Continuous Improvement Engineer

Flagstone Foods:

At Flagstone Foods, we believe appreciation grows goodness. It shows every day in how we work —by looking out for one another, taking pride in what we produce, and doing the job right.

We’re one of North America’s largest manufacturers of snack nuts, trail mixes, and dried fruits, with plants in Robersonville, NC; El Paso, TX; and Dothan, AL, and a headquarters in Minneapolis. Our teams keep our lines running, our food safe, and our quality high.

We’re growing and adding to our team. We’re looking for reliable, dedicated people who value teamwork, safety, and consistency. If you want work you can take pride in, a supportive team, and a company that respects the people on the floor, you may find your home at Flagstone Foods.

POSITION: Continuous Improvement Engineer

REPORTS TO:  Sr. Director, Enterprise Project Management 

Position Summary

The Continuous Improvement Engineer I is responsible for assisting the implementation of the FFOS. The position will be a resource to the Plant Leadership and Performance System implementation teams facilitating meetings, kaizen events, metrics and assisting in the root cause problem solving processes within the facility.  

 Essential Functions

• Be the plant level change agent responsible for leading and managing continuous improvement processes. 
• Work along with the Plant Leadership Team to monitor plant targets and Key Performance Indicators.
• Establish action plans and follow-up meetings, as needed, to advance process improvements to achieve targets.
• Instill “hands-on,” systematic approach to problem solving (“Gemba”).
• Continually challenge individuals and teams to improve through systematic application of continuous improvement methodologies and leading by example.
• Manage the plant level Key Performance Indicator charting and posting process including daily, weekly, and monthly KPI’s.
• Simplify the data line performance collection process, automate if possible. 
• Leverage Statistics and other data analysis methods to provide data to plant teams and operational leadership to facilitate the improvement of operations within the facility. 
• Be a member of improvement teams to help with data analysis, problem solving and presentation of solutions to various levels of the organization.
• Facilitate Kaizen Events to drive improvements in performance.
• Be the owner of the Simple Root Cause problem solving tool and train people in its use.
• Implement a cost savings tracking process based on corporate process.
• Other job-related duties as needed.

Qualifications (Education/Experience)

• Bachelor’s degree required in Business, Engineering, Food Science or other related field or related experience in Continuous Improvement. 
• Minimum of one year of experience working in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience or education in Statistical Process control, root-cause analysis and/or other analytical methods.
• Strong and effective communication and presentation skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and Excel.
• Ability to maintain and handle multiple functions/ tasks 
• Demonstrated ability to diplomatically communicate needs and recommendations.
• Communication skills that ensure personal credibility and effectiveness. 
• Demonstrated proactive style that ensures the completion of projects despite obstacles.
• Actively seek to utilize a “Collaborative Team Approach” in all situations.
• Working knowledge of computers and basic knowledge of Microsoft Office suite.

Physical Requirements 

The physical demands described within the Essential Functions section of this job description are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform this job. Other duties or tasks may be assigned as required. Management may modify, change, or add to the duties of this description at any time without notice. 

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to:

• Communicate with others both verbally and in writing. 
• Be independently mobile.
• Use a computer and keyboard.
• Regularly sit, stand, walk, reach, stretch, stoop, bend, for extended periods.
• Ability to lift/carry 25 to 50 lbs.
• Exposure to noise levels requiring hearing protection.

Supervises – Yes

FLSA Designation: This position is Exempt and is not eligible for overtime.

Work Location: Robersonville, NC

Benefits You’ll Enjoy:

At Flagstone Foods, we take care of our team. You’ll have access to medical, dental, and HSA options, a 401(k) plan with company match, and company-paid life and disability coverage. Benefits begin on the first of the month after 60 days of employment, giving you peace of mind while you focus on the work you take pride in. Participation in Flagstone Foods’ benefits programs is subject to the terms and conditions of each plan.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin.