Continuous Improvement Engineer (Process Owner)

Kraft Heinz; Mason City (IA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision

Paid Time Off

401(k) benefits

Job summary

Kraft Heinz is seeking a Continuous Improvement Engineer at our Mason City Plant to lead operations and improve safety and compliance. This role involves mentoring, leading improvement initiatives, and ensuring production quality.

The ideal candidate will have leadership abilities, strong communication skills, and a high school diploma required, with an associate's or bachelor's degree preferred. Benefits include health coverage, paid time off, and a 401(k) plan.

Qualifications

• Leadership abilities and strong interpersonal skills are essential.
• Understanding of plant document and record control procedures is necessary.
• Capable of learning software skills including Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.

Responsibilities

• Lead operational improvements and ensure compliance with safety and quality standards.
• Mentor CI Lead and Maintenance Lead to identify process improvements.
• Participate in planning meetings and help optimize plant operations.

Skills

Leadership abilities

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Planning/organizational skills

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft PowerPoint

Microsoft Word

Education

High School Diploma/GED

Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree in a related field

Job description

Continuous Improvement Engineer

Under the direction of the Operations Manager and with the support of management staff, the Continuous Improvement Engineer will own results for safety, right‑the‑first‑time compliance, plan compliance, sanitation, labor cost, throughput, yield, operating systems health, hard asset improvement and team improvement. The employee will actively participate in annual planning, weekly PDCA meetings, DDS meetings and daily level‑2 meetings, coach and develop the team as a leadership coach and resource, and spend floor time gathering information on operating system health.

Primary Responsibilities

• Provides management and leadership to deliver business results and operational improvements.
• Responsible for the day‑to‑day manufacturing needs for the assigned area.
• Achieves safety, quality, productivity, efficiency, customer service, cost and employee engagement objectives through both individual and team contributions.
• Provides direction, leadership, development and support to direct reports through empowerment, teamwork, on‑the‑job assignments and continuous improvement projects and initiatives.
• Develops, implements and promotes safety programs and safe work practices through involvement in plant safety team programs and initiatives.
• Promotes sound employee and labor relations within the department by developing and maintaining an effective organization with qualified personnel.
• Develops, promotes and supports continuous improvement and other cross‑functional initiatives.
• Owns and leads the implementation of the QRMP (Quality Risk Management Process) standard as outlined in the plant accountability list.
• Participates in team goal setting/implementation to ensure we are a low‑cost, high‑quality producer.
• Strives to maximize the efficiency of the plant/department by submitting and implementing process improvements.
• Insures the quality of our products and workplace by following all procedures and guidelines.
• Complies with all established GMP, HACCP guidelines, housekeeping responsibilities and QRMP operating procedures.
• Assists in the implementation of the QRMP program.
• Actively participates in team safety efforts to achieve/exceed plant goals.
• Leads areas of change management and accountability.
• Mentors CI Lead and Maintenance Lead to identify improvements and apply problem‑solving techniques.
• Conducts annual plans for process improvement.
• Participates in maintenance planning.
• Coordinates cleaning activities within the department and can conduct checks as needed.
• Involved in plant optimization.
• Provides/insures all explanations of deviations in procedures and line process checks.
• Maintains knowledge on completing appropriate paperwork for all areas and conducting respective inventories.
• Maintains correct and accurate documentation for the payroll system.
• Take leadership in routine production problem‑solving.
• Coordinated period cleaning programs and monthly checks.
• Ensures employee coverage daily with each shift.
• Coaches and develops direct reports.
• Can lead level‑2 meetings, PDCA meetings and production meetings.
• Has flexibility to adjust to shifts to work with employees from all shifts as required.
• Works overtime as necessary.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Education & Experience

• High School Diploma/GED required.
• Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree in a related field preferred.

Other Requirements

• Ensure all safety and quality guidelines are being followed.
• Maintain legible, neat and accurate records and reports.
• Must have leadership abilities, positive attitude, strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Must understand the plant document control procedure.
• Must have an understanding of the plant record control procedure.
• Must demonstrate planning/organizational skills and behaviors that contribute to overall team effectiveness.
• Must work well within a team environment and with all associates.
• Capable of learning intermediate Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Matrix, and ZPI skills.
• Strong planning/organizational skills and communication skills.
• Understanding of requirements and importance of documentation.
• Can understand and write WIs, SOPs, and OPLs.

Location

Mason City Plant

Benefits

• Physical – Medical, Prescription Drug, Dental, Vision, Screenings/Assessments.
• Social – Paid Time Off, Company Holidays, Leave of Absence, Flexible Work Arrangements, Recognition, Training.
• Emotional – Employee Assistance Program, Wellbeing Programs, Family Support Programs.
• Financial – 401(k), Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Disability.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Kraft Heinz is an Equal Opportunity Employer – Underrepresented Ethnic Minority Groups/Women/Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity and other protected classes. In order to ensure reasonable accommodation for protected individuals, applicants that require accommodation in the job application process may contact [e-mail] for assistance.