Manufacturing Excellence Specialist - Fort Smith, AR

Nestlé S.A.; Fort Smith (AR); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Gerber Products Company in Fort Smith, AR seeks a Manufacturing Excellence Specialist to lead local improvement initiatives. You will partner with the Local Leadership Team to define, align, and pursue plans that raise performance and reduce loss across the factory.

You will help shape a 3-year KPI roadmap, drive digital initiatives, and ensure governance and coaching for results, while spending time on the shop floor to mentor teams and push continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering or 5 years of practical equivalent experience.
• 2–4 years of manufacturing experience and cross-functional collaboration.
• Experience with TPM, Goal Alignment, Lean, FI/LVS and data-driven analysis.
• Proficiency with SAP, Power BI or similar data tools.

Responsibilities

• Drive factory performance and loss elimination with process owners.
• Define and implement Local Leadership Team execution plans.
• Co-develop factory improvement strategy using OMP, loss analysis, benchmarks.
• Help build a 3-year KPI progression roadmap and workforce transformation.
• Align with LLT and stakeholders; cascade and communicate across production.
• Support execution plans including CAPEX enablement and digital initiatives.

Skills

Lean

Process improvement

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Communication

Education

Bachelor's in industrial engineering

Tools

SAP

Power BI

Job description

Manufacturing Excellence Specialist - Fort Smith, AR

As the world leader in nutrition, health and wellness for children from birth to preschool, Gerber Products Company is committed to creating a strong future. We joined the Nestlé Nutrition family in 2007, and have been a partner in parenthood ever since. Our Anything for Baby team works closely with experts to create products that enrich and establish healthy habits for children, and are good for the planet as well. A career at Gerber provides meaningful opportunities to develop professionally, and nurture generations to come. Now is the time to define your future, and ours too.

This position is not eligible for Visa Sponsorship.

Position Summary

The Factory Manufacturing Excellence Specialist supports the implementation of the Local Leadership Team (LLT) improvement strategy and serves as a site expert for Factory Improvement and Industrial Performance. This role partners with the Local Leadership Team to define, align, and execute plans that deliver sustained performance improvements across the factory.

Key Responsibilities

• Drive factory performance and loss elimination by collaborating with process owners to implement solutions and standardize best practices.
• Support definition, alignment, and implementation of the Local Leadership Team execution plan.
• Co-develop the factory improvement strategy using factory OMP, loss analysis, and external benchmarks.
• Help build a 3-year roadmap for KPI progression, people development, and workplace transformation (factory vision).
• Drive alignment with LLT and key stakeholders; support cascade and communication across the Production organization.
• Partner with LLT to define and deliver execution plans (e.g., NCE rollout plans, digital initiatives, CAPEX enablement, and key improvement projects).
• Support competency-building activities and identify external support requirements as needed.
• Ensure governance, routines, and tracking to sustain improvement execution and results.
• Spend time on the shop floor to assess maturity progression, identify opportunities, and provide feedback and corrective action guidance.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering (or 5 years of similar practical experience in lieu of a degree).
• 2–4 years of experience in manufacturing.
• Experience partnering with factory management/leadership teams and supporting cross-functional teams.
• Experience with continuous improvement and performance systems (e.g., TPM, Goal Alignment, Lean, FI/LVS).
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills; ability to lead/apply structured problem‑solving tools.
• Working knowledge of manufacturing processes and basic finance/value creation concepts.
• Proficiency with common data/tools and systems (e.g., SAP, Power BI or similar).
• Effective communication skills; strong attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently with coaching toward results.
• Commitment to comply with all company programs and policies, including safety, quality, GMPs, and relevant ISO/NQMS requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Hands‑on experience with loss analysis, line labor standards, line capability/speed studies, and budget preparation/review.
• Experience leading change management and cultural transformation initiatives in a factory environment.
• Project management experience supporting multiple workstreams and stakeholders.

Additional Information

In alignment with Act 593 (B), this position is considered safety sensitive due to working with foods. The role may also have responsibility related to recipes and bills of materials.

This job posting is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, or efforts. It is intended to summarize the position and the requirements to perform it.

It is our business imperative to remain a very inclusive workplace.
To our veterans and separated service members, you're at the forefront of our minds as we recruit top talent to join Nestlé. The skills you've gained while serving our country, such as flexibility, agility, and leadership, are much like the skills that will make you successful in this role. In addition, with our commitment to an inclusive work environment, we recognize the exceptional engagement and innovation displayed by individuals with disabilities. Nestlé seeks such skilled and qualified individuals to share our mission where you’ll join a cohort of others who have chosen to call Nestlé home.

The Nestlé Companies are equal employment opportunity employers. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Prior to the next step in the recruiting process, we welcome you to inform us confidentially if you may require any special accommodations in order to participate fully in our recruitment experience. Contact us at [e-mail] or please dial 711 and provide this number to the operator: 1-800-321-6467.

This position is not eligible for Visa Sponsorship.