Operations Excellence Specialist

Wendling Quarries Inc.; DeWitt (IA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job description

The Operations Excellence Specialist is responsible for driving and executing projects and activities to achieve Operational Excellence within all Wendling departments, as well as leading the Transportation Team. Additionally, this individual collaborates with other Wendling leadership to promote a values-based culture, efficiency, quality, and profitability within the business.

Company Introduction:

Wendling Quarries, Inc (WQI) is a third-generation family owned and operated business that produces crushed stone, sand and gravel for individuals and businesses in eastern Iowa and western Illinois.

The bedrock of our company is composed of three main values:

• Family: We share faithful commitment to each other and our vision.
• Excellence: We are great on purpose.
• Human Potential: We aspire to be the best version of ourselves.

Lastly, there is concrete proof that we are known for being able to “safely do everything we do better than everyone else.”

Position Responsibilities:

• Values Alignment: Lives and works in alignment with the mission, vision, and values of Wendling by modeling the way as a servant leader, setting the example for all others to follow. Invest time in self-development and growth. Motivates all those around them to achieve their full potential. Holds self and others accountable to the highest standards including safety. (Approximately 10% of time is spent on this function)
• People and Culture: Ensures a highly safe, engaged, enabled, and aligned workforce by being a visible and vocal advocate for servant leadership and VBL. Provide clarity, standards, feedback loops, recognition and reward programs, and career potential to ensure everyone knows and understands how to add value, and is aware of the opportunities to learn, grow, and develop. Ensure the proper gauges and assessments (i.e., Performance Reviews, Employee Engagement Survey, 360 Feedback, etc.) are in place to measure performance, culture, and climate and respond accordingly to the feedback and results. (Approximately 15% of time is spent on this function)
• Process Improvement: Uses root cause analysis to assess processes for inefficiencies and appropriate solutions. Pursues positive change that increases productivity, employee satisfaction, and generates a return on investment. Work with the teams to explain the reasoning for the change in process and engage the workforce to drive the solution alongside them. (Approximately 20% of time is spent on this function)
• Project Management: Develop and present appropriate materials to communicate the projects of interest with a scope, budget, timeline, and return on investment. Execute the approved projects, within the timeline, and within 5% of the expected return on investment. Provide a collaborative approach with projects, that involves appropriate department leaders, and does not hinder current operating conditions. (Approximately 35% of time is spent on this function)
• Transportation Team Management: Oversight of the Transportation Team Department. Work with the Lowboy Trucking Superintendent and Transportation Administrator to create a lean and efficient process, while using keen analytical skills to find inefficiencies and create solutions to fit the overall business needs. Create alignment between all Wendling departments while servicing their moving needs. (Approximately 15% of time is spent on this function)
• Network and Relationships: Develop a strong network of business, community, industry, and marketplace contacts and connections that can be accessed and leveraged. Evolve network as needed and share with other company leaders to allow for continued expansion, reach, and relevance of contacts. (Approximately 5% of time is spent on this function)

Education Level: Bachelor’s Degree and/or Technical Education

Education Major: Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, other applicable engineering degree, other applicable continuous improvement education

Direct Reports: Lowboy Trucking Superintendent and Transportation Administrator

Behavioral Requirements: Adherence to the company values and associated behaviors. Compliance with company policies.

Business / Technical Knowledge:

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite of software
• Excellent comprehension of KPIs (Key Performing Indicators)
• Adequate communication skills with all levels of the company, front line to executives
• Adequate knowledge of mechanical componentry

We offer a competitive benefits package including Health, Dental, & Vision Insurance, Life Insurance, Short Term Disability Insurance, Retirement Benefit, 401 K, Wellness Program, Flex Spending Plan, Profit Sharing, Paid Time Off, Holiday Pay and Employee Assistance Program.

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disabled and veterans.