Job Description
Location: Smithfield, UT
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On-site Relocation Assistance: $10,000 relocation bonus plus comprehensive relocation support for candidates relocating more than 50 miles
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Travel: Up to 10%
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Position Overview
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We are seeking a highly motivated Operational Excellence Engineer to drive continuous improvement initiatives within a high-volume manufacturing environment. This individual will play a critical role in improving plant performance, reducing operational costs, increasing efficiency, and strengthening manufacturing processes through Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and data-driven problem-solving methodologies.
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The ideal candidate is a hands-on, results-oriented professional with strong manufacturing experience and a proven ability to lead multiple improvement projects simultaneously. This role requires close collaboration with plant leadership and cross-functional teams to implement sustainable process improvements, standardize operations, and foster a culture of continuous improvement.
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Key Responsibilities
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Continuous Improvement & Operational Excellence
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- Lead plant-wide continuous improvement initiatives focused on cost reduction, quality, efficiency, capacity, and waste elimination.
- Identify process improvement opportunities and develop measurable, actionable solutions.
- Champion Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies to improve operational performance.
- Drive standardization, accountability, and sustainable improvements across manufacturing operations.
- Conduct Gemba walks to identify inefficiencies and implement practical solutions.
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Lean Manufacturing & Six Sigma
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- Lead improvement projects utilizing DMAIC, Kaizen, A3 problem-solving, and other structured methodologies.
- Implement Lean tools, including 5S, SMED, Standard Work, Daily Management Systems, Centerlining, and Process Controls.
- Apply statistical analysis and experimental design to reduce process variation and improve manufacturing capabilities.
- Train and coach employees and leadership teams on Lean principles and continuous improvement practices.
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Project Management & Execution
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- Manage multiple concurrent continuous improvement projects, potentially up to 30 initiatives.
- Coordinate plant-level project schedules and ensure alignment across departments.
- Prioritize initiatives based on business impact, operational needs, and organizational objectives.
- Monitor project milestones, resolve obstacles, and ensure timely completion.
- Quantify project results through cost savings, productivity improvements, and operational performance metrics.
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Data Analysis & Process Optimization
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- Analyze manufacturing KPIs to identify performance gaps, trends, and improvement opportunities.
- Establish performance baselines, process controls, and measurable improvement targets.
- Utilize statistical tools and data analysis to improve process capability and reduce variability.
- Evaluate financial and operational impacts of improvement initiatives, including cost savings and ROI.
- Support production scheduling, process optimization, and operational planning.
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Cross-Functional Collaboration & Compliance
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- Partner with Operations, Engineering, Quality, Maintenance, and Supply Chain teams to implement process improvements.
- Develop and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Process Control Plans (PCPs), and Critical Control Points (CCPs).
- Support compliance with applicable FDA, USDA, OSHA, and EPA regulations.
- Investigate process deviations, identify root causes, and implement sustainable corrective actions.
- Promote a culture of continuous improvement through employee engagement, training, and change management.
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Required Qualifications
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- Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related technical field.
- Minimum of 3 years of experience in engineering, manufacturing operations, or continuous improvement.
- Experience working in a high-volume manufacturing environment.
- Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification required.
- Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles, Six Sigma methodologies, and process improvement tools.
- Proven ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities independently.
- Experience analyzing manufacturing data, identifying trends, and implementing measurable improvements.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
- Ability to work on-site in Smithfield, UT, and travel up to 10%.
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Preferred Qualifications
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- Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification.
- Experience in continuous process manufacturing environments.
- Knowledge of DMAIC, Design for Six Sigma (DFSS), and change management methodologies.
- Experience using Minitab or similar statistical analysis software.
- Familiarity with manufacturing production scheduling, supply chain, and logistics operations.
- Experience leading cross-functional training and Lean transformation initiatives.
- Ability to quantify continuous improvement results through financial savings, productivity gains, and operational KPIs.
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