Company Overview

Ventura Coastal, the recognized West Coast citrus B2B leader, delivers highest quality citrus products with tailored solutions, speed and elevated customer service to industry giant beverage companies as well as niche marketers. We produce, process and package customized blends of orange, lemon, tangerine and grapefruit juices, oils, essences, pulp and peel products.

Over the last decade, acting with entrepreneurial business style practices, we have achieved transformational growth through strategic investment in production capabilities. This success has provided us the financial resources to invest in our next phase of growth and expansion. With Sales demands up for oil and juice, were on our way towards building the next iteration of transformational growth.

Job Summary

The Sr. Manager of Continuous Improvement is responsible for organizing and directing cross-functional high performance VCIS (Ventura Coastal Continuous Improvement System) teams to optimize new and existing manufacturing processes including evaluations and recommendations for new procedures, equipment and technologies. Leads the researching and analyzing of new and existing technologies and procedures with the VCIS teams and makes recommendations for designing / redesigning production processes and maintenance procedures for all Ventura Coastal locations. Utilizes methods such as CAPA, TPM, 5S, Six Sigma Lean, etc. within the plant operations to increase productivity, decrease costs, maintain quality and consistency in current products, implement conservation solutions and increase maintenance reliability.

This position will work directly with key personnel in the production facilities and reports to the Senior Director of Technical Services..

What you will do in your Role

• Food Safety is the responsibility of all Ventura Coastal manufacturing employees. All Ventura Coastal manufacturing employees must be aware of CCPs in their area and how to document them appropriately. All staff must report food safety and quality problems to their immediate supervisor in charge during their shift.

• Lead the development and implementation of VCIS initiatives as directed by business needs and Plant Manager input
• Drive maintenance improvement program at both plants - proactive and preventive, implementing new management tools, including taking over the current EAM (Enterprise Asset Management) maintenance management software and evaluating its effectiveness
• Manage the PSMprogram
• Champion Utilities System (Energy, Steam, Cooling and Water) to reduce costs, increase reliability and explore opportunities for alternative solutions
• Manage the automation team, including continuing to maintain and implement state-of-the-art systems and technology
• Support Engineering by managing and executing small projects
• Support plant managers in continuous improvement of product yield and throughput
• Direct all teams and initiatives to full completion, evaluation for effectiveness, and sustainable continuation.
• Trend improvement of VCIS initiatives and report all applicable findings and improvements to senior management.
• Lead statistical process methods and becoming a trainer in SPC for Ventura Coastal, LLC.
• Train all members of production the methods and tools used in TPM and AM through their participation in VCIS teams
• Seek input from senior management on company objectives and areas for improvement. Confirm all VCIS team formations with their input.
• Drive behavioral change as a primary goal of VCIS teams. Positivity and optimism are a must.
• Promote personal safety and adhere to all safety regulations including the wearing of all essential personal protective equipment.
• Following all food safety and personal hygiene practices.
• Demonstrate reliable attendance, consistent punctuality and a conscientious attitude at all times.
• Act professionally towards customers, vendors and visitors.
• Performs other duties as required and assigned

What you will bring to your role

• Undergraduate degree in food science or a related field is required for this position.
• Minimum of two (2) years in an automated manufacturing environment is a must including an understanding of concepts, practices and procedures.
• Skilled in organization, prioritization and attention to detail. Must be adept at the identification, measurement, and planning for new operational processes.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously and adapt to changing organizational and operational priorities.
• Strong interpersonal skills appropriate to a cross-functional manager with the ability to create, implement and execute process improvement initiatives in a multiple plant environment.
• Must be a strong team player with the ability to work across multiple functions and disciplines.
• Must be able to communicate and train employees and vendors on new requirements.
• Statistical Process Controls, Total Production Management (including Autonomous Maintenance), Six Sigma and/or Lean Manufacturing skills are essential.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Products: Outlook, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• The ability to organize one’s thoughts with excellent oral and written communications is a must.

What will put your ahead

• Minimum of seven (7) years of process improvement experience within the food and beverage industry preferred.
• Professional experience with Six Sigma and/or Total Performance Management would be considered an asset.

Physical Requirements

• The ability to meet flexible and changing priorities and the ability to work under pressure is a must. Standing, walking, climbing ladders 50% of the time in a normal citrus manufacturing plant environment. Normal office environment the remaining 50% of the time. Travel between Ventura and Visalia will be required.

This job description is intended to provide guidelines for job expectations and the employee's ability to perform the position described. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills and abilities. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate. This document does not represent a contract of employment, and the Company reserves the right to change this job description and/or assign tasks for the employee to perform, as the Company may deem appropriate.