Operational Excellence Specialist

Operational Excellence Specialist Location Portland, Oregon Overview The factory Operational Excellence (OpEx) Specialist is responsible for analyzing and improving factory processes within our Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) journey to improve equipment reliability, reduce downtime, reduce food loss, and enhance the overall operational efficiency (OEE) in our food manufacturing facility. The position will lead and develop others within the factory loss analysis program, problem solving process, and OEE reporting. This role will perform additional duties and responsibilities as assigned, which may evolve based on organizational needs. Responsibilities Factory Loss Analysis Leadership: With support of the Operational Excellence Manager, collect and analyze data, identify specific losses, and prioritize losses within the factory’s OEE, downtime, raw material loss, labor loss, etc.; provide effective visual sharing and guidance of losses to factory leaders and team members; ensure appropriate loss analysis is provided on a daily, weekly, monthly and annual basis. Problem Solving Leadership: Lead and develop others in the use of root cause analysis tools (STPD, BDA, etc.) to drive continuous improvement; ensure the health and wellness of our problem‑solving tools meet the standards for analysis and corrective actions and preventive actions; implement verification steps on solutions for sustainability and, if possible, reapplication to other similar equipment or situations. OEE Reporting Ownership: Own the OEE reporting program from data collection, loss analysis, loss categorization and monitoring to ensure reporting is done effectively and correctly; provide OEE reporting internally to factory leadership and team members; lead and develop others in understanding OEE loss categories with the availability, performance and quality components. Qualifications Education: Minimum Associate of Science degree in a STEM field (Engineering, Food Science, Technology, Math, etc.). Preferred: Bachelor of Science degree in a STEM field or active enrollment in a four‑year STEM degree program, especially engineering. Experience: Minimum 2 to 4 years of manufacturing experience in a leadership role, preferable in the food industry; experience in lieu of degree will be considered. Certifications: Proficiency in advanced CI tools preferred. Knowledge & Skills: Knowledge of TPM methodology, focus improvement (FI) pillar methodologies or a continuous improvement program. Demonstrated Proficiencies: Leadership and motivation; excellent communication, problem‑solving, and change management; strong analytical abilities; ability to work collaboratively with all factory personnel levels; proven track record of driving results in a factory environment. Equal Employment Opportunity Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. #J-18808-Ljbffr Ajinomoto Foods North America, Inc.