The Operations Specialist position will interact with R&D, the SOM, and Headquarters regarding all aspects of product development trials in production. In addition, there are on-going capital improvements in the Kent facility. Both efforts require full-time coordination from the Kent production department. Without full-time attention, focus is lost on the day-to-day production requirements. This role requires majority of the time on the manufacturing floor.

Supply Chain includes facilities and processes that operate to manufacture a finished product from raw material and deliver to the end-user. This business unit enhances competitive advantage, efficiency, innovation, quality and consistency.

Experience-Education Required:

Skills Required:

• Problem Solving/Troubleshooting
• Root Cause Analysis and Corrective Action Implementation
• Leadership of Shift/Crew
• Strong Communication Skills (both for operators and upper management)
• Multitasking/Time Management/Prioritization Skills
• Intermediate Computer Skills
• Project Management

Experience-Education Preferred:

• Four-year degree required with emphasis in engineering, food science or related field.
• 2+ years of experience in a food manufacturing environment.
• 1+ year of supervisory experience.

Competencies Required:

• This position will represent Kent, Ohio in coordinating with R&D, Management and Headquarters regarding all aspects of development trials in production. In addition, there are on-going capital improvements in the Kent facility as well as continuous process improvement reviews that will be assigned to this position.
• This position will conduct training, lead team meetings and improve communications with the ultimate goal of enabling employees at the shop floor level of making informed decision. A result of these efforts will be to improve plant performance and efficiencies while improving employee satisfaction and employee relations.
• This individual will function as a fill-in production supervisor for all shifts and provides coordination and resources to assist in complying with all regulatory issues including safety, GMP's, environmental sanitation, and workers compensation. Understands and enforces the union contract, attendance policy, work rules, GMP's, appropriate behavior in the workplace. Strong awareness and compliance to human and food safety is required.
• This position will mentor new production supervisors on day-to-day operations responsibilities to include Catalyst training, labor scheduling, and understanding production processes. Maintains and keeps immediate supervisor promptly informed of matters of significance concerning the department and takes/recommends corrective action where appropriate.
• Develop standard operating procedures for production employees. Conducts training with employees on the standard operating procedures monitors understanding and adherence to SOP's.
• Depending upon operational requirements, the employee may be expected to work more than eight (8) hours per day or forth (40) hours in each week. This position will work non-traditional hours (second and third shifts) as well as first shift to provide coverage as needed. Assignments will include working all three shifts on an intermittent basis. This position requires a flexible schedule.
• This individual will Lead PIT teams and other process improvement initiatives and serve as a subject matter expert for Land O'Lakes specific processes and production areas.
• Interact with maintenance, quality, engineering, and contractors as needed on projects. Assist in the coordination activities for maintenance shutdowns for both Land O'Lakes employees and contractors.
• Develops and updates process condition sheets as required.
• This candidate must be self-motivated and self-directed. He/she must also be able to work without direct supervision

Shift: This position will occasionally work non-traditional hours to provide coverage as needed (second and third shifts) but is primarily based on first shift. Assignments will include working all three shifts on an intermittent basis. This position requires a flexible schedule

Land O'Lakes, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) M/F/Vets/Disabled. The company maintains a drug-free workforce, including pre- and post-employment substance abuse testing pursuant to a Drug and Alcohol Policy.

Neither Land O’Lakes, nor its search firms, will ever contact you and ask for confidential information over the phone or in email. If you receive a call or email like this, please do not provide the information being requested.