Job Purpose Develop and successfully execute performance and reliability improvements across the facility. Serving as a key technical and operations resource, deliver improved, sustainable line performance through enhancing production and maintenance operating systems and margin improvement/cost savings on operational projects. Essential Functions + Manage the continuous improvement program and all operational and workplace organization standards + Utilize TPM and lean flow methodologies to optimize asset and employee effectiveness along with workplace organization to ensure ideal production rates, parameters, and formulas are established and met + Develop and manage reliability improvement plans for employees and assets + Lead and facilitate mindset training programs to support reliability improvement plans + Lead testing and startup for packaging materials and equipment; assist startup lead for all new projects + Provide technical operations support for capital projects to ensure effective early management/vertical startup + Manage new product commercialization initiatives for operations + Serve as technical liaison between functional groups including production/maintenance employees, leadership, marketing, sales, R&D, and other facilities + Lead cost improvement efforts, ensuring annual cost target achievement is met, specifically focused on manufacturing/operations + Support plant leadership in annual operating and capital plan development + Facilitate training to leadership and associates for key problem solving/continuous improvement methodology tools + Assist team in creating and sustaining an environment of continuous improvement and fact-based decision making + Support food safety program, quality standards, and legality of manufactured products + Perform other job-related duties as assigned Qualifications (Education, Experience, Competencies) + Bachelor’s degree, preferably in industrial or mechanical engineering, business, or finance or equivalent experience + 5+ years of experience in manufacturing or engineering, preferably with food packaging and bakery equipment, packaging materials (film, corrugate, etc.), and related manufacturing systems/processes + Ability to lead and support multiple projects and strategic initiatives concurrently and independently + Complex problem solving and critical thinking skills, leveraging process-driven and root cause mentality + Lean-minded thinker + Strong written and verbal communication skills + Strong knowledge of product quality, FDA, OSHA, and EPA regulations