CI ENGINEER

Associated Milk Producers Inc; Blair (WI); On-site; USD 75,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PTO

401k

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

FSA

Job summary

Associated Milk Producers Inc. is seeking a Continuous Improvement professional to lead KPI tracking, SOP development, and Lean initiatives across its Midwest plants. The role focuses on driving safety, efficiency, and standardized practices to enhance overall performance.

The position requires a Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field and 3 years of CI experience, preferably in manufacturing, with strong data analysis and problem-solving skills. Competitive benefits apply.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field is required.
• 3 years CI experience, preferably in manufacturing, is preferred.
• Well-rounded knowledge of continuous improvement tools and regulations is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and track KPIs and performance metrics to drive continuous improvement.
• Create and maintain SOPs and work instructions for consistent practices.
• Directly support facility Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) compliance across plants.
• Provide strong Lean presence on the production floor in production, maintenance and material handling areas.
• Review safety issues and incidents; work with leadership to develop resolution plans.
• Plan and direct process improvement projects; lead group problem solving and data analysis.

Skills

KPIs

SOPs

Lean

Problem solving

Coaching

GMP

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

AMPI owns six Midwest-based manufacturing plants where 10 percent of the nation's American-type cheese and processed cheese is produced. The cooperative's award-winning cheese and powdered dairy products are marketed to foodservice, retail and food ingredient customers. In 2019, the co-op launched its Dinner Bell Creamery brand and accompanying Co-op Crafted promise, highlighting more than 50 years of dairy farm families partnering with skilled cheesemakers.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

This list of duties and responsibilities is not all inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties and responsibilities as management may deem necessary from time to time:

1. Develop and track key performance indicators (KPIs) and performance metrics to measure progress and drive continuous improvement.
2. Create and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) and work instructions to promote consistent practices.
3. Directly support the Environmental, Health and Safety facility to ensure and facilitate compliance with all applicable federal, state, local and company EHS rules and regulations.
4. Provide a strong EHS floor presence in production, maintenance and material handling areas of both plants.
5. Review safety issues and incidents and work with plant leadership and employees to develop plans for resolution.
6. Plan and direct process improvement projects. Identify and resolve problems in a timely manner by gathering and analyzing information skillfully. Lead group problem solving situations.
7. Conduct regular assessments of Lean initiatives to measure success, identify areas for refinement, and ensure scalability of improvements.
8. Champion a culture of continuous improvement by providing coaching, feedback, and encouragement to employees.
9. Partner with leadership to ensure the integration of Lean principles into the organization's strategic planning and decision-making.
10. Research systems and processes and identifies and develops analysis and recommendations to implement tools, processes, and infrastructures to achieve best practices and optimize efficiencies.
11. Assist in developing capital projects to improve efficiency as issues are identified.
12. Work with management on project planning, involving business growth, meeting new customer specifications, innovation, quality and safety improvement.
13. Closely manage project budgets to ensure projects are completed on time and within budget.
14. Communicate professionally with all staff to share and develop technical knowledge.
15. Maintain relationships with vendors and suppliers to evaluate material, software, program and equipment selections.
16. Trouble shoot equipment and controls systems.
17. Understand and comply with all Quality Assurance policies. Immediately report and take action on any potential food safety issues.
18. Understand and adhere to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
19. Other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

• High School Diploma or General Education Degree (GED) required.
• Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field required.
• 3 years of CI related experience, preferably in a manufacturing environment is preferred
• A well-rounded knowledge of continuous improvement tools and regulations is preferred

BENEFITS/REWARDS

AMPI offers competitive starting pay, PTO, 401k, short-term disability, health, dental, vision, life insurance, flexible spending accounts, employee assistance programs and more.

Associated Milk Producers Inc. (AMPI) is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

Military service members, veterans, and qualified individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.

For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.