CI SPECIALIST

Associated Milk Producers Inc; Blair (WI); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Associated Milk Producers Inc. (AMPI) is seeking a Continuous Improvement Specialist to drive efficiency and safety across its Midwest manufacturing plants. You will develop KPIs, SOPs, and lean initiatives to optimize operations while ensuring GMP compliance and food safety.

The role requires hands-on project leadership, cross-functional collaboration with engineering and production, and a commitment to coaching teams to implement scalable improvements that reduce waste and improve quality.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• 3 years CI related experience, preferably in manufacturing.
• Knowledge of continuous improvement tools and regulations.

Responsibilities

• Develop and track KPIs and performance metrics to drive improvement.
• Create and maintain SOPs and work instructions for consistency.
• Support EHS to ensure compliance with applicable rules and regulations.
• Provide a strong EHS floor presence in production, maintenance and material handling.
• Review safety issues and incidents and develop resolution plans.
• Plan and direct process improvement projects and lead problem-solving.
• Assess Lean initiatives to measure success and scalability of improvements.
• Champion a culture of continuous improvement and coach employees.
• Partner with leadership to integrate Lean into planning and decision-making.
• Research systems and processes and develop analysis to implement tools and infrastructure.
• Assist in capital projects to improve efficiency and cost management.
• Collaborate with management on project planning including growth and quality and safety improvements.
• Work with engineering to manage project budgets and timelines.
• Communicate professionally with all staff to share knowledge.
• Understand GMP and Quality Assurance policies and report food safety issues.

Education

High School Diploma or GED

3 years CI related experience

Well-rounded knowledge of continuous improvement tools and regulations

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. As a team member or partner with engineering on the concrete costs.
12. Work with management on project planning, involving business growth, meeting new customer specifications, innovation, quality and safety improvement.
13. Closely work with engineering (corporate and site) to 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. Understand and comply with all Quality Assurance policies. Immediately report and take action on any potential food safety issues.
16. Understand and adhere to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
17. Other duties as assigned.

An individual in this position must be able to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities listed above. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position. The above list reflects the general details necessary to describe the principle and essential functions of the position and shall not be construed as the only duties that may be assigned for the position.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

• High School Diploma or General Education Degree (GED) 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.