Industrial Performance Specialist

A day in the life

As the Industrial Performance (IP) Specialist, you will serve as a catalyst for change within our Abilene, KS manufacturing facility, driving continuous improvement and operational excellence across the organization.

You will lead and support the execution of the TPM Program, helping to strengthen a culture of high performance, accountability, and continuous learning.

• Lead and support continuous improvement initiatives focused on productivity, OEE, waste reduction, labor efficiency, quality, throughput, and equipment performance.
• Cook off structured problem-solving activities and cross-functional improvement workshops to address downtime, process variability, and operational challenges.
• Lead SMED and changeover reduction initiatives by analyzing setup losses, implementing best practices, and improving line flexibility and efficiency.
• Utilize SAP and other manufacturing systems to extract, validate, report, and translate operational data into actionable insights for plant leadership.
• Partner closely with Production, Maintenance, Engineering, Quality, Planning, and Supply Chain teams to improve equipment effectiveness, process stability, and operational performance.
• Act as a change agent by coaching teams on KPIs, operational standards, continuous improvement methodologies, and performance-driven behaviors.

What You Will Be Doing

Drive TPM and Lean manufacturing practices, including 5S, visual management, shopfloor performance routines, loss elimination, and standardized work.

Analyze manufacturing performance data to identify operational losses, prioritize improvement opportunities, and deliver measurable business results.

Coordinate and sustain Performance Control Systems (PCS), Obeya, and daily management processes, including KPI tracking, performance boards, tiered meetings, and action follow-up.

Facilitate structured problem-solving activities and cross-functional improvement workshops to address downtime, process variability, and operational challenges.

Lead SMED and changeover reduction initiatives by analyzing setup losses, implementing best practices, and improving line flexibility and efficiency.

Utilize SAP and other manufacturing systems to extract, validate, report, and translate operational data into actionable insights for plant leadership.

Partner closely with Production, Maintenance, Engineering, Quality, Planning, and Supply Chain teams to improve equipment effectiveness, process stability, and operational performance.

Act as a change agent by coaching teams on KPIs, operational standards, continuous improvement methodologies, and performance-driven behaviors.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Industrial Management, Operations Management, Supply Chain, or equivalent work experience.
• Minimum of 3+ years of experience in manufacturing, industrial performance, continuous improvement, or operational excellence roles.
• Experience working within Lean Manufacturing, TPM, or Operational Excellence systems.
• Practical SAP or ERP system experience within a manufacturing environment.
• Knowledge of financial analysis and manufacturing performance metrics.
• Advanced computer literacy including Microsoft Office, Excel, and integrated business systems.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to convert data into actionable improvement plans.
• Ability to share expertise and best practices across the organization by coaching, mentoring, and training team members.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to speak, read, and write English fluently, with or without an accommodation.

Preferred Qualifications

• 5+ years of manufacturing experience.
• Experience supporting TPM pillar deployment or continuous improvement programs.
• Experience facilitating Kaizen events, improvement workshops, and cross-functional projects.
• Knowledge of root cause analysis and structured problem-solving methodologies.
• Experience implementing visual management and standard work systems.
• Exposure to food manufacturing, consumer packaged goods, confectionery, or high-speed production environments.
• Strong organization, planning, and project management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Experience Life at Russell Stover Plants!