Job Purpose: The Continuous Improvement Professional manages continuous improvement processes for the Ames, Iowa facility. This position will provide resources and direction on continuous improvement projects and lead plant cost savings initiatives through the use of continuous improvement methodologies. In this role he/she will engage the people and ensure the equipment and processes produce in the most efficient manner. Identify and lead cross functional process improvement within operations, maintenance, quality and safety as needed to contribute to the overall plants' performance.

Key Accountabilities

1. Leads cross-functional teams in value stream mapping, Kaizen, A3, 5S, SMED, problem solving, and poka-yoke. Drives changes in operations, sales and marketing, business processes and quality.

2. Target and achieve specific productivity/cost and breakthrough improvements across multiple sites and business units while ensuring appropriate levels of skill transfer.

3. Improve plant and office operations to reduce operating costs.

4. Researches and analyzes basic and complex issues surrounding the processes and systems of the organization. Makes recommendations surrounding improving processes, efficiency, and practices.

5. Work to incorporate improvement tools into the current systems to drive continuous improvement and produce extraordinary results.

6. Manages the design and implementation of manufacturing processes.

7. Researches and develops methods to increase productivity, decrease costs, and maintain quality and consistency in current products.

8. responsible for developing production procedures to optimize manufacturing and/or regulatory requirements.

9. Researches new technologies and procedures to enhance production.

10. Lead Complex cross functional improvement projects from conception to delivery, on time, and within budget constraints.

11. Develops and trains employees on CI methodology and tools in continuous improvement. Coaches' behavior changes.

12. Drive engagement of employee through recognition and reward; Drives accountability of the C.I. processes in the facility.

13. Other duties as assigned.

14. Comply with the environmental policies and procedures at Barilla Ames facility including energy efficiency, reduce - re-use - recycle goals, reporting requirements and sustainable initiatives. Complete any environmental tasks as assigned and report environmental concerns immediately.

15. Follows ISO22000 policies and procedures, address/Communicate quality and food safety issues as they occur.

Skills Required

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, Food Manufacturing Operations, Manufacturing, Operations Management, or Supply Chain Management or 5 years proven track record leading continuous improvement initiatives in a plant manufacturing environment.
• Solid background in manufacturing principles, including process, information flow, and material flow in a Food and /or CPG manufacturing plant.
• Demonstrated knowledge of TPM, LEAN and /or Six Sigma, value stream mapping, and Kaizen.
• Demonstrated ability to motivate and lead others towards a common continuous improvement goal.
• Demonstrated results orientation.
• Shares ideas, knowledge and best practices with other Barilla locations.
• Demonstrated competency in MS PowerPoint, Word, Excel & Project

Competencies/Kills/Knowledge

• Strong leadership skills
• Strategic planning and superior project and time management skills
• Visionary
• Ability to influence and lead at all levels
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Results driven
• Risk taker
• Change agent
• Promotes a collaborative environment with early engagement of all project stake holders.

Skills Desired

• SAP
• Demonstrated strategic planning skills
• Working knowledge of planning, budgeting, schedule tracking, and managing cost control systems.
• Required to be a FSMA qualified individual, following all requirements from FSMA regulations.
• Ensure compliance and understanding for quality procedures that directly tie to food safety - PRPs, OPRPs, CCPs and FSMA requirements.