Operations Specialist

About the Company

SunOpta delivers customized supply chain solutions and innovation for top brands, retailers, and foodservice providers across a broad portfolio of beverages, broths, and better-for-you snacks. With over 50 years of expertise, SunOpta fuels customers’ growth with high-quality, sustainability-forward solutions distributed through retail, club, foodservice, and e-commerce channels across North America.

About the Role

The Operations Specialist is responsible for providing support to the leadership team and employees at the site, focusing on training. This role coordinates a comprehensive training program for all departments of the production team, creates new SSOPs and SOPs, and acts as a liaison between all shifts and departments, including QA and upper management. The Operations Specialist maintains an active role in safety committees, ensures OSHA compliance, conducts facility tours, and represents SunOpta’s high standards both at work and in the community.

Responsibilities

• Develop a standardized program for training new hires and continuous improvement for current employees.
• Serve as a safety model; promote a high level of safety awareness and continuous improvement in safety practices.
• Perform accident investigations and report accordingly.
• Drive LEAN/Continuous Improvement initiatives down to floor personnel.
• Assist in the development of standard operating procedures, employee training, and process development.
• Cover all production areas in the facility, including Supervisor, as needed.
• Exhibit and possess the ability to understand, troubleshoot, and repair processing equipment.
• Identify deficiencies in the production stream and effectively implement new strategies.
• Multi-task efficiently throughout the facility.
• Review preventative maintenance services and timeframes to maximize production efficiencies.
• Create and maintain onboarding programs for all employees.
• Formulate and suggest work safety standards, and enforce procedures.
• Assess training needs for new and existing employees and temporary 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).
• Inform employees about training options.
• Map out training plans for individual employees.
• 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.
• Track and report on training outcomes.
• Provide feedback to program participants and management.
• Evaluate and make recommendations on training material and methodology.
• Maintain employee training records.
• Handle logistics for training activities including venues and equipment.
• Establish and maintain relationships with external training facilities (e.g., Alexandria Technical and Community College, GLASH, and the Minnesota Safety Council).
• Manage and maintain in-house training equipment.
• Keep current on training design and methodology.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required; college degree or certification preferred.
• Strong working knowledge of production equipment, processes, and practices.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing practices is beneficial.
• Outstanding verbal, written, multi-tasking, and presentation skills.
• Ability to create momentum and foster organizational change.
• Bilingual in Spanish is beneficial.
• Working knowledge of MS Word, MS PowerPoint, and proficiency with MS Excel software.
• Basic computer skills, experience with PC and PLC-driven components.
• Familiar with production/processing lines and/or packaging equipment.
• Works with minimal supervision.
• Able to evaluate situations and make sound decisions.
• Good past work history and attendance.
• Able to stand for long periods of time.
• Able to lift a minimum of 50 pounds, and at times more.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Good mechanical aptitude.

Skills

• Working knowledge of business, computer, and math, preferred.
• Ability to work effectively in a team-based environment.
• Set priorities to meet deadlines, handle multiple tasks, and make decisions under pressure with minimal or no supervision.
• Ability to use critical thinking to plan and problem-solve.

Work Environment

Approximately 95% of work is performed in a manufacturing environment. 5% of work may involve being in an office environment.

Travel Requirements

Travel is required to various SunOpta locations and for meetings or other job-related functions.

Benefits

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Paid Family leave
• Paid maternity leave
• 401(k) with Match
• Voluntary Life, Accident, Critical Illness, and Hospital indemnity
• Paid Holidays
• Tuition assistance
• Short-term and Long-term Disability insurance