Operational Excellence Leader

Job Overview:  

Leads the Oil-Dri Process Improvement & Process Engineering team. This position and team are responsible for Lean Manufacturing based analytical and troubleshooting/problem solving. The objective of which is to identify and execute cost reduction opportunities through the elimination of waste (losses) while supporting quality and safety improvements. This position is also responsible for Process Engineering within Oil-Dri; this includes engineering analysis and loss identification with the end objective of more efficient operating lines at lower costs, improved yields, and/or higher outputs. In addition, this position is responsible for corporate Maintenance oversight at all factories.

Responsibilities:

• Lead and direct all Process Improvement Engineers (2 to 4), specifically delivering Performance Objectives as well as increasing skills and knowledge through Training & Development efforts.
• Lead the delivery of Mfg. improvement and cost reduction initiatives to support delivery of the plant financial plans and improved OEE performance in the plants.
• Provide centralized Leadership for corporate maintenance initiatives – and serve as the technical coach and resource for all Maintenance Managers &Planners. The end goal of which is improved equipment availability and reduced total maintenance costs per unit produced.
• Provide Leadership and Guidance (and be the technical expert) for the CMMS module within Oil-Dri’s ERP system.
• Lead the implementation of All in Quality and Process Improvement tools, principles, and training found within Lean manufacturing principles, as well as Focused Improvement efforts as identified.
• Recommend and support Capital initiatives as identified and supported by other PI efforts
• Provide the leadership and training that is necessary to optimize and/or improve operational processes, labor utilization, and safety efforts.
• Both Lean and Process Engineering tools will be used as appropriate for the tasks chosen.
• Record and disseminate successful/improvement needed efforts with other plants and the AIQ leadership team
• Optimize Processing operations, including assessing the type of equipment, operating parameters, and operating methods needed to “right size” the output of products
• Investigate, propose, and implement strategies and suggestions to alleviate inventory and warehousing waste
• Support, participate and lead AIQ initiatives and programs
• Performs other related duties as assigned
• Participates on CPG Mfg Leadership and AIQ Steering Teams

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree or higher in Engineering or a technical field
• Proven ability to apply engineering principals at a professional level.
• Strong written and verbal communication
• Safety awareness, knowledge and commitment. Ability to work safely, manage projects safely and build safety into processes and equipment.
• Training in a Lean Manufacturing environment required
• Training in a World Class Maintenance Environment required with certification as a CMRP (Certified Maintenance and Reliability Professional) desired.
• Successful hands-on experience in Process Improvement Concepts such as Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping, 5S, Visual at a Glance, Standards and Total Productive Maintenance
• Experience in Project Management and modifications to equipment and lean Management Procedures

Experience:

• 15+ years with increasing responsibility in engineering and/or operations in process flow industries.
• 5+ years with managerial experience in multiple functional areas
• Ability to lead and develop a team of technical resources (Engineers, Maintenance Managers, and/or Mechanics)   
• Experience in designing/optimizing process lines, packaging lines and infrastructure.
• Ability to do engineering work such as process flow diagrams, general arrangement, heat and material balances and other process calculations, sizing equipment, pumps, fans, piping and ducts, specifying all equipment and materials required.
• Experience leading or managing Maintenance organizations that have operated according to the principles found within the SMRP’s (Society of Maintenance and Reliability Engineers) Body of Knowledge.
• Experience using the Project Management Institute’s Project Management Body of Knowledge or a similar approach to project management.
• Experience in at least some of the following areas is preferred: engineering analysis, sizing, layout, specification, selection, and installation of standard equipment such as pumps, fans, piping system, process air ducts, burners, mills, grinders, crushers, pneumatic conveying, mechanical conveyors, rotary dryers, fluid bed dryers, flash dryers, and screens. 
• A knowledge and familiarity with Process Control techniques and concepts is desired.
• Adapt to Oil-Dri’s culture: Values and Principles Driven, Process Focused, Fully Engaged Workforce.

• This job requires physical condition and stamina to work in a process and manufacturing plant that would include long periods of walking, standing, climbing stairs and ladders, working in high places and working around moving equipment.
• Estimated travel: 25-50%