Continuous Improvement Specialist

OVERVIEW

Perfetti Van Melle (makers of Mentos, Airheads, Dentyne, Trident and Bubblicious!) is one of the world's largest manufacturers and distributors of confectionery and chewing gum with global brands that are being enjoyed in more than 150 countries worldwide. We’re currently seeking a passionate and enthusiastic Continuous Improvement Specialist to join our growing team.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

Do you have a sweet tooth for Continuous Improvement? As the CI Specialist, you will support the Continuous Improvement area in the monitoring of projects, implementation, and training in methodologies, such as Lean Manufacturing, PMOS, TPM, Root Cause Analysis, SMED, etc. You will track productivity indicators (OEE), waste, and support for the implementation of corporate improvement projects (PPE), to ensure the best performance of PVM’s production lines. Additional responsibilities include:

• Responsible for training and implementation of the SQDCPI pillars of Lean Leadership.
• Analyze production performance and implement process improvements to minimize waste, downtime, reduce material and labor requirements, and lower overall cost per case of our products while maintaining a continuous improvement environment.
• Work closely with the Continuous Improvement Manager and Production Manager on PPE, TPM, and War on Waste initiatives. 
• Responsible for teaching and developing Production Team Leads capability in root cause analysis, counter measures, and implementation.
• Plan, participate in and/or lead all Kaizen Events in the Plant based on priority.
• Execute root cause solving procedures to all functions, using common tools (5Y, Ishikawa) to develop, document and implement countermeasures in relation Safety, Quality, Delivery and Cost.
• Establish and execute 6s standard and audits inside Value Stream.
• Inform the appropriate departments of major Production issues and participate in resolution of the problem, including working with support departments to drive Operational Excellence on their shift.
• Execute data mining and evaluation pertinent to process enhancement related to Value Stream metrics.

WHAT WE NEED FROM YOU

• Associates or Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management or other related field preferred, or 5+ years of equivalent work experience   
• Six Sigma Green Belt certification or higher, or Six Sigma Green Belt or higher training is preferred
• Experience in a Value Stream and/ or Manufacturing environment , 5+ years preferred
• Experience in Lean, TPM or Autonomous Maintenance fundamentals, 5+ years preferred
• Experience in developing loss tree analysis
• Experience in leading Operational Excellence Teams through pillars of TP
• Experience in a Lean Operating System, 5+ years preferred 
• Experience in developing actions plans and managing cross functional execution of actions associated to root case analysis
• Thorough knowledge of GMP’s, HACCP and OSHA regulations
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills for working cross functionally to drive change management
• Leads by example including demonstration of all job functions, with consistent enforcement of all company policies 
• Proficient with Microsoft Office systems (word, excel, outlook)
• Excellent communication skills including oral and written presentation skills
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and drive change management

WHAT WE OFFER

At Perfetti Van Melle, we are committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace, where all individuals, regardless of background or identity, are valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives to the sweet success of our candy-loving community. Additionally, we have a core value of Care For Our People and we are proud to offer benefit programs that support our team members' goals and well-being including:

• PTO package including vacation, sick, personal, and pay it forward time off  
• 13 paid holidays  
• 401k with Company Match up to 8%, ranking in the top 1% of the country  
• Annual Bonus potential and merit-based increases
• Comprehensive Health Insurance
• Annual Well-Being subsidy
• Maternity & Paternity leave options   
• Sam's Club or Costco annual membership reimbursement  
• Tuition-Free College Program 
• Modest monthly candy allotment (Airheads, Airheads Xtremes, and Mentos) 

Join a 2024 NKY Best Workplace by applying today! 

Perfetti Van Melle, USA is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.