Project Lead

The Topeka, Kansas plant has a Full Time opening for a Technical Lead, Projects-Mechanical in the Plant Engineering Team. It is an hourly, non-rotational, technical position with responsibilities to lead the trades and work related to pipe and utility systems to support Capital Project execution and equipment installations across all areas of the plant, as well as support the Facility and Operations teams with maintenance and reliability issues.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Responsible for the manufacture of pet foods and snacks while complying with all food safety, quality and regulatory requirements.
• Understand and support company and site safety policies and perform work-related activities in a safe manner. Recognize unsafe working conditions, coach peers and suggest new safety standards as appropriate.
• Understand, follow and improve documented operational, maintenance and sanitation standards in a Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) work environment.
• Supervise the pipe fitting and insulation trades including daily planning and coordinating resources (equipment, contract labor and plant labor) as related to pipe and utility systems to support equipment installations and start-ups in alignment with Operations and Capital Project schedules.
• Provide support with supervision of the pipe fitting and insulation trades for Facility and Operations maintenance and reliability tasks as needed.
• Assist in cost estimating and procurement of equipment, materials and labor within established project budgets.
• Assist with organization and maintenance of plant documentation and drawings related to pipe and utility systems.
• Provide assistance and support to R&D and TSO for Plant tests in manufacturing and packaging areas.
• Lead projects to improve safety, quality or production results in a designated area.
• Work as part of a team and assist fellow employees when needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each duty and responsibility satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the duties and functions of the position.

• Basic reading, writing and math skills
• Advanced computer skills with Microsoft Office Suite proficiency
• Good mechanical aptitude
• Excellent documentation & organizational skills
• Ability to read and understand process flow and one-line drawings
• Knowledge of plant process systems and process flows
• Knowledge of plant equipment function, operation and maintenance
• Ability to follow procedures and rules
• Willingness to work overtime, weekends and holidays as required
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to follow directions independently and provide clear instructions to fellow team members
• Demonstrated ability to initiate and complete work assignments with minimal supervision
• Demonstrated ability to work with Plant Teams, external contractors and vendors
• Ability to give and receive constructive feedback with sensitivity, using questions and information to further team goals
• Commitment to principles of a team-based work environment

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• High-school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Associates or technical degree or advanced training preferred.
• 3 years of relevant manufacturing, construction or industrial utilities work experience.
• Experience with process and utility pipe & pumping systems is preferred.
• Experience with AutoCAD 2D/3D is preferred.
• Previous mechanical maintenance or project lead experience preferred.
• Previous food manufacturing experience preferred.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, GMP's and general instructions.
• Good verbal and written communication skills are required.

REASONING ABILITY

• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out both oral and written instructions.
• Ability to perform critical thinking skills to problem solve and resolve conflicts.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions and duties of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand and lift. The employee is required to stand and walk at minimum 70% of the time.
• The employee must be able to work 1st shift (7:00AM-3:00PM) and flex hours as necessary to accommodate project and contractor work schedules.
• The employee must occasionally lift/push/pull or carry up to fifty (50) pounds and should be able to lift 30-35 pounds on a frequent basis.
• The employee must be able to squat or kneel and to bend on a frequent basis. 
• The employee must be able to climb stairs and ladders on a frequent basis.

VISION

Employee is required to have a minimum of 20/40 vision in each eye with or without corrective lenses. The applicant must pass a standard eye exam.

SAFE PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS

Employee must have the ability to perform the essential job functions identified above consistent with safety standards and practices with or without a reasonable accommodation.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environments characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential duties of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

• Noise level in the plant work environment is moderate to high
• Plant space is not conditioned, so exposure to high heat in summer and cool in winter
• Some work outdoors at seasonal ambient conditions
• Wet or dusty processing areas
• Exposure to grain and other dry flours and meals, dyes, vitamins, minerals, meats and liquid ingredients

Required-

High School Diploma, or equivalent

Knowledge of plant process systems and process flows

Knowledge of plant equipment function, operation and maintenance

Active participation in continuous improvement teams (reliability, yield, costs, etc…)

People and teamwork

Positive attitude and commitment

Initiative and motivation

Results oriented

Good Manufacturing Practices and Food Safety Programs

Understanding of Safety, Food Safety and Quality policies and requirements

Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint)

Desired-

College Degree, Technical

Prior employment, internship and/or co-op in manufacturing facility

Prior experience in pet food processing and packaging

Prior experience in pipe fitting trade or industrial utilities

Leadership and decision making

Knowledge of purchasing procedures

Ability to work with vendors and contractors independently

Project leadership and/or management

AutoCAD, Microsoft Project