Continuous Improvement Technician

Job Description:

Changing the World, One Kibble at a Time

Champion Petfoods is expanding! We are excited to announce we are looking for a Continuous Improvement Technician to join our rapidly growing company.

Champion Petfoods is an award-winning pet food crafter with a reputation of trust spanning 35+ years. From our humble beginnings, founded in a small town in Alberta, Canada, Champion – with its ORIJEN® and ACANA® brands – is a key player in the global premium pet food industry. Our purpose,  To Earn Pet Lover Trust Every Day so Pets Thrive for a Lifetime , provides the foundation for our highest aspirations as a company. Being a partner to the communities that surround us – and the environment that sustains us – are top priorities.

We would love to hear from you if you are passionate about personal and professional growth and see yourself as a key player contributing to our continued success as an award-winning company.

Here’s the scoop - Summary

The Continuous Improvement Technician will facilitate the implementation and daily execution of the Mars Supply Excellence (MSE) program and Continuous Improvement (CI) activities.

This Associate will be the subject matter expert for performance data systems and related skills, as well as lead tasks such as problem-solving, root cause identification, focused improvement, performance KPIs, and related performance systems.

The CI Technician will report to the CI Manager and work out of our state-of-the-art facility in Acheson, AB.

What a typical day looks like

Data Analysis and Loss Reduction:

• Gather and analyze data to trend losses and create action plans to address them.
• Work with rotating shift teams to eliminate losses and execute Focused Improvement (FI) projects.
• Assist supply chain partners with data analysis and transformations.
• Implement focused improvement projects in conjunction with the FI pillar and CI teams, aimed at process failure and waste reduction.
• Perform root cause analysis on process interruptions by leading small groups through problem-solving tools.
• Identify potential unsafe conditions and food safety risks, making improvement recommendations.

Continuous Improvement Initiatives:

• Support Value Leadership (VL)/Continuous Improvement initiatives across the Supply Chain group.
• Independently identify, prioritize, scope, track and lead end-to-end Value Leadership (Continuous Improvement) projects aligned with plant and supply chain objectives.
• Apply Lean, Six Sigma, TPM, and Operational Excellence methodologies to eliminate waste, improve productivity, reduce cost, and increase process capability.
• Utilize production, ERP, and other data sources to provide insights into product, process, and other potential efficiencies.
• Develop project charters, define measurable objectives, establish project timelines, and ensure successful execution from initiation through sustainment.
• Coordinate with IT to ensure automated reporting needs are met, providing sustainable reporting solutions.

Performance Monitoring and Reporting:

• Monitor and troubleshoot digital dashboards for (Power BI, Tableau, etc.) FMOS (Tier meetings) for the site.
• Drive implementation of Lean Manufacturing principles including 5S, Standard Work, SMED, Visual Management, Poka-Yoke, and Daily Management Systems.
• Utilize downtime tracking data systems, such as FMOS or PFIS (Plant Floor Information System), to analyze trends and recommend corrective measures.
• Participate and lead the implementation and sustainment of FI initiatives through health checks, audits, and feedback to equipment owners, shift managers, and operations managers.
• Standardize successful improvements through SOP updates, centerlining, visual management, and operator training.

Governance and Methodology:

• Develop and deploy governance systems, visual management systems, data collection, and reporting systems.
• Ensure effective analysis of deviations and define and complete necessary actions.
• Drive the mindset and methodology to increase “Mean Time Between Failures” (MTBF) and Zero Loss culture.

Stakeholder Engagement and Training:

• Prepare, communicate, and engage stakeholders in the MSE (Mars Supply Excellence) rollout plan for the plant, outlining key activities, priorities, scope, and expected results.
• Partner with cross-functional owners to identify and establish relevant measures at all levels (KPIs, Leading and lagging measures).
• Assist in training, coaching, and assessing plant autonomous and improvement teams.

What you'll bring

• Degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Business, or technical field of study with at least 2 years of experience in a TPM manufacturing environment.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to collect, organize, analyze, and disseminate significant amounts of information with attention to detail and accuracy.
• Adept at queries, report writing, and presenting findings.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to teach others with tools such as one-point lessons and leading by example.
• Intermediate MS Excel skills required, including interpretation, organization, and analysis of data.
• Strong organizational skills and self-directed capability.
• Ability to lead a small team to achieve a common solution.
• Able to gather data from multiple sources including but not limited to PFIS, SAP, Red Prairie, and Power BI.
• Strong problem-solving capability, with the ability to identify corrective and preventative actions.
• Ability to set priorities, utilize and coordinate resources, and manage projects from start to finish with little or no supervision.

What can you expect from Champion?

• Safety: a strong commitment to ensure all people are provided with a safe, healthy and respectful environment.
• Earnings: Competitive Wage, RRSP with Company, and donation matching.
• Industry Competitive Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision and Employee Assistance Programs to meet your individual or family needs.
• Continuing Education: In House & Online Learning & Development, as well as an Education Assistance Program.
• Quality: a dedication to uphold the highest standards of authenticity, nutritional integrity, and food safety, to earn the trust of Pet Lovers everywhere.
• Other Perks: Free Bag of Premium Pet Food each month, Free Parking and more!

What are you waiting for? Join the pack!

Come as you are.

We value diversity in all forms and know the power it can bring. Workplace equality allows for creative ideas to bloom, diverse points of views to be heard, and increases overall happiness. That sounds pretty good to us.

Champion is an equal opportunity employer. Regardless of your race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, veteran status, or any other creed, you are wanted here.

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