Continuous Improvement Engineer - Lead

For 75 years, Ocean Spray's logo has been an enduring symbol of what we stand for-taste, health & heritage. We are an agricultural cooperative formed in 1930 by three cranberry growers who shared a common goal of expanding the market for their crop. In addition, we are North America's leading producer of shelf-stable juice drinks, and continue to be the best-selling brand name in this category since 1981. At Ocean Spray we understand the value of working together, while knowing each individual plays a vital role in the company's success. Our business has always been and continues to be built on people from different backgrounds, coming together for a common goal. The same sense of opportunity, resourcefulness and innovation on which the Cooperative was founded is what drives Ocean Spray today! Job Description: Position Summary:This Continuous Improvement Process Leader (CI Engineer) coordinates and directs the activities of a group of field Continuous Improvement Managers. Monitors implementation and performance against Continuous Improvement initiatives. Supports activities to meet and exceed targeted metrics with the basic premise of offsetting cost growth with cost productivity initiatives. Standardization and sustainability of best practices and processes throughout the Beverage/Conversion network of plants are core responsibilities of the position.Principal Duties and Responsibilities:Leading, facilitating & monitoring the implementation of process improvement initiatives within the Ocean Spray Beverage/Conversion Plant locations. Implementation of continuous improvement tools within the plants, ie., Six Sigma and Principles of Lean Manufacturing, Visual Factory Management, etc.(facilitate training, qualitative monitoring of use, support Plant CI Managers). Co-ordination of CI Manager activities (workshops, training, team formation, monitoring of progress, information sharing).Score keeping for process improvement related initiatives. Development and defining of metrics that drive productivity improvement and reductions in waste.Support Conversion Strategy Imperatives with activities that facilitate the successful execution of the AOP/Pool Year Plan. Decision-Making Authority/Accountability Level:This role has responsibility for indirect reports including development and feedback. This position also participates in the hiring/termination of CI Managers when necessary. Exercises judgment in relation to prioritizing CI Manager objectives. Errors in decisions could negatively impact overall manufacturing performance and metrics.Minimum Knowledge, Skill, and Ability Requirements:Four year degree in technical or business discipline (Engineering a plus)Candidates must have the ability and willingness to travel up to 40% of the timeFive plus years of relevant experience preferred and/or a minimum of two years of experience with relevant Continuous Improvement college coursework and proven successesAbility to manage multiple projects and Kaizen events simultaneously Outstanding communication and presentation skillsSolid statistical, analytical, and problem solving skillsDemonstrated leadership and teamwork skills through effective influencing and challenging an organizationSuccessful project management skillsStrong computer skills including Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint and familiarity with Minitab or other statistical analysis softwareA high level of self direction and motivationAbility to travel as necessary for specific project Compensation/Benefits Compensation and benefits are high on everyone's priority list, so it's high on our list too. That's why Ocean Spray provides competitive salaries and a wide variety of benefits-including programs that protect your health and welfare,help you prepare for retirement and truely enable you to balance your work and family life. Ocean Spray is an Equal Opportunity Employer/AAP/M/F/V/D.