Description:
We are seeking an experienced Process Improvement Specialist to join our team in Ballston Spa, NY. The Process Improvement Specialist is responsible for managing process improvement projects across the company related to shop/retail, plant operations including food production and warehouse as well as corporate back-office processes. Additionally, the role is responsible for the oversight of regulations that may impact the company. This involves tracking applicable bills and lobbying efforts, understanding the operational impact as they become law, and ensuring their timely implementation.
Responsibilities:
Regulatory Oversight
• Research - Stay up to date on the latest State (NY, VT & NH) and Federal regulations impacting the industry. Research areas include personnel matters, gas and energy related issues, transportation/hauling, tobacco/alcohol, recycling, OSHA/safety, and food safety regulations.
• Lobbying Efforts - Work with State Associations and The NYS Business Council to lobby against or support bills that impact our industry. This may involve drafting proposed bill language.
• Communication - On a quarterly basis, issue a regulations report for senior leaders across the company to understand current issues, provide an implementation timeline, and educate about what's on the horizon.
• Operationalize - Support and manage projects related to operationalizing regulations, ensuring timely implementation. This may include developing training content.
• Regulations Support - In certain areas (i.e. Pricing, Recalls, Safety), track and support the shops with tools/resources and performing inspections to ensure the shops meet regulations.
Process Improvement
• Project Management - Manage projects with goals of process improvement and operational/financial efficiencies- develop a project approach, draft an ROI, facilitate a team, monitor progress, and work through an action plan to timely completion.
• Facilitation - Lead multi-disciplinary teams across the Plant, Shops, and Corporate Office to arrive at a high level of agreement on changes that are best for the company. This process can involve working with many different viewpoints from multiple departments (i.e. accounting, IS, distribution, marketing/selling, shop operations, quality, manufacturing, warehouse). Facilitation may include mapping events, root cause analyses, and after-action reviews.
• Training - Provide training on Lean performance improvement tools (i.e. waste elimination, 5S, standard work, process mapping, root cause analysis, etc.)
• Ongoing Monitoring - Follow projects past the implementation stage. Continue to monitor key projects to ensure process improvements are maintained and metrics are met. Monitoring may involve report review/analysis and periodically checking in with project teams.
Requirements:
• Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering or Business Degree preferred.
• 10-15 years of proven experience in process improvement, project management, strategic planning and overseeing regulations.
• Expertise in facilitating complex projects and multi-disciplinary teams.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze complex data and translate findings into practical solutions.
• Education and implementation of Lean methodology a plus.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail, critical thinking, and organizational skills.
• Flexibility to travel between our corporate office in Ballston Spa, NY, our plant in Saratoga Springs, NY and our shop locations on occasion.
We Offer:
• Starting Pay: $85,000 - $100,000/year salary.
• 100% company paid retirement- Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).
• Health, Vision & Dental benefit package.
• YMCA discount program.
• Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm schedule (in office).
