Continuous Improvement Specialist

Responsible for supporting a culture of continuous improvement by leveraging core continuous improvement methodologies and implementing a daily management operating system Butterball Operating System Solution (BOSS). This position is responsible for initiatives aimed at enhancing safety, qualify, yields, cycle time, efficiencies, margin improvements, customer service, and overall operational excellence. Conducts basic root cause analysis, optimizes OEE (Overall Equipment Efficiency), and minimizing downtime at our facilities.

At Butterball, we exist to help people pass love on. As the most recognized name in turkey, the brand represents more than 60 years of cherished memories, providing quality, great tasting products that make meals something to celebrate every day. We proudly believe that life at Butterball means having a team who supports you, having the opportunity to grow personally and professionally, and making an impact on the health of others daily.

Whether you choose to work at one of our five (5) manufacturing facilities in NC, AR, MO, farms in AR, NC, and KS, corporate office in NC, IL, or in the field, we believe we have an opportunity for everyone to succeed. At Butterball, we believe in fostering a culture where every team member is valued, has the opportunity to grow professionally and contribute to our success.

Join us in our Purpose and apply for an opportunity today!

Key Responsibilities

• Impacts the team embracing a culture of continuous improvement by coaching employees and leaders and fostering behaviors aligned with operational excellence principles and practices.
• Collaborates cross-functionally to handle change effectively, ensuring buy-in and engagement throughout the improvement process.
• Maintains and documents continuous improvement processes, procedures, and best practices to standardize operations and facilitate knowledge sharing across the organization.
• Provides necessary training on core tools and methodologies to equip team members with the skills required to complete improvement initiatives effectively.
• Coordinates and executes improvement projects and initiatives aimed at achieving business needs and goals.
• Executes and supports key activities as part of Butterball's continuous improvement transformation and technology implementation to include the following: pre-shift, shift cross-over and first hour of attainment meetings; start-up scorecard; productivity data capture; standard work and leader standard work; visual boards; action item registers; and weekly operational excellence reviews.
• Utilizes value stream mapping techniques to design optimal information, material, and production flow methods that yield efficiency and effectiveness across operations.
• Participates in Gemba walks and acts as coach for team members in the areas of continuous improvement, waste reduction and yield improvements, problem-solving, root-cause analysis, flow, and following up on action plans.
• Creates and/or implements standard work processes, coaching line leaders on practices to ensure consistency and efficiency in operations.
• Oversees the use of control boards and other visual management tools to enhance transparency, communication, and accountability within the organization.
• Owns simple projects that facilitate problem-solving in operations to address issues impacting yields, throughput, and efficiencies. Supports senior team members in more complex projects.
• Facilitates the 5S process improvements across the operations to enhance workplace organization, cleanliness, and efficiency.
• Stays abreast of industry best practices, trends, and performance benchmarks against to help identify opportunities for innovation and differentiation.

Minimum Qualifications (Educations & Experience)

• Bachelor's degree in related field (Engineering, Food Science, Poultry Science, etc.) or equivalent.
• 3+ year of relevant experience or the knowledge, skills, and abilities to succeed in the role

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Butterball Core Competencies

Caring about people, valuing contributions, and empowering to succeed is the Butterball Way. We recognize the value that different perspectives and cultures bring to…