Muenster Pet · 5 hours ago
Operational Excellence Process Engineer
Denton, TX
Full-time
Onsite
Mid, Senior Level
3+ years expMuenster Pet is dedicated to pet nutrition and has been operating since 1932, now headquartered in Denton, TX. They are seeking an Operational Excellence Process Engineer responsible for improving and designing operational processes, ensuring efficiency and quality through collaboration and implementation of engineering principles.
Food ProcessingManufacturingPet
Responsibilities
Lead value stream mapping initiatives to identify and eliminate the eight wastes (muda) across production processes
Establish and facilitate continuous improvement systems including suggestion programs and employee problem-solving teams
Facilitate kaizen events and rapid improvement workshops with cross-functional teams
Develop KPI dashboards and visual management systems to track continuous improvement progress
Implement 5S methodology and daily management systems throughout production areas
Conduct time studies and takt time analysis to balance production flow and eliminate bottlenecks
Design and implement standard work documentation with continuous improvement cycles built in
Develop and track lean metrics including OEE, cycle time, changeover time, first-pass yield, and improvement project completion rates
Lead SMED (Single-Minute Exchange of Die) projects to reduce changeover and setup times
Implement pull systems and kanban for materials management and inventory reduction
Facilitate daily tier meetings and continuous improvement huddles for operational accountability
Train production teams on lean principles, continuous improvement tools, and problem-solving methodologies
Conduct gemba walks to observe processes, coach employees, and identify improvement opportunities
Manage capital improvement projects that support lean transformation with ROI justification
Implement error-proofing (poka-yoke) solutions to reduce defects and rework
Lead total productive maintenance (TPM) initiatives to improve equipment reliability and operator ownership
Optimize plant layout and material flow to reduce non-value-added movement
Develop A3 problem-solving documentation and track continuous improvement project pipeline
Build continuous improvement capability through training, coaching, and recognition programs
Establish improvement tracking systems to measure project impact and sustain gains
Support OSHA, FSMA, HACCP, SQF, and SMETA compliance through lean process controls
Travel between Muenster and Denton facilities to implement lean strategies and continuous improvement systems
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Industrial, Mechanical, Chemical) or related field, OR
Associate degree with 5+ years progressive experience in lean manufacturing and continuous improvement implementation
3+ years hands-on experience implementing lean tools and continuous improvement systems in food manufacturing or similar industry
Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification minimum (Black Belt preferred)
Demonstrated success leading kaizen events, continuous improvement programs, and lean transformation initiatives
Strong facilitation, coaching, and change management skills
Valid driver's license and reliable transportation for multi-site travel
Expert knowledge of lean manufacturing principles, Toyota Production System methodology, and continuous improvement frameworks
Proficiency with lean tools: VSM, 5S, TPM, SMED, standardized work, kanban, visual management, daily management systems
Value stream mapping and process flow analysis expertise
Root cause analysis using A3, 5-Why, fishbone diagrams, and Pareto analysis
Strong coaching and mentoring abilities to develop lean thinking and continuous improvement culture in production teams
Change management skills to overcome resistance and build sustainable improvement systems
Data analysis and statistical process control for measuring improvement impact
Project management including scope definition, timeline management, stakeholder communication, and improvement tracking
Understanding of food processing operations including grain handling, extrusion, freeze-drying, and packaging
Knowledge of GMP, food safety requirements, and sanitary design principles
Excellent facilitation skills for leading kaizen events, continuous improvement workshops, and problem-solving sessions
Strong written and verbal communication for training materials, standard work documentation, and management presentations
Ability to influence and engage employees at all organizational levels in continuous improvement activities
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, process mapping software, and lean/continuous improvement tracking tools
Self-motivated with ability to manage multiple improvement projects simultaneously across facilities
Physical ability to spend extended time on production floor conducting gemba walks and coaching
Flexibility to conduct training, kaizen events, and improvement activities across multiple shifts when needed
Passion for developing people and building problem-solving capabilities throughout the organization
Commitment to respect for people, continuous learning, and sustainable improvement principles
Company
Muenster Pet
We’ve been making pet food since before kibble was even a thing.
51-200 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageTotal Funding
unknown2021-08-11Acquired
Leadership Team
Ryan James
Chief Revenue Officer (CRO)
Recent News
2024-11-21
2024-06-04
Company data provided by crunchbase