Location DescriptionMichael Foods, Inc. located in Lenox, Iowa and often called the "Pearl of the Prairie" is where you can find small town living, focused on family and friends, with big city amenities not far from reach in Des Moines, Omaha, and Kansas City. Located in southwest Iowa, Taylor county, with a population of around 1400, the Lenox area reaches far beyond the city limits with beautiful and productive fields of corn, beans, and other croplands. Lenox holds an amazing four day Rodeo every July and is home to a beautiful 36-9 hole golf course, several fishing and boating lakes, great area hunting, a beautiful city park with swimming pool, and many picnic parks. The MFI location in Lenox produces primarily pre-cooked egg patties. With its friendly atmosphere, safe environment, and progressive spirit, Lenox is a great place to live, work, play, and raise a family.
ResponsibilitiesPOSITION SUMMARY:The Continuous Improvement (CI) Lead supports initiatives that improve equipment reliability, reduce operational losses, and strengthen overall plant performance. This role partners with Safety, Operations, Quality, Maintenance, and Finance to drive sustainable, data-based improvements while coaching teams on CI tools, DMS execution, MOS, Centerline, CIL, 5S, and root cause problem solving.
This position has the responsibility to comply with Safety work rules at all times as well as an obligation to reinforce Safety as a Core Value. This Lead ensures that all policies, procedures and activities related to Food Safety & Quality are followed and complied with uniformly, in an effort to reduce product and process variability.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:- Promote and follow safe work practices related to both food safety and employee safety.
- Lead line loss analysis by using data such as OEE, downtime, and yield to identify chronic losses and drive measurable improvements.
- Participate in and coach teams through MOS meetings while providing performance updates and supporting follow-up actions.
- Maintain data accuracy and integrity in systems such as Redzone, BW, and Tableau.
- Serve as a subject matter expert for MOS, Centerline, CIL, 5S, RCA, and Daily Management System processes.
- Perform DMS health checks, identify gaps, and help drive corrective actions to closure.
- Lead and support root cause problem-solving activities using tools such as 5 Why, RCA, and Pareto analysis.
- Coach, train, and audit operators on CI tools and DMS execution to support consistent plant performance.
- Collect, review, and document detailed process data to help prioritize improvement opportunities.
- Manage the Redzone Production platform and related iPad equipment.
- Lead cross-functional teams during floor-level root cause analysis events.
- Document process flows and gather appropriate floor-level data to support improvement efforts.
- Work independently, manage priorities, and complete assigned objectives with minimal supervision.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
- Accountable for a safe and healthy workplace for everyone. Adhere to all safety policies and procedures and incorporate safety and health in all jobs and tasks.
- Adhere to Quality work practices, follow GMP's, maintain sanitary conditions and ensure that product quality is maintained. Report to management any conditions or practices that may adversely affect food safety and quality.
QualificationsPREFERRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS:• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work well with all departments and contribute as a team player.
• Ability to provide direction and support to area owners on Continuous Improvement tools.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Experience using programs and systems such as Excel, SAP, BW, and Tableau.
• Willingness to work flexible hours and shifts as needed.
• Willingness to attend off-site training as required.
• Ability to work independently, establish priorities, and accomplish objectives with minimal supervision.
