Manufacturing Process Lead

Job Description

Job Description

​Location: Ontario
Employment Type: Salaried
Work Arrangement: Onsite 

Position Summary:

The Process Lead owns all continuous improvement activities for their assigned area. Is the subject matter expert around centerlines for the area. The role must have technical and analytical skills to be able to collect and analyze line data to identify and prioritize loss elimination opportunities. The opex engineer leads continuous improvement initiatives, leads root cause problem solving efforts on chronic losses, and identifies & prioritizes projects in their area in collaboration with the Area Manager. This role coaches the operations team to improve the overall area and updates standards as improvements are made. Overall, this position helps implement the strategic plan for their assigned area in pursuit of lean manufacturing thus lowering overall production costs and improving efficiency. 

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop, lead, execute, sustain, and standardize major process improvement projects. These include focus improvement projects, Kaizen events, documenting Standard Work & establishing centerlines. 
• Mentoring plant leadership on process improvement projects. Engaging the teams on the CI mindset and helping the entire area start to shift the mindset to more lean manufacturing. 
• The Opex Engineer will be the adminstrator of the RedZone program and provide orientation to new hires on the RedZone program. The Process Lead will also develop, coordinate, and train employees in various lean/sigma manufacturing techniques.
• Daily direction setting for this role will be provided by the Area Manager who will work closely with the opex engineer and opex manager on the area needs.
• Attending specified meetings.
• Build a pipeline of projects for major process improvement and helping the area manager and opex manager priortize the work in the assigned area. 

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering or a related field or 2–3 years of Lean experience in a complex manufacturing environment
• Demonstrated experience leading Kaizen workshops, including 5S, Standard Work, Visual Management, Daily Management, SMED, and OEE gap‑closure initiatives
• Six Sigma certification preferred
• Experience in food manufacturing is strongly preferred
• Background in maintenance, manufacturing, engineering, QA, or QS is beneficial

Knowledge and Skills:

• Proven ability to lead Kaizen and continuous improvement events resulting in measurable process and cost‑savings improvements
• Strong analytical skills with experience using data tools such as downtime tracking, statistical analysis, mechanical history, and project planning to identify performance gaps
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, charts, formulas, data analysis) and overall MS Office applications
• Experience with RedZone or similar digital performance/OEE systems, including interpreting data and leveraging insights to drive improvement
• Ability to quickly learn complex production processes and translate operational data into actionable improvements
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively in a matrixed environment and lead cross‑functional teams
• Creative problem‑solver with the ability to develop innovative approaches to resolve complex operational challenges
• Ability to teach and coach Lean/CI concepts across the plant to support adoption and sustainment

Why Join Us:
Ventura Foods offers career growth opportunities as well as competitive compensation and benefits:​

• Medical, Prescription, Dental, & Vision – coverage beginning on your 1st day for eligible employees​
• Profit Sharing and 401(k) matching (after eligible criteria is met)​
• Paid Vacation, Sick Time, and Holidays​
• Employee Appreciation Events​ and Employee Assistance Programs
• Salary Base Range of $103,685.00 - $134,453.55*

*The “base salary range” provided above is a good faith estimate of what we expect to pay for this position in the specified markets.  Ventura Foods reserves the right to pay outside of the given range based on a variety of factors including but not limited to: candidate skills and experience, complexity of the job, budgetary factors, and location/geography. Ventura Foods conducts regular reviews of compensation ranges and therefore reserves the right to alter this range at any given time.  

Physical Demands:
All jobs require sufficient physical strength and dexterity to perform the required task(s) and typically also require at a minimum: intermittent sitting, standing, walking, climbing, squatting, kneeling, pushing, and pulling.  Occasional lifting and/or moving up to 50 pounds or more with assistance may also be required.  Please see the job description for specific requirements.

Work Environment:

Please see the job description for specific requirements of the position for which you are applying.

Typical shifts are 8-12 hours per day.   Additional unscheduled time after hours and on weekends may also be required.  Employees must be willing and able to wear personal protective equipment as required by Company policy and/or legal requirements.  In addition, certain jobs may require employees to:

• Work outside and/or in adverse temperatures which could include extreme heat, cold, and humidity;
• Be exposed to vibrations, chemicals used in operations, fumes and food allergens (may include soy, dairy and other allergens); and
• Be required to work in confined and dark spaces, and at heights in excess of 18 feet.

Diversity & Inclusion:
Our commitment to a diverse and inclusive environment in which all employees are treated with respect is evident in our company culture and values.  We believe that fostering an environment of inclusion and a focus on diversity across our organization is vital to attracting top talent, driving innovation, and meeting the high expectations of our customers in a rapidly evolving global marketplace.

Ventura Foods is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.