Job Description:

Wilton’s Journey So Far

Wilton is a heritage US brand with a 90-year history in baking and decorating. After fifteen years of private equity ownership, the company was acquired by Dr. Oetker (family owned German conglomerate) as an expansion into the US market. Eighteen months after the acquisition, Dr. Oetker and the new leadership are looking to define the future of Wilton brands to become the most important, influential and successful cake and dessert brand in the USA. Learn more about Wilton at http://www.wilton.com.

Continuous Improvement Specialist will be responsible for driving operational improvement projects as well as working on cross-functional teams to realize innovative capacity & productivity improvements in the DC & Distribution Operations. Continuous improvement efforts will focus on making sustainable gains in quality, safety, cost, and delivery. Methods for achieving and sustaining improvements will be based on using continuous improvement fundamentals (Lean). The team member will need to collaborate closely with leadership team, DC Team members, and other corporate groups to achieve the project objectives aligned with the business needs. The team member will be responsible to carry out assignments of a broad nature, as well as specific DC initiatives, while exercising considerable communication, judgment and creativity. The team member needs to be able to carry out appropriate financial analysis to validate/support proposals and gain support of key stakeholders.

Major Responsibilities

Drive Continuous Improvement & Productivity Savings Projects

• Responsible for identifying, chartering, and leading significant improvement initiatives - delivering the project results on time.


• Provide project updates to the DC leadership team and project stakeholders highlighting the current status, adherence to the project time plan, work accomplished, quick wins, points of escalation, elements of risk and the associated mitigation plans.


• Develop project teams on key skills to drive improvement.


• Utilize continuous improvement tools and methodologies (PDCA, RCA, VSM, etc.) to drive sustainable operational improvements.


• Analyze given data and operating conditions; implement changes and follow-up on results by determining key metrics and business owner (i.e., sponsor, process owner, operator).


• Determine means to reduce warehouse supply usage, rework, and other forms of waste.


• Carry out follow-up programs to maintain the achieved savings, to complete additional training, to detect further savings opportunities, as well as ensure the overall continuity of the project.


• Participate in annual budget process to assess timing of the CI project funnel of opportunities.


• Work with production to validate and finance to align on adjustments needed.

Support Business Innovation and Growth Efforts

• Determine and compare current state & best-case Throughput and CT. Partner with DC leadership to bridge the gap and bring to realization.


• Work collaboratively with S&OP, Order Management, finance, and operations to bring new projects to realization and meet the defined project objectives.


• Utilize SAP/WMS and Warehouse Operating System to obtain data for projects.

Competencies/Skills/Knowledge Required

• Two years of experience in B2B and B2C preferred


• Lean, TPS, or Lean Six Sigma background with examples of application and results Required

Education and Experience

• Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Engineering or Business strongly preferred


• Interpersonal skills, self-confidence, leadership abilities


• Change agent


• Ability to build trust and interact with all levels of the organization


• Strong project management skills


• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills


• Communication skills (verbal and written)


• Working knowledge of TPS, Lean, or Lean Six Sigma required


• Professional maturity, appearance, and demeanor


• Proficient / Strong business acumen


• Team leadership and team collaboration skills


• Negotiation skills, training skills


• Creative, reliable, organized, adaptable, flexible, innovative, and a self-starter


• Computer literate (including mastery of all Microsoft Office Suite)


• Customer service orientation


• Focus on adding value to a fast and performance driven business

Working Conditions

This position requires knowledge and awareness of Distribution and industrial sites. Protective gear will be required where appropriate. Position requires ability to work varying start times dependent on business needs.

Wilton Brands LLC is an equal employment opportunity employer. We attract and retain the best qualified people without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, individuals with disability or veteran status as provided by law. Wilton Brands LLC is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran.

If you need accommodation to access the information provided on our website, please contact us at 630-810-2416 or send an e-mail to: careers@wilton.com  We will be happy to help you!

On behalf of all of us at Wilton Brands, we hope this update finds you well during these unprecedented times. As an iconic brand, our top priorities remain keeping our associates healthy and ensuring our ability to serve our retailers and customers. Our recruitment efforts will continue and be conducted in ways that safeguard both the health of our associates and candidates. We hope that you, your family, and your friends stay safe and healthy.

 

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