Focused Improvement Specialist

Key Responsibilities

• Utilize loss analysis methodology and site loss trees to identify, prioritize and execute PCC savings projects across Royal Canin North America Sites
• Work with Site Industrial Engineer, Area Owners and Operational Leads to make losses visible and deliver the organizational capability to eliminate them
• This includes building the problem-solving capability and the process to manage focused improvement initiative with cross-functional teams across the organization
• Provide leadership to deploy best practices and Regional initiatives
• Use tools available such as RCLMS, Scrap and Rework tracking systems and “Go and See” to understand contributing factors for NQC and make recommendations to improve/change
• Work directly with and coach multiple site resources to use data-based problem-solving methodologies to reduce NQC and potentially other costs and ensure problems are resolved to root cause
• Help the organization by coaching associates at various levels and coordinate resources across multiple sites to deliver DiB in PCC improvements
• Ensure control methodologies and processes are embedded to prevent re-occurrence
• Willingness to spend up to 75% of time on the manufacturing floor diagnosing, analyzing, and establishing best-in-class processes, including off shifts

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent level of education), or direct manufacturing experience in lieu of a degree
• 2 years of hands-on experience working directly within a manufacturing site
• Proven ability to build strong, collaborative relationships and proactively manage a busy, shifting workload
• Willingness and ability to travel approximately 25% to support other manufacturing sites and participate in hands-on training
• Solid understanding of site waste reporting, including QFS (Quality & Food Safety) costs, variance, and floor scrap
• Preferred: Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills to navigate complex challenges across multiple functions
• Natural ability to motivate, engage, and influence cross-functional teams without direct authority
• Demonstrated training and practical application in a variety of Problem-Solving Methodologies (e.g., Lean, TPM, Root Cause Analysis)
• Working knowledge of SPC (Statistical Process Control), production reporting systems, and how they impact NQC (Non-Quality Cost) and PCC (Prime Cost of Control)
• Experience working in relationship-based team environment
• Certified in Problem Solving Methodologies or similar, Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt or actively working towards completion