GPS Manager - EUBE

Griffith Foods is the caring, creative product development partner helping food companies meet the evolving needs of consumers while sustaining the planet. As a family business founded in 1919 and headquartered in Alsip, Illinois USA, Griffith Foods is known for true, collaborative innovation guided by their Purpose of “We Blend Care and Creativity to Nourish the World”. The company’s product capabilities range from seasonings and marinades to coating systems and sauces that are better for people and better for the planet. For more information, visit www.griffithfoods.com.

Purpose of the role:

The purpose of the GPS Manager role is to drive the lean culture, standardize best practices and processes and facilitate activities using continuous improvement methods and tools. This role will work cross-functionally to execute change and lead/support teams directed at strategic projects within plant operations. The role will have direct influence on the company’s ability to improve overall operations efficiencies to achieve supply chain and overall business performance goals.

Role & responsibilities:

Head process improvement initiatives to ensure projects are completed efficiently.

Analyze the operational processes and systems to identify areas of improvement, develop and implement policies and procedures that improve process efficiency.

Identify process bottlenecks and constraints and provides solutions for eliminating those obstacles.

Research, evaluate, and recommend equipment and/or software technologies to create competitive advantage and drive process automation and cost improvement.

Utilize data collection and analysis as a basis for recommending improvements. Develop processes / visual displays to effectively communicate real time operational performance and historical performance.

Manage and maintain the reporting of Metrics, KPI’s, and Scorecards for plant supply chain.

Coordinate and facilitate lean/CI projects using appropriate tools (Kaizen, 5S, SMED, etc.) and techniques (RCA, PDCA, DMAIC).

Lead development of standard work/best practices.

Collaborate effectively with plant leaders and associates to achieve agreement and buy-in for process changes, work standards and new equipment/technology.

Strong influence in securing the long-term business competitiveness / sustainability.

This position is responsible for contributing to GCI and overall manufacturing cost.

This role will have direct influence on and responsibility for our ability to improve overall operations efficiencies in order to achieve supply chain and overall business performance goals.

Create a pipeline of ongoing Continuous Improvement projects and lead initiatives to bring to fruition.

Support Operations activities for innovation projects.

support capacity expansion and capability strategy development process as appropriate.

Lead development of standard work/best practices.

Knowledge & experience:

Broad experience in process improvement

Capability to influence, initiate change and embed a process improvement culture

Training and coaching skills are crucial (groupdynamics, coaching attitude etc) Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or equivalent; at least 7 years of Continuous Improvement experience, preferably in Food Manufacturing.

Lean Manufacturing/Six Sigma training or certification preferred.

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Collaborative mindset with the ability to collaborate effectively with plant leaders and associates to achieve agreement and buy-in for process changes, work standards and new equipment/technology.

Manage multiple priorities simultaneously, while driving projects to completion.

Communicate effectively with employees at all levels of the organization and be able to identify team members’ capabilities and limitations and teach new skills. Flexibility and ability to prioritize work activities and projects, as well as capability to work with frequent

interruptions.