Continuous Improvement Specialist

This Is Who We Are

Founded in 2013, Home Chef is the leading meal solutions company with both a retail and online presence. Available online at homechef.com and in retail at more than 2,100 Kroger grocery stores, Home Chef is committed to inspiring and enabling more people to cook simple, delicious meals, no matter how busy they are.

Similar to our recipes, we recognize that variety is the spice of life, and therefore, our employees also bring their uniqueness and color to our fantastic team. We're eager to work with humble team players and pragmatic next-level thinkers to innovate on Home Chef's offerings.

Overview

The Continuous Improvement Specialist leads rapid problem-solving, process optimization, and process standardization to unlock value. The Continuous Improvement Specialist must be equally comfortable implementing tactical change on the shop floor and guiding strategy in the plant board room. This role is a unique opportunity to develop best-in-class lean operational practices at the leading meal kit company and build a high-skill, impact-led team in a fast-paced industry.

This role offers ample opportunities to grow and progress quickly in our rapidly expanding operations organization. The Continuous Improvement Specialist reports directly to the Continuous Improvement Manager. We invest heavily in our people at Home Chef, and we are looking for leaders who are effective and efficient, but also role models and mentors.

Responsibilities

Identify, drive and implement process improvements
Identify opportunities for improvement in processes, systems, and tools across all manufacturing departments, and create strategies to address them.
Implement new processes or process changes by using Lean concepts and by training associates and obtaining proper feedback for best results. Work alongside CI Manager to create a plan to sustain.
Coach associates when processes are not being correctly followed per SOP instructions. Escalate severe occurrences to supervisors when applicable.
Have a great knowledge of standard key performance indicators to maximize daily output by comparing budget to expected output.
Troubleshoot any process related issues by identifying root cause and performing thorough investigations to identify any process gaps.
Perform time studies to obtain quantifiable information for process improvements and process implementations when applicable.
Assist with approved Continuous Improvement projects by partnering with department managers to gather the correct amount of resources to accomplish the task at hand. Be sure to adhere to Lean concepts throughout the project and training.
Partake and/or Lead Kaizen workshops regularly to get associates to buy into the improvements that are being introduced.
Drive, implement, and sustain 5S standards in all areas of the facility.
Ability to use Google Sheets and create sheets from scratch when needed.
Monitor and report on the progress of continuous improvement initiatives to senior management and stakeholders.
Develop and deliver training to employees on continuous improvement methodologies and best practices.
Collaborate with suppliers and other external partners to identify and implement improvement initiatives.
Support day-to-day plant operations and production planning as needed:

practices for all departments within the facility.

Understand and hold all departments accountable for any standard key performance indicators to maximize daily output by comparing budget to expected output.
Hold all departments accountable for all implemented Best Practices and SOP's by performing audits while identifying other areas of improvement by compiling quantifiable data.
Ability to fill in gaps in operations when needed
Note that supporting day-to-day operations will sometimes require weekend work.
General Responsibilities:

Uphold and maintain all Safety Standards
Follow the facility GMP's and help enforce them throughout the facility
Support the efforts of the company to maintain our food safety system (SQF) and quality programs
Qualifications

Completion of a four-year degree program in a related field: Engineering (Ideally in chemical, industrial, or mechanical)
3+ years of experience in an industrial continuous improvement role
You are impact-driven first and foremost, and your passion is to make lasting change in partnership with the plant managers, department leaders, and employees.
You have a strong interest in the meal kit industry and a passion for delivering the best possible products to our consumers
Must be available to respond to work-related inquiries nights and weekends related to active projects
You ideally have experience driving complex initiatives with multiple stakeholders across functions in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
You are comfortable in a plant environment, in refrigerated conditions below 40 degrees
Salary Range: $70,000 - $78,000

More About Us

Perks and benefits:

Candidates can experience Home Chef as a customer - enter promo code PEOPLE30 for $30 off your first order!
Medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance available
Paid holidays, sick time and vacation time
401k program
Flexible spending accounts for qualified medical, dependent care, parking, or transit expenses

How We Work Together

We are humble team players.
We are warm and gracious with team members and customers. We seek feedback to improve ourselves - and respectfully listen to and accept input.

We are pragmatic next-level thinkers.
We come up with novel and unique ideas. We explore new strategies to avoid being constrained by conventional thinking.

We take ownership.
We approach ambiguous problems, prepared to dive in, get curious, and learn more. We are results-driven, always challenging ourselves to exceed goals.

Be at Home at Home Chef

We all show up authentically at Home Chef. Our team includes individuals with a variety of identities, backgrounds, and perspectives. You can trust that you'll be able to bring your whole self to an inclusive and enjoyable workplace.

We welcome people of all races, colors, religions, national origin or ancestry, sex (including sexual identity), age, physical or mental disabilities, pregnancy, veteran or military status, unfavorable discharge from military service, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, order of protection status, citizenship status, arrest record or expunged/sealed convictions, or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state, or local law.

Home Chef is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Home Chef will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact our People team at [email protected].

Home Chef is an equal opportunity employer.

To view the California Applicant Notice click here
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