Continuous Improvement Specialist

This role is a key contributor within a Site Team to focus on delivering primarily a significant and sustained reduction of Non-Quality Costs (NQC) and secondly other elements within Product Conversion Cost (PCC), to levels consistent with similar technologies throughout the Global and world-class organizations.

In that journey of improvement, it is key that this role drives improvement using Mars Supply Excellence tools. The incumbent will identify, diagnose, and drive NQC/PCC reduction initiatives and actions across RC Sites in North America.

This role will understand losses and opportunities originated thru Loss Tree analysis and in-the-floor observations and translate those opportunities into activities/processes to drive continuous improvement.

What are we looking for?

• Minimum 1- 3 yeas of experience with with a Bachelors Degree in Engineering or 5 years of Direct Manufacturing Site experience with HS Diploma. 
• Role requires travel (25% approx) to participate in training and support other Sites
• Preferred experience working in relationship-based team environment
• Certified in Problem Solving Methodologies or similar, Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt or actively working towards it is a strong positive
• Functional knowledge of factory operations with deep functional knowledge in Problem Solving Methodologies, Data Collection, and value stream mapping
• Trained in and can demonstrate a variety of problem-solving skills.
• Working knowledge of SPC (statistical process control), RCLMS and Production reporting and how it can impact NQC & PCC
• Understanding of site waste reports including QFS costs, variance and floor scrap.
• Knowledge of (and a passion for) best in class Mars business processes and systems solutions
• Excellent, analytical, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively and proactively, while balancing a variety of priorities and workload.
• Ability to handle complex challenges across all functions
• Ability to motivate and influence a broad, cross functional team.

What would your key responsibilities be?

• Utilize loss analysis methodology and site loss trees to identify, prioritize and execute PCC savings projects across Royal Canin North America Sites
• Work with Site Industrial Engineer, Area Owners and Operational Leads to make losses visible and deliver the organizational capability to eliminate them.  This includes building the problem-solving capability and the process to manage focused improvement initiative with cross-functional teams across the organization. 
• Provide leadership to deploy best practices and Regional initiatives
• Use tools available such as RCLMS, Scrap and Rework tracking systems and “Go and See” to understand contributing factors for NQC and make recommendations to improve/change.
• Work directly with and coach multiple site resources to use data-based problem-solving methodologies to reduce NQC and potentially other costs and ensure problems are resolved to root cause.
• Help the organization by coaching associates at various levels and coordinate resources across multiple sites to deliver DiB in PCC improvements
• Ensure control methodologies and processes are embedded to prevent re-occurrence.
• Willingness to spend up to 75% of time on the manufacturing floor diagnosing, analyzing, and establishing best-in-class processes, including off shifts

What can you expect from Mars?

• The opportunity to learn, develop and take charge of your own career.
• An industry competitive salary and benefits package. 
• To be respected and valued.
• The Five Principles at the center of every decision.