Operations Specialist

Summary:

This position is responsible for:

• Providing support to the leadership team and employees at the site focusing on training.
• Coordinating a comprehensive training program for all departments of the production team.
• Creating new SSOPs and SOPs that reflect the dynamic nature of production equipment.
• Acting as a liaison between all shifts and departments, including QA and upper management.
• Maintaining an active role in safety committees and ensure OSHA compliance.
• Represent the high standards of SunOpta, both at work and in the community.
• Standardize and share expertise across all departments and shifts in the production facility.
• Be a part of the SunOpta 360 Operating system in all elements working with the team to drive to zero.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop a standardized program for training of new hires and continuous improvement for current employees.
• Serve as safety model; promote a high level of safety awareness and continuous improvement in safety practices.
• Drive LEAN/Continuous Improvement initiatives down to floor personnel.
• Assist in the development of standard operating procedures, employee training, and process development.
• Own Learning module within Redzone.
• Create and maintain onboarding programs for all employees.
• Map out training plans for individual employees, assist in 30/60/90day & annual reviews.
• Provide insight for Level II/III operator promotions.
• Ability to cover all shifts, including overnight/weekend
• Track and report on training outcomes.
• Cover all production areas in the facility including Supervisor,
• Exhibit and possess the ability to understand, troubleshoot, and repair processing equipment.
• Identify deficiencies in the production stream and effectively implement new strategies.
• Be able to multi-task efficiently throughout the facility.
• Other duties, as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• None.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Candidate must possess a strong working knowledge of production and / or packaging equipment, processes and practices.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office, including Excel.
• Working knowledge of computer and math skills.
• Strong written / oral communication and interpersonal skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• College degree or certification.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing practices.
• Bilingual in Spanish.
• Experience in Ceridian and Oracle.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Work effectively in a team-based environment.
• Set priorities, meet deadlines, multi-task and work under pressure.
• Basic computer skills, experience with PC and PLC driven component.
• Able to work with a minimal amount of supervision.
• Mechanical aptitude.
• Formulate and suggest work safety standards, while enforcing procedures.
• Assess training needs for new and existing employees.
• Partner with Supervisors regarding employee training needs.
• Organize, develop or source training programs to meet specific training needs.
• Develop training aids such as manuals and handbooks (e.g. SOP, SSOP).
• Present training programs using recognized training techniques and tools.
• Facilitate learning through a variety of delivery methods including classroom instruction, virtual training and on-the-job coaching.
• Design and apply assessment tools to measure training effectiveness>
• Provide feedback to program participants and management.
• Evaluate and make recommendations on training material and methodology.
• Maintain employee training records.
• Manage and maintain in-house training equipment.
• Keep current on training design and methodology.

Additional Considerations:

• Location: This position will be at the SunOpta Plant in Midlothian, TX.
• Shift: This shift will be primarily a day shift role (Monday through Friday, 7 am to 4 pm); but will require a candidate that has the flexibility to do approximately one week/month on split shift ( 4 pm to 12:30 pm) or overnight shift. Flexibility will be needed,
• Travel: Some travel may be required to various SunOpta locations and for meetings or other job-related functions.
• Work Environment: Approximately 95% of this position will be in a plant / manufacturing environment; approximately 5% of this role may be in an office environment.
• Physical Consideration: Ability to stand for extended periods of time. Ability to lift a minimum of 50 pounds.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time, with or without notice,