Manufacturing Engineer

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LAKEVIEW FARMS, LLC
POSITION DESCRIPTION

POSITION: Manufacturing Engineer
REPORTS TO: Engineering Manager
FLSA CLASS: Exempt

JOB SUMMARY:
Provide engineering/technical direction and guidance, as well as hands-on project management to support plant engineering projects.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
• Applies knowledge of engineering principles to design cost effective products.
• Analyzes and evaluates complex problems with manufacturing, suppliers, and customers. Proposes and implement effective sound solutions.
• Creates and maintains technical files and engineering reports.
• Communicates with suppliers as needed for sourcing requirements.
• May be involved in fabrication, operation, application, installation and/or repair of mechanical products.
• Create technical drawings applying engineering principles
• Evaluate and approve drawings/design changes, and specifications.

EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS
• 3 – 5 years engineering experience in a high speed manufacturing environment.
• Fundamental knowledge of food/beverage processes and Lean Manufacturing Philosophy.
• Aptitude for further development of technical skills, organizational leadership and Team Building.
• Solid understanding of engineering technical issues\needs,
• Accomplished skill in use of MS Office, AutoCAD, and CMMS, software.
• Goals and ambition for a greater role of responsibility in Operations Management and Leadership.
• BS Accredited College Degree in Engineering.

Director of Purchasing

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LAKEVIEW FARMS, LLC
POSITION DESCRIPTION

POSITION: Director of Purchasing
REPORTS TO: Chief Financial Officer
FLSA CLASS: Exempt

JOB SUMMARY:
The Director of Purchasing will have the overall responsibility for the operational performance of the company’s product sourcing and procurement. Oversees the purchasing, quality, pricing and turnover of items to meet the strategic goals of the company. Successes will be measured through achieving targeted company and management initiatives, and meeting operational and financial benchmarks.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
• Provide strategic direction to procurement team including: prioritizing activities, goal setting, program development and communication
• Recommend and establish strategic sourcing programs specific to customer needs and expectations
• Procurement of ingredients, packaging and plant supplies on behalf of the Company.
• Explore sourcing alternatives and new products
• Maintains proper ordering procedures according to company policy to ensure effective inventory control to maximize sales and turnover, and to minimize over and under stock levels
• Assist maintenance department in the procurement of repair parts and supplies.
• Coordinate with plant management in acquisition of equipment and other assets required to complete capital projects.
• Interface closely with R&D function to qualify new vendors and products with lower costs and / or improved quality.
• Serve as a resource to the Marketing and Sales functions in the new product development process.
• Communicate consistently and effectively with internal and external partners to develop and maintain programs
• Work closely with the team to ensure we are obtaining the right products, at the best value available, at the best cost
• Partner with sales and operations teams to support new product/new customer sales
• Establish program to measure and monitor vendor performance, including compliance with quality standards.
• Provide raw material cost forecasts for the annual budget process.
• Perform other duties as assigned

POSITION GOALS
• Perform other duties as assigned
• Negotiate measurable and sustainable year-over-year cost savings on a consistent basis.
• Minimize inventory levels while still minimizing product outages and resulting production downtime.
• Improve overall procurement processes, including regular category reviews, formal bid programs and systematic measurement of vendor performance.
• Conduct activities with a continuous focus on improving the quality of the Company’s products.
• Develop and mentor the purchasing staff.
• Serve as a valued resource to the Company’s senior management team.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES:
• Bachelor’s Degree in Business or related field, preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of procurement experience, preferably at the Manager or Director level.
• Food industry experience in a high SKU environment.
• Commodity experience with specific knowledge of the dairy markets.
• Experience in futures contracting / hedging.
• Demonstrated in-depth knowledge of food products, suppliers, retailers, vendors, market pricing factors, and quality indicators
• Demonstrated ability to apply knowledge of food industry to forecast product prices and seasonal availability
• Advanced understanding of how to lead and develop teams by building mutual trust, respect and cooperation amongst team members
• Excellent communication, relationship building and negotiating skills
• Strong analytical and quantitative ability
• Demonstrated solid working knowledge of Microsoft Applications, including Word & Excel (including spreadsheets)
• Must be a hands-on person who comfortable with lean, fast-paced working environments.

Sanitation Manager

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LAKEVIEW FARMS, LLC
POSITION DESCRIPTION

POSITION: Sanitation Manager
REPORTS TO: Director of Food Safety
FLSA CLASS: Exempt

JOB SUMMARY:
Responsible for monitoring and ensuring proper sanitation throughout the facility and meets all regulatory requirements. Recommends improvements in manufacturing methods and sanitation practices to management. Develops and implements short-term and mid-term business plans for department, and assists in the development of the strategic plan for the plant and meets all regulatory requirements.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
• Plans, manages and directs plant sanitation procedures, programs and regulatory requirements, ensuring all plant equipment is clean and safe for production. Ensures compliance with all standard operating procedures.
• Develops, implements and communicates short-term and mid-term (1 – 2 years) business plans for the operations, ensuring associates understand the link to the plant’s, and the corporation’s business plans and understand their role in accomplishing these plans.
• Develops operating policies and procedures as necessary.
• Oversees the tailoring and documenting of plant procedures related to approved cleaning chemicals and cleaning schedules.
• Mentors and motivates associates, providing training and development to optimize their performance and personal growth.
• Communicates performance standards to associates, recognizing and rewarding individual and team accomplishments and counseling performance problems. Ensures all associates have the resources and capabilities to effectively accomplish their responsibilities.
• Monitors microbiological reports from the plant to determine whether cleaning procedures are being followed. Implements corrective action as necessary.
• Participates in regular meetings with plant management to discuss quality and sanitation improvements. Facilitates problem resolution related to sanitation and quality issues.
• Develops, maintains and reports required operational information to management.
• Ensures that all GMP and Safety standards are in compliance.
• Participates in weekly GMP, sanitation and safety inspections throughout the production departments and corrects, or issues work orders to correct, any identified deficiencies.
• Follows up on work orders, with the appropriate employees to ensure expeditious performance of the requested work.
• Keeps abreast of latest manufacturing technologies, systems, and sanitation practices.
• Performs other related responsibilities, as needed, to support Lakeview Farms business objectives.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/EXPERIENCE:
• BA/BS degree in Business, Supply Chain Operations, Food Science, Engineering or related field
• 5 years supervisory experience in a food-processing, pharmaceutical or chemical manufacturing organization, preferably using computerized manufacturing equipment
• Working knowledge of FDA regulations, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), sanitation processes/procedures and HACCP
• Demonstrated understanding of production scheduling and other production variables such as run-rates, processing times, change-over times, etc.
• Demonstrated knowledge of efficient and safe manufacturing operations to include product and associate safety, OSHA standards, product quality (success rates), throughput delivery and cost control (minimizing downtime and waste, optimizing yield)
• Demonstrated ability to direct, coach, and train associates as well as plan, monitor and schedule work
• Demonstrated ability to analyze and resolve problems
• Demonstrated mechanical and spatial aptitude, including the ability to disassemble and reassemble equipment
• Demonstrated ability to formulate and understand complex mathematical equations
• Proficient using Excel or other spreadsheet software

Continuous Improvement Manager

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LAKEVIEW FARMS, LLC
POSITION DESCRIPTION

POSITION: Continuous Improvement Manager
REPORTS TO: Engineering Manager
FLSA CLASS: Exempt

JOB SUMMARY:
Work in partnership with plant management to prepare and conduct process improvement events. Lead instruction on the use of process improvement tools, assist in the development of implementation action plans, lead instruction on the use of process improvement tools, manage team work amongst all associates, facilitate team decisions, and conduct follow-up. The Continuous Improvement Manager serves as a coach to operating managers and production associates on methods to effectively integrate performance improvement activities into his or her daily workload.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
• Execute lean vision and strategy by serving as a champion of facility initiatives to deliver continuous improvement, culture transformation, waste reduction and/or cost savings.
• Work directly with the VP of Manufacturing, Plant Manager, and other plant functional leaders to coordinate and lead improvement initiatives resulting in quality, throughput, cost, and profit opportunities.
• Facilitate and coordinate selected Kaizen events
• Track and report key metrics on lean activities throughout the plant.
• Assist in the development of projects and implementing changes where the project relates to Lean thinking.
• Serve as a mentor and coach for the development of lean facilitator and leaders
• Provide lean employee training and facilitate correct use of lean tools.
• Adhere to all company Policies and Procedures and actively promotes Continuous Improvement and its activities and services to other.
• Present, facilitate, and lead assigned process improvement events using methods of culture-appropriate team building, team energizing, data gathering and analysis, problem solving, project management and presentation.
• Seek and evaluate process improvement and Lean information, materials, and methods to match specific organizational needs as specified by management; adapt these to use the execution of process improvement events.
• Develops reports of overall Continuous Improvement activities, including accomplishments, participation, projected activities, and anticipated needs.
• Identify needs and assist in training opportunities.
• Coordinates with related departments and functions to assure appropriate information flow and understanding of overall process improvement direction.
• Facilitates line improvement, including efficiencies, yields, and processes.
• Other duties as assigned.

SECONDARY RESPONSIBILITIES / DUTIES
• Participate in manufacturing meetings to discuss continuous improvement opportunities.
• Actively role model all continuous improvement methods.
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with Operations, Managers, Supervisors and employees.
• Keep the Vice President of Operations up to date on matters relating to, continuous improvement.
• Special projects as required.

QUALIFICATIONS / OTHER REQUIREMENTS
• Food manufacturing experience preferred
• 3-5 years of successful Continuous Process Improvement experience
• Working knowledge of Lean Manufacturing
• Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills, ability to handle diverse situations and manage multiple projects.
• A good grasp of critical thinking skills to successfully effect change and drive results.
• Ability to understand gap analysis and develop key process improvement initiatives and methods.
• Bilingual (Spanish/English) preferred

EDUCATION / CERTIFICATION
• BS in Engineering or Business (preferred)

Cost Accounting Manager

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LAKEVIEW FARMS, LLC

POSITION DESCRIPTION

 

POSITION:                 Cost Accounting Manager

REPORTS TO:          Vice President of Administration

FLSA CLASS:           Exempt

 

JOB SUMMARY:

The Cost Accounting Manager is responsible for the maintenance and accuracy of the Company’s standard costs utilized for financial reporting and inventory valuation purposes. Additional responsibilities include the maintenance of BOMS (Bill of Materials) for all products and working closely with the sales and marketing functions to quantify and evaluate new business proposals and new product opportunities. The successful candidate will be responsive to the financial information needs of other functions.

 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

·         With updates and assistance from Coordinate with the VP of Operations, R&D and Purchasing departments, maintain accurate standard cost records for all raw materials, packaging items and finished goods inventory items.Administration, Chief Financial Officer and other departments to develop and maintain the annual operating budget including tracking of key metrics.

·         Maintain the applicable BOM records for all existing and new products.Providing timely financial analysis of operating results in terms of costs, budgets, operating trends and incremental profit opportunities.

·         Work closely with the sales and marketing departments to quantify and evaluate estimated profitability for new business proposals and new product opportunities.Monthly analytical review, balance sheet account reconciliations, variance analysis and monthly reporting packages.

·         Prepare monthly reports that compare Preparing content and participating in monthly and quarterly operations reviews. actual plant costs to standard costs with explanations regarding significant variances.

·         Assist the VP of Administration and Chief Financial Officer in the preparation of annual budgets for pertinent P&L line items.

·         Develop plan and timeline to perform activity-based costing analysis for all finished products.

·         Support other functions in routine and special projects analysis to improve the profitability of the business.

·         Assist in justification analysis for sourcing decisions and capital investments.

·         Become thoroughly familiar with all facets of the production process and as applicable, suggest improvements that will improve profitability through higher yields, improved efficiencies and lower labor and overhead costs.

·            Developing and implementing an annual budget process and period forecast methodology.

·            Providing input and reviewing key data points for daily, weekly and monthly operational metrics.

Supporting other Company functions in routine and special projects analysis to improve the profitability of the business.

Conducting cost model analysis for justification of sourcing decisions, capital investments and new business proposals.

Working closely with operations team and other functions to develop annual capital budget and monitor associated spending throughout the fiscal year.

Working closely with the outside audit firm to facilitate the successful completion of the annual audit.

Assisting in developing accounting, internal control policies and cash / credit policies.

 

 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES:

·         Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Finance or Accounting

·         Accounting designation preferred (CCPA/CMA)

·         7-10 years of hands-on accounting experience

·         Knowledge of principles and practices used in accounting

·         Proficient in Microsoft Office tools

·         Expert User of Excel

·         Team Player

·         Hands-on self-starter capable of excelling in a fast-paced entrepreneurial environment

·         Excellent verbal and written communication skills

·         Excellent organizational skills