Continuous Improvement Specialist

Unlock your potential with Prinova We are Prinova, a leading global supplier of ingredients and premix manufacturing solutions, and trusted by the world’s best-known food, beverage, and nutrition brands.

Part of the NAGASE Group, our expertise lies in Ingredient Distribution, Manufacturing Solutions, and Customized Services. Our global network of colleagues, located in offices and manufacturing facilities around the world, deliver sustainable value-added solutions to our customers. We are recognized for our deep expertise, commitment to excellence, and bold innovation, which have earned us a strong reputation as a trusted industry leader.

Wherever your career is headed, you’ll find direction, opportunity, and belonging with us.

Continuous Improvement Specialist Department: General and Admin, Solutions

Location: Carol Stream, IL

Type: Full Time

Summary: The Continuous Improvement (CI) Specialist will report to the CI Director and will be primarily responsible for monitoring, overseeing and determining production optimization opportunities by working closely with the multiple areas within Prinova (e.g., Engineering, Maintenance, Quality, etc.). The CI Specialist role will serve as the communication link between the CI Director and the engineering and production teams.

Main Duties & Responsibilities:

• Identify improvement opportunities on the shop floor (Gemba), and lead focused improvement projects (Kaizen) in the areas of workplace organization (5S), changeover (SMED), and process (Value Stream Mapping)
• Deliver tangible year over year improvement results in quality, cost, and service quantitative targets
• Lead and facilitate root cause analysis (5 Why / Fishbone) of abnormalities (Fuguai), and the implementation of corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) utilizing mistake proofing techniques (Poka-Yoke)
• Manages project ownership transition post-CapEx / project completion.
• Ensure compliance with environmental, health and safety policies, procedures, and regulations (OSHA, EPA, etc.)
• Ensures compliance standards with food safety, food defense and food quality. (FDA, ILDPH, FSMA and BRC)
• Will complete other duties as assigned

Requirements And Skills

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in a core science, engineering, management or Lean and or Six Sigma certification required
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to prioritize tasks and to delegate them when appropriate.
• Ability to function well in a high-paced and at times stressful environment.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.

Work Conditions & Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 55 pounds
• Work environment is 50% office setting and 50% warehouse / production environment.
• Ability to view a computer screen and type for extended hours
• Must be able to make frequent rounds.
• Ability to sit and stand for extended periods of time
• Other physical requirements include moderate standing and occasional squatting, bending, and twisting.
• Must be able to wear any required PPE such as scrubs, hair net, lab coat, and facemask
• Ability to work in a packaging area with a moderate powder substance in the air with or without a respirator
• Other physical requirements include frequent squatting, bending, twisting, and bi-lateral wrist movement
• Ability to work around a variety of different smells and aromas
• Ability to adjust work schedule as business needs require

What’s in it for you? Competitive Pay – $72,000- $80,000 annually

Experience, education, geographic location and shift all taken into consideration. Benefits:

• Medical, Dental, Vision
• Employer paid STD and LTD
• HSA and FSA
• Paid Maternity and Paternity Leave
• PTO
• Employer paid Basic Life Insurance
• 401(k) & Roth with employer match
• Eight Paid Holidays + 3 Floating Holidays
• Voluntary - Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, Accident
• Personal growth including training and development opportunities

Disclaimer: Prinova is committed to providing equal opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, creed, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, protected medical condition, medical leave, marital status, citizenship status, ancestry, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, genetic information, domestic violence victim status, Civil Air Patrol status, or any other characteristic or group status protected under applicable law.