LifeMade Products LLC, a Jadex Inc operating company, provides tabletop solutions tailored to the retail and foodservice industries. Our thoughtfully designed product range includes durable and convenient cutlery, straws, mini cups, deli cups, to-go boxes, and sauce cups, each crafted to meet your business needs. Our mission is to create superior products that push industries forward, LifeMade strives to make life - better.
Position Summary
Responsible for optimizing current manufacturing processes to eliminate labor waste, reduce cycle times, and improve overall line efficiency. Establishes standard labor requirements by line through structured time study, drives layout optimization, and leads continuous improvement of existing production operations in partnership with Process Engineering, Quality, Maintenance, and Production.
Primary Functions
- Analyzes current manufacturing processes to identify and eliminate labor waste, reduce cycle times, and improve overall line efficiency.
- Conducts structured time studies to establish and maintain standard labor requirements by production line.
- Develops line staffing models, crewing requirements, and standardized work based on time study data.
- Leads line balancing activities to optimize operator utilization and reduce cycle times.
- Evaluates and optimizes plant, line, and workstation layouts to improve material flow and reduce handling, travel, and motion waste.
- Establishes and maintains work instructions and standard operating procedures for current processes.
- Analyzes production data, including OEE, labor efficiency, and downtime, and implements corrective actions to drive measurable improvement.
- Recommends and implements automation and material handling solutions to improve productivity and reduce labor costs.
- Conducts root cause analysis using problem-solving methodologies such as 5 Why, Fishbone, and DMAIC.
- Partners with Process Engineering on process changes affecting labor content, cycle times, or line configuration; molding defect resolution is owned by Process Engineering.
- Drives continuous improvement through Lean, Six Sigma, and Kaizen events focused on labor productivity and waste elimination.
- Supports capital equipment justification, layout planning, installation, and startup for current operations.
- Manages engineering change requests and ensures proper documentation of process changes.
- Maintains compliance with customer requirements, quality standards, and safety regulations.
- Performs such individual assignments as management may direct. Other duties as assigned.
Key Qualifications
- Bachelors degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
- Three or more years of experience in high-volume manufacturing.
- Demonstrated experience conducting time studies and establishing labor standards.
- Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles, standardized work, and line balancing.
- Experience with facility, line, and workstation layout development.
- Proficiency in analyzing production data and translating findings into measurable improvements.
- Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills.
- Proficient with Microsoft Office applications.
- Excellent communication and project management skills.
Preferred Experience
- Experience with time study and labor standards systems (for example MODAPTS or MOST).
- Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.
- Experience with AutoCAD or similar layout software.
- Familiarity with automation, robotics, and material handling systems.
- Experience with ERP and MES systems.
- Plastic injection molding or extrusion manufacturing experience.
Physical Requirements
The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.
Environment: Normal manufacturing environments; work with machinery and media in or around confined spaces; exposure to chemicals, grease and oils.
Sitting at workstation approximately 50% of work time. Standing and walking approximately 50% of work time.
Physical: Sufficient physical ability to perform heavy lifting and carrying; reaching, kneeling; standing for moderate periods of time.
Typical office environment with shelves overhead and above work surfaces.
Typical floor environment is temperature controlled; requires safety glasses, safety shoes and ear plugs. Vision: See in the normal visual range with or without correction; vision sufficient to read computer screens and printed documents.
Hearing: Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.
Other: Ability to work overtime or occasionally on weekends with short notice. Must be able to travel 15%-25% of work time.
Jadex Inc and its Businessesdo not discriminate in employment based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.