Grand River Foods is a leading food solutions company serving customers in the
North American grocery and food service industry. As a member of the Sunrise
Farm family, we remain as dedicated as ever to both providing a quality work
environment for our employees, as well as producing only the highest quality
products for our customers. We are known for the great care we take with clients
and employees alike.
Position Summary:
The Process Engineer is responsible for maximizing efficiency and
standardization across the production process by applying expertise in product
development and process optimization. This role requires a collaborative,
customer-focused approach and plays a key part in developing and refining
manufacturing processes throughout the Further Processing operation.
PRIORITY: Leverage strong communication and project management capabilities to
lead the optimization of activities throughout the commercialization lifecycle
for both new and existing products. Collaborate cross-functionally with
departments including Sales, Production, Scheduling, Procurement, Quality
Assurance, and Regulatory Affairs, as well as with external suppliers and
customers. Champion initiatives that enhance productivity, streamline
manufacturing processes, and drive cost efficiencies across the Further
Processing Division. This role is well-suited for a proactive problem-solver
with expertise in Lean Manufacturing and a proven ability to foster
cross-functional collaboration.
\n
POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Develop and optimize continuous production and manufacturing processes to
achieve the output, quality, and cost goals of the organization.
- Apply Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, and 5S principles to
improve plant productivity and process efficiency.
- Actively develop and manage cost-reduction projects.
- Identify and implement cost-reduction strategies and process enhancements.
- Lead and manage capital investment projects related to processing equipment
and plant optimization.
- Collaborate with corporate and plant departments (Sales, Finance, Planning,
Production, R&D, etc.) to optimize manufacturing processes, increase
throughputs and achieve cost savings.
- Analyze performance metrics and KPIs to identify opportunities for
improvement.
- Serve as functional lead for process optimization using statistical data,
including performing design of experiments on the production line and the
development of functional process control models.
- Identify process bottlenecks and devise solutions to resolve issues and
improve processes.
- Collect production data and apply standard scientific and statistical methods
to analyze, document, and diagram production processes.
- Assist with the introduction of new processes or equipment.
- Identify equipment requirements to improve productivity and meet capacity
increases as necessary.
- Assist in initiation and implementation of the preparation of new or revised
product specifications, process parameters, and procedures.
- Work alongside cross-functional team members to facilitate new product trials
and start-ups.
- Evaluate new product trials/market samples through sampling and sensory
appraisal.
- Ensure compliance with HACCP, CFIA, OHS, and internal quality standards.
- Collaborate with Health & Safety and Quality staff to ensure site
manufacturing processes are safely designed, audited, and operated in
accordance with policies and procedures.
- Conduct process improvement training across relevant departments.
- Coordinate technical documentation, analyze data, and prepare detailed
reports.
- Maintain and organize operational documents, including SOPs and Line
Operating Standards.
- Collect and interpret downtime data to determine root causes and recommend
solutions.
- Identify performance metrics to maintain/improve reliability across the
plant.
REQUIRED SKILL, EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS:
- Post-secondary education in Food Science, Science, Engineering, Culinary, or
related field.
- Minimum 5-10 years of experience in Process and Product Development role in
the food industry; meat industry experience preferred.
- Project Management experience with the ability to utilize Gantt charts and
Stage Gate processes.
- Advanced knowledge of engineering concepts, practices, standards, and
systems.
- Experience implementing continuous improvement and best practice initiatives.
- Experience with Lean Manufacturing processes (Six Sigma, Kaizen, 5S, etc.).
- Familiarity with HACCP, CFIA, and other quality standards/requirements.
- Strong leadership and interpersonal skills to interact with and motivate a
diverse group of people.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Excellent organizational, time management, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to troubleshoot, problem-solve, and facilitate change management.
- Ability to analyze data, write reports, and present information.
- Strong computer/technical skills including high proficiency in Word, Excel,
and Outlook.
- Excellent customer service orientation and results-driven mindset.
- Self-starter with a passion for product development.
- Creative and flexible with a willingness to learn and adopt new ideas.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Comfortable working in production areas with hourly and salaried staff.
- Able to work under pressure and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Able to work flexible shifts as needed.
- Driver’s license and access to a personal vehicle for travel to other
facilities (asset).
- Food manufacturing experience required
COMPETENCIES AND ATTRIBUTES:
- Strong critical thinking and communication skills to share ideas and
influence others, including senior management, based on data analysis.
- Collaboration with colleagues in corporate and plants departments.
- Ability to lead and implement the Process Optimization initiatives.
- Coach and motivate employees across relevant departments.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
- Work on the plant floor with occasional work in cold environment with
slippery floors.
- Tolerant of working with raw meat products.
- Must be capable of the physical job requirements – standing, climbing
ladders, maneuvering under and over equipment safely.
\n
$83,000 - $93,000 a year
\n
IND3
IND2
At Sunrise Farms we are proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified
individuals, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual
orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or
any other identifying characteristic are encouraged to apply.
Please note that the expected new hire salary range provided is derived from a
group of like roles within Sunrise Farms. The final offer amount for this role
will be dependent on geographical region, applicable experience, and skillset of
the candidate.
