Continuous Improvement Specialist

Continuous Improvement Specialist

The Continuous Improvement Specialist will help create a zero-loss culture within our manufacturing network, by supporting process improvements and building operator capabilities in a continuous improvement environment. This candidate will teach, coach, influence, and act as an ambassador contributing to the development of a continuous improvement culture and mindset in our Hershey Lean vision. A core function of the role will be managing Redzone and supporting the implementation of Hershey Lean and all standards associated with them. He / she will implement tracking processes and maintain the loss data on the lines to ensure top losses are being addressed. The loss data will enable the development of our zero-loss diagnostic tool designed to support a CI Plan to meet the savings targets for the organization.

Responsibilities:

• Drive daily problem solving and data driven planning as the problem-solving leader for targeted manufacturing operations.
• Work with CI Manager and Plant Leadership team to execute standards using daily management systems through Redzone and S4.
• Complete CI Training in the use of basic root cause analysis tools, 5 Why, Fishbone, Pareto, SMED.
• Provide expertise in all areas of waste reduction, simplification, Lean, Six Sigma, and quality improvement methods.
• Support Food Safety and Quality Initiatives within all locations.
• Work with Training Supervisors to support training for front-line operators for the use of Redzone and Hershey Lean tools.
• Learn Redzone to support Administrative functions associated with management of data in Redzone.

Minimum knowledge, skills and abilities required to successfully perform major duties/responsibilities:

• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated change management skills.
• Ability to develop action plans based on problems identified on the floor.
• Patience, perseverance, flexibility, and a passion to drive Lean culture across all facilities.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Experienced in data collection and analysis.
• Ability to work in a high pressure, results-driven environment.
• Demonstrated experience in Lean.

Preferred experience:

• Bachelor's degree preferred.
• 3 to 5 Years' experience in an automated manufacturing environment preferred.
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing and TPM is preferred.
• Knowledge of Redzone is preferred.
• Previous experience in facilitating training with by hourly and salaried employees is preferred.
• Ability to travel up 20% to various facilities in the US.
• Facilitation and team building experience preferred.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to train and coach others.

The Hershey Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The policy of The Hershey Company is to extend opportunities to qualified applicants and employees on an equal basis regardless of an individual's race, color, gender, age, national origin, religion, citizenship status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, transgender status, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other categories protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.