Focused Improvement Specialist (On-site)

The Focused Improvement Specialist is a key contributor within the Site Team and FI Pillar to focus on delivering significant and sustained improvements in Product Conversion Cost (PCC) and elements within TRS, to levels consistent with similar technologies throughout the Global and world-class organizations.

In that journey of improvement, it is key that this role drives improvement using Mars Supply Excellence tools. The incumbent will identify, diagnose, and drive PCC/TRS improvement initiatives and actions across RC Sites in North America.

This role will understand losses and opportunities originated through Loss Tree analysis and in-the-floor observations and translate those opportunities into activities/processes to drive continuous improvement.

Education & Professional Qualifications

• Associate degree in Engineering, Supply, Business, or technical field of study with at least 2 years' experience in a TPM manufacturing environment.

• Preferred: Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Supply, Business, or technical field of study

• Role requires travel ( up to 25% aprox) to participate in training and support other Sites

• Preferred experience working in relationship-based team environment

• Certified in Problem Solving Methodologies or similar, Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt or actively working towards it is a strong positive

Knowledge / Experience

• Functional knowledge of factory operations with deep functional knowledge in Problem Solving Methodologies, Data Collection, and value stream mapping

• Trained in and can demonstrate a variety of problem-solving skills.

• Working knowledge of SPC (statistical process control), RCLMS and Production reporting and how it can impact NQC & PCC

• Understanding of site waste reports including QFS costs, variance and floor scrap.

• Knowledge of (and a passion for) best in class Mars business processes and systems solutions

• Excellent, analytical, and organizational skills.

• Ability to work collaboratively and proactively, while balancing a variety of priorities and workload.

• Ability to handle complex challenges across all functions

• Ability to motivate and influence a broad, cross functional team.

Key Responsibilities

• Utilize loss analysis methodology and site loss trees to identify, prioritize and execute PCC/TRS improvement projects across Royal Canin North America Sites

• Work with Site Industrial Engineer, Area Owners and Operational Leads to make losses visible and deliver the organizational capability to eliminate them. This includes building the problem-solving capability and the process to manage focused improvement initiative with cross-functional teams across the organization.

• Provide leadership to deploy best practices and Regional initiatives

• Use tools available such as RCLMS, Scrap and Rework tracking systems, SIG monitoring, and “Go and See” to understand contributing factors for PCC/TRS and make recommendations to improve/change.

• Work directly with and coach multiple site resources to use data-based problem-solving methodologies to improve PCC/TRS and potentially other costs and ensure problems are resolved to root cause.

• Help the organization by coaching associates at various levels and coordinate resources across multiple sites to deliver DiB in PCC improvements

• Ensure control methodologies and processes are embedded to prevent re-occurrence.

• Willingness to spend up to 75% of time on the manufacturing floor diagnosing, analyzing, and establishing best-in-class processes, including off shifts

What can you expect from Mars?

• Work with over 130,000 diverse and talented Associates, all guided by the Five Principles.

• Join a purpose driven company, where we’re striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today.

• Best-in-class learning and development support from day one, including access to our in-house Mars University.

• An industry competitive salary and benefits package, including company bonus.

Mars is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you need assistance or an accommodation during the application process because of a disability, it is available upon request. The company is pleased to provide such assistance, and no applicant will be penalized as a result of such a request.

Mars is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you need assistance or an accommodation during the application process because of a disability, it is available upon request. The company is pleased to provide such assistance, and no applicant will be penalized as a result of such a request.