Continuous Improvement Director

JOB SUMMARY:

Directs, manages and provides guidance in driving positive change in the facility, including development and up skilling of 500+ associates. The key areas of focus are safety, training and implementing the GSF defined improvement process. Ensures appropriate measurements are developed and implemented to create benchmarks and targets. Develops plans and actions to ensure goals are achieved or exceeded. More specifically, directs and oversees the following site initiatives: Safety Improvement Program, Training and Development and the TPM Process.

Safety Improvement Plan (SIP)

1. Identify and interpret regulatory standards that impact operational exposures and business activities. Guide necessary plans to ensure compliance.

1. Provides direction in the development, implementation and monitoring of comprehensive safety processes, training programs and management practices to eliminate all accidents in the workplace and meet all applicable safety rules and company policies. Evaluation of the following areas to include: OSHA, ergonomics, machine guarding, hazard communication, powered industrial vehicles, electrical safety, fire protection & emergency preparedness.

1. Identifies and evaluates hazardous conditions and practices, develops practices and programs to correct or reduce their occurrence.

1. Provides direction to plant personnel to improve safety and health of all employees.

1. Communicates with management and associates and provides relevant reports and analyzes to ensure appropriate decision-making as it applies to safety.

1. Oversees the investigation and reporting process on serious injuries to affected associate.

1. Reviews and analyzes company accidents and historical claim experience to identify frequency or severity problems and loss trends. Facilitates improvement projects based on findings to improve overall employee health and safety.

1. Coaches managers and supervisors on behavior based strategies, accident investigation, hazard identification, self-inspection and employee training.

1. Facilitates daily safety meetings and incorporates associate safety concerns in order to achieve timely resolutions.

1. Establishes a measuring device for safety performance throughout the facility by motivating individual accountability and reinforcing safety as a critical part of the sites culture.

1. Oversees the interface with insurer representatives on all post-loss (claim) communication required with adjuster, HR and injured worker. Work with HR for prompt return-to-work of any injured associate.

1. Leads the Safety, Health and Environment Pillar.

Training and Development (T&D)

1. Develops strategic plan for the training and development of the associates to include: operator learning guides, new hire orientation, TPM step processes, etc.

1. Periodically audits operational procedures and programs related to all aspects of the facility as training is developed and updated.

1. Responsible for assisting in training of both new and current co-workers in CI/TPM methodology and AM responsibilities.

1. Communicates with management and employees and provides relevant reports and analyses to ensure appropriate decision-making as it applies to safety.

Total Productive Manufacturing (TPM)

1. Responsible for developing and overseeing the execution of Site Continuous Improvement policy, strategy and targets.

1. Facilitates teams in identifying opportunities, developing and implementing corrective action including follow-up to improve the productivity, cost, quality, delivery, safety and morale in the Site.

1. Facilitates the Steering Committee and Pillar interaction while providing plant wide direction.

1. Oversees the creation and maintenance of the OPL and F-tag process(es) and follows through to completion.

1. Facilitates the TPM activities during the planned as well as unplanned shutdowns.

1. Directs the management of the Informance and other data on a regular basis (e.g. Loss Tree, etc.) including collection, interpretation and communication.

1. Assists with preparation and logistical details for plant tours, training sessions and JIPM consultancy visits.

1. Directs assigned staff, including recruiting and selecting employees, assigning work, providing training and development, evaluating performance, and building a motivated, effective team to ensure that organizational goals for diversity, career development, productivity, performance management and employee involvement are met.

1. Communicates with management and employees and provides relevant reports and analyses to ensure appropriate decision-making as it applies to safety.

1. Completes all other assigned duties.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Education and experience equivalent to:

Education/Certification:

Bachelor’s degree in business administration, food science or related field from an accredited college or university.

Experience:

5 or more years of relevant work experience in manufacturing, safety, training and TPM.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of (B/basic; J/journey; E/expert):

• Project management concepts and techniques (J)
• Safety policies, practices and procedures (E)
• Regulatory policies and procedures (J)
• Budgetary concepts and procedures (J)
• PC word processing/spreadsheet/presentation/database software (J)
• Continuous Improvement concepts and processes (E)

Skill and ability to:

• Strategically influence all levels regarding TPM, T&D and the SIP
• Serve as a team member, facilitator and/or leader as the team role warrants
• Manage and motivate employees in a team-based environment
• Prepare a variety of comprehensive administrative and technical documents and reports
• Prepare and deliver presentations to management, customers, regulatory agencies and other representatives of external organizations
• Assist in developing capital improvement cost/benefit analyses and subsequent forms
• Travel via airplane and drive an automobile
• Work effectively in a general business environment, with a focus on high levels of quality and customer service
• Act in accordance with GSF’s Values and Creed

LEADERSHIP/MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY

Directs Safety/Training Manager and TPM Supervisor. May manage various external vendors.

PERFORMANCE CATEGORIES

• Productivity/quality standards: accuracy, timeliness, thoroughness
• Training budget and related expenses
• Effectiveness of safety training programs and procedures
• Effective administration of plant workers’ compensation program
• Productivity/quality standards: return to work
• Regulatory compliance and training (GMP, HACCP, OSHA)
• Teamwork within the department and across departments
• Project/assignment standards
• Customer satisfaction
• Safety standards and procedures: employees
• Safety standards and procedures: facility and warehouse equipment
• External relationships and compliance with regulatory agencies
• Employee development to meet GSF’s projected near- and mid-term objectives