Operations Specialist

About SunOpta

SunOpta delivers customized supply chain solutions and innovation for top brands, retailers, and foodservice providers across a broad portfolio of beverages, broths, and better-for-you snacks. With over 50 years of expertise, SunOpta fuels customers’ growth with high-quality, sustainability-forward solutions distributed through retail, club, foodservice, and e-commerce channels across North America. 

Job Summary:

Operations Specialist is responsible for providing support to the leadership team and employees at the site focusing on training.  Coordinate a comprehensive training program for all departments of the production team.  Create new SSOPs and SOPs that reflect the dynamic nature of production equipment.  Act as a liaison between all shifts and departments including QA and upper management.  Maintain an active role in safety committees and ensure OSHA compliance.  Conduct facility tours and represent the high standards of SunOpta, both at work and in the community.  Standardize and share expertise across all departments and shifts in the production facility.  Be a part of the SunOpta 360 Operating system and RedZone in all elements working with the team to drive to zero.

Essential Functions of the Job:

• Develop a standardized program for training of new hires and continuous improvement for current employees.
• Serve as safety model; promote a high level of safety awareness and continuous improvement in safety practices.
• Perform accident investigations and report accordingly.
• Drive LEAN/Continuous Improvement initiatives down to floor personnel.
• Assist in the development of standard operating procedures, employee training, and process development
• Cover all production areas in the facility, including Supervisor, as needed.
• Exhibit and possess the ability to understand, troubleshoot, and repair processing equipment.
• Identify deficiencies in the production stream and effectively implement new strategies.
• Be able to multi-task efficiently throughout the facility.

• Review the preventative maintenance services and timeframes to maximize production efficiencies.
• Other duties as assigned

Supervisory Responsibilities:

None

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Basic computer skills, experience with PC and PLC driven components, familiar with production/processing lines and/or packaging equipment
• Works with minimal amount of supervision
• Able to evaluate a situation and make a good decision
• Good past work history
• Good attendance
• Ablet to stand for long periods of time
• Able to lift a minimum of 50 pounds and at times more
• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Good mechanical aptitude
• Create and maintain onboarding programs for all employees
• Formulate and suggest work safety standard, and enforce procedures
• Risk prevention areas to include hazardous materials exposure, accidents, fires, or other unsafe conditions
• Assess training needs for new and existing employees and temporary employees
• Partner with Supervisors regarding employee training needs
• Organize, develop or source training programs to meet specific training needs
• Develop training aids such as manuals and handbooks (e.g. SOP, SSOP)
• Inform employees about training options
• Map out training plans for individual employees
• Present training programs using recognized training techniques and tools
• Facilitate learning through a variety of delivery methods including classroom instruction, virtual training and on-the-job coaching
• Design and apply assessment tools to measure training effectiveness
• Track and report on training outcomes
• Provide feedback to program participants and management
• Evaluate and make recommendations on training material and methodology
• Maintain employee training records
• Handle logistics for training activities including venues and equipment
• Establish and maintain relationships with external training facilities (e.g. Alexandria Technical and Community College, GLASH and the Minnesota Safety Council)

• Manage and maintain i-house training equipment
• Keep current on training design and methodology

Education:

High school diploma or equivalent required.  College degree or certification preferred.

Experience:

Candidate must possess a strong working knowledge of production equipment, processes and practices.  Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing practices is beneficial.  Outstanding verbal, written, multi-tasking and presentation skills.  Ability to create momentum and foster organizational change.  Bilingual in Spanish is beneficial.  Must have a working knowledge of MS Word and MS PowerPoint software and be proficient with MS Excel software. 

Knowledge and Skills:

Working knowledge of business, computer and math, preferred.  The candidate must be able to work effectively in a team-based environment, set priorities to meet deadlines, handle multiple tasks, and make decisions under pressure being able to work with minimal or no supervision.  Ability to use critical thinking to plant and problem-solve.

Travel Requirements:

Travel is required to various SunOpta locations and for meetings or other job-related functions.

Work Environment/Physical Demands:

Approximately; 95% of work is performed in a manufacturing environment.  5% of work may involve being in an office environment.

Please not this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job.  Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Featured benefits

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Paid Family leave
• Paid maternity leave
• 401(k) with Match

• Voluntary Life, Accident, Critical Illness and Hospital indemnity
• Paid Holidays

• Tuition assistance
• Short-term and Long-term Disability insurance

Featured Benefits

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Paid Family leave
• Paid maternity leave
• 401(k) with Match
• Voluntary Life, Accident, Critical Illness and Hospital indemnity
• Paid Holidays
• Tuition assistance
• Short-term and Long-term Disability insurance

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER 
EOE M/W/VET/DISABLED