Job Description:

The Operational Improvement Technician (OIT) will gain knowledge and training in the Cloverdale Foods Value Stream operational production system. Technicians will be hired into a designated department based on skills, education and interest. Technicians will receive departmental, business management, and supervisory and leadership training necessary to prepare them for supervisory positions or technical roles in the future. The training program will last from 9-12 months, depending on the department and individual. Upon successful completion of the training regiment, technicians will be placed into a role of either supervisory or technical, or they will be able to apply for other open positions within Cloverdale Foods.



The OIT training program is designed to prepare the employee for a future supervisory role in plant and/or support operations. The training is completed in two phases. The first being an orientation phase which includes participation in new hire orientation, an overview of the plant and support operations.

After completion of the first phase, OITs are assigned a specific area in the processing plant dependent on skills, interests, and the needs of plant operations. During the development phase (phase two) OITs work alongside a supervisor who serves as their mentor throughout the program. OITs will develop a working relationship with their teams and line leaders. OITs will work on the production floor with the end goal of becoming a line leader in the respective department within nine to twelve months. Production OITs are expected to understand product specifications, employee tasks, and human resources functions required on their assigned production line. OITs will work in a diverse employee environment and must be able to provide leadership, direction, and reporting for their assigned area. OITs are required to work assigned shifts and weekends if the plant is in operation, which could include night shift. Upon successful completion of the training regiment, technicians will be placed into a role of either supervisory or technical, or they will be able to apply for other open positions within Cloverdale Foods.

Requirements

Primary Responsibilities:

• Orientation and connected production system overview, with exposure and understanding of core areas of the business, including support departments.
• Specific technical training in areas of interest and skills, depending upon needs.
• Supervisory, leadership, communication and problem-solving training.
• Business management and strategies.
• Technicians may be asked to work in various areas and locations in production, processing, or support areas, as needed throughout the training period.
• Technician’s will be responsible for on-going management of existing product- lines as assigned including planning and tactical execution for the product-line throughout the product’s lifecycle.
• Working closely with maintenance, inside sales, finance, operations, and other support functions to ensure revenue and customer satisfaction goals are met.
• Ensures that production supports the company's overall strategy, goals and objectives throughout its lifecycle.

Secondary Responsibilities

• Manages production team huddles.
• Monitor, report and analyze product category performance to established targets (RedZone).
• Prepares cross-functional team meetings, product-performance reports and routine management reports.
• Inter-department coordination of profit improvement projects.
• Ensures effective cross-functional change management for existing product changes.
• Ensures systems are properly maintained including collaboration on product code maintenance, segmentation maintenance, system reporting on profitability, and alignment with cross-functional priorities

The Leadership competencies:

• Command Skills
• Interpersonal Savvy
• Process Management
• Learning on the Fly
• Building Effective Teams
• Motivating Others
• Drive for Results
• Customer Focus
• Influencing Others

Requirements and Minimum Education Level:

• Minimum of a BS in Business, Operations, Engineering or related field of study
• Strong technical skills specific to flexible production operations
• Knowledge and experience leading product profitability projects
• Experience leading teams to successful conclusions
• Strong working knowledge of value chain management and specifically cost drivers in meat processing.
• Requires strong analytical, organizational and time management skills with excellent attention to detail.
• Desire to participate in professional development and take on new responsibilities.
• Self-motivated and comfortable working both independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to perform at a high level in a fast-paced environment.
• Interpersonal and communication skills to interact effectively with team members.

Working conditions

• Plant floor environment with exposure to cold and long periods of standing.

Physical Requirements

• Lifting: up to 50 lbs.
• Standing/Walking: Duration of shift.
• Hand/Arm Motions: Duration of shift.