The role works collaboratively to support adoption of new technologies and standardized procedures at laundry facilities. The specialist coordinates deployment planning and site readiness, supports on-site implementation and validation, and helps ensure production workflows align with system requirements. The position also coordinates inventory and resource needs, trains managers and production teams, troubleshoots deployment issues, monitors performance and process adoption, and provides post-launch follow-up and continuous improvement recommendations. Specialists complete a four-week virtual UBS training period and visit designated plants biweekly for on-site UBS training. The role involves travel across North American locations, approximately two to three weeks per month, and may include related assignments and additional Production projects as directed.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent relevant operational experience.
At least 21 years of age, with a valid driver’s license and safe driving record.
Valid passport and eligibility for required U.S.–Canada business travel.
Ability to travel 50%–75% of the time, approximately two to three weeks per month, across North American locations based on deployment schedules.
Demonstrated experience supporting system implementations, equipment or process rollouts, site launches, or cross-functional improvement initiatives.
Working knowledge of production workflows, inventory control, resource planning, process standardization, and performance measurement.
Experience coaching and training frontline employees and leaders, identifying performance gaps, and implementing corrective actions with follow-through.
Ability to interpret operational reports, analyze data using Microsoft Excel, and communicate findings effectively.
Strong project management, organizational, and problem-solving skills, including the ability to coordinate stakeholders, troubleshoot issues, manage competing priorities, and meet deadlines independently in a field-based environment.
Strong English communication and interpersonal skills; ability to work with minimal supervision and adapt to changing priorities.
Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Three to five years of progressively responsible experience in industrial laundry, production operations, or a comparable operational environment.
Experience with UPM, R2R, UBS, automated production systems, or comparable enterprise/plant applications; familiarity with project tracking or continuous improvement methods.
Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish.

Responsibilities

Coordinate deployment schedules, site readiness assessments, and action plans with Engineering and site leadership.
Evaluate staffing, workflows, facility layouts, equipment, and inventory readiness; identify gaps and escalate risks before launch.
Support on-site deployments, functional validation, workflow configuration, and implementation of approved UPM/R2R processes.
Assess inventory availability, material constraints, and resource needs; collaborate with cross-functional teams to assign corrective actions, resolve issues, and track progress.
Deliver hands-on training to managers, supervisors, and production teams on standard work, system functionality, troubleshooting, and performance expectations.
Reinforce adoption and address recurring knowledge gaps.
Investigate deployment issues using operational observations, system data, and stakeholder feedback.
Coordinate issue resolution with Engineering, IT, Production, and site leadership.
Track milestones, system utilization, process adherence, and operational performance; communicate progress, escalate risks, and recommend corrective actions.
Conduct post-launch follow-ups, verify site ownership and process adoption, document lessons learned, and recommend improvements to deployment playbooks, training materials, and standardized processes.
Perform related assignments and support additional Production projects as directed.