Continuous Improvement Process Engineer

Aspire Bakeries is a North American baking company with a leadership position in specialty frozen baked goods. Formed from leading bakery companies, its innovative food portfolio includes breads, artisan breads, buns, cookies, donuts, muffins and pastries from beloved brands like La Brea Bakery®, Otis Spunkmeyer®, and Oakrun Farm Bakery®. With 13 bakeries in North America, we are committed to driving innovation, predicting upcoming consumer trends and flavors, and exceeding our customers’ expectations. Aspire Bakeries champions the values of Integrity, Ownership, Customer Focus, Creativity and Care to help us deliver on People Safety, Food Safety, Quality and Collaboration.

This highly visible role involves analyzing current processes, implementing Lean Six Sigma strategies, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to reduce waste, enhance safety, and optimize production. The ideal candidate will lead and train teams on process improvement techniques, serve as a change agent for operational excellence, and leverage data analysis to uncover trends and support strategic decision-making. Strong communication and problem-solving skills are essential to champion a culture of continuous improvement.

Responsibilities:

• Analyse and understand all aspects of the process and the materials used. From that understanding, develop and implement strategies using both mechanical and organizational development to help eliminate waste and bring about continuous improvement in quality, safety and productivity.
• Use Lean Six Sigma tools to pinpoint areas for process optimization and cost reduction.
• Work with department leaders to contribute towards the achievement of the company's strategic and operational objectives with a bias for action.
• Lead, train and educate staff on process improvement methodologies and techniques such as Daily Management Systems, Value Stream Mapping, 5S, RCA, Problem Solving and Kaizen.
• Serve as a change agent directing and coordinating activities around performance, quality controls, and KPI monitoring.
• Facilitate, sponsor and lead Pillar and cross-functional project teams to execute improvement initiatives from start to finish
• Be a champion of the Aspire Operations Excellence (AOE) program, improving operational systems, processes and best practices that guarantee organizational well-being.
• Utilize data analysis to uncover trends, root causes, and opportunities for enhancement.
• Compiles, records, and displays findings via dashboards and charts.
• Conduct in-depth analysis to determine the underlying reasons for problems and develop effective solutions.
• Monitor, manage, and maintain standard operating. procedures (SOPs), Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOP) and operational Run Data.
• Develop visual aids to support production in creating a sustainable operation.
• Facilitate change initiatives to ensure smooth transitions and minimize disruption utilizing Change Management techniques.
• Manage and maintain log of all major events and Run Data changes to mitigate risk of a repeat incidents.
• Works to maintain and improve the quality, legality and safety of each product and the processes used in their manufacture. 
• Design and/or specify new process equipment as required to maintain, improve or expand the manufacturing capabilities of the department.
• Parter with engineering and maintenance to design and install improvements to equipment with an emphasis on efficiency, operator involvement and effective training.
• Stay current with industry trends and best practices in continuous improvement.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or a related field is requried. 
• 5+ year of experience in Process Improvement/Engineering or project management in a manufacturing role is required. 
• Lean Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or Black Belt preferred).
• Programming and data querying software experience (Visual Basics, DAX, or SQL) is preferred.
• Experience in 3D modelling and CAD software (AutoCAD and Navisworks preferred) is preferred.
• Proven track record in implementing Lean Six Sigma and driving process improvements.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, Minitab, Power BI).
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, PowerPoint, Project, and Visio.
• Strong project management skills and analytical approach to process improvement
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.  Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
• Ability to speak effectively, clearly and persuasively before groups of customers or employees of organization.  Bilingual English and Spanish preferable.

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Aspire Bakeries is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.