Industrial Engineer Specialist

Industrial Engineer Specialist

On-Site, Exempt, Chicago, IL

POSITION OVERVIEW:

As Industrial Engineer Specialist, you'll be a catalyst for transformation in our manufacturing operations. This is a high-impact role where you'll lead cross-functional teams to eliminate waste, reduce variation, and drive measurable operational excellence using Lean, Six Sigma, and practical CI methodologies.

What makes this role unique:

• Direct influence on a multi-million-dollar waste reduction initiative
• Hands-on leadership across six value streams in an active manufacturing environment
• Partnership with 120+ team members who are hungry for improvement
• Understand Autonomy to turn frontline ideas into tangible results that improve efficiency and reduce costs

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Drive Measurable Operational Excellence

• Lead value stream improvement activities that deliver quantifiable waste reduction and productivity gains
• Facilitate Kaizen events, waste walks, and focused improvement initiatives with clear ROI
• Implement and sustain 5S and visual management systems across all value streams
• Conduct daily Gemba walks, converting observations into prioritized action plans
• Identify and eliminate the 7 wastes from daily operations

Build Systems and Standards

• Champion Red Zone (our productivity data collection system), providing technical support and troubleshooting
• Partner with operations and IT to ensure data integrity drives better decision-making
• Create and maintain Standard Work documentation in engaging, multimedia formats
• Develop audit systems to ensure standards are trained, followed, and continuously improved
• Build and maintain site loss trees and "Loss Intelligence" dashboards that cover scrap, speed loss, micro stops, changeover loss, rework, and unplanned downtime by line and value stream.
• Analyze MTBF, MTTR, and failure mode Pareto charts for critical assets, and translate findings into actionable recommendations for PM content, frequency, and SMED or design changes.
• Conduct time and motion studies and work sampling to identify waste and to validate or reset standards.

Develop People and Culture

• Train teams in Root Cause Analysis, 5 Why, Fishbone diagrams, and structured problem-solving
• Coach leaders and frontline employees to use data, visual management, and standard work
• Transform employee improvement ideas into implemented solutions-closing the loop with teams
• Build a culture where continuous improvement is simply "how we work"
• Strong floor presence and credibility with operators, mechanics, and supervisors, combined with the ability to present clearly to executives.
• Strong facilitation and influencing skills, able to lead cross functional work without direct authority.

Ensure Safety and Quality Excellence

• Proactively identify and eliminate safety hazards through preventive action
• Support execution of WFC's HACCP Plan and food safety objectives
• Model positive safety behaviors and maintain GMP standards
• Integrate safety and quality into every improvement initiative

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required

• Education:
  
  Industrial, manufacturing, engineering, business degree or comparable hands-on manufacturing improvement experience
• Leadership: 2+ years leading people or teams in operations, engineering, or CI roles
• Experience:
  
  5 to 8 years of experience in high volume manufacturing, preferably some Food and Beverage, confectionery, or CPG with high speed packaging and frequent changeovers.
• Technical
  
  Skills:
  
  Proven Lean or continuous improvement application in manufacturing; proficiency with Excel, dashboards, and manufacturing data systems
• Core Competencies:
  
  Strong problem-solving and analytical skills; high mechanical, digital, and emotional intelligence; effective facilitation and influence across all organizational levels

Preferred

• Six Sigma Green Belt or higher
• Formal Lean Manufacturing training or certification
• SAP or similar ERP experience
• Digital productivity systems experience (Red Zone or equivalent)

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP:
The new Industrial Engineer Specialist will report to the Continuous Improvement Manager at World's Finest Chocolate

COMPENSATION:

• Annual Salary: $,000
• Annual Bonus: 5% of base salary, based on company and/or individual performance
• Medical…