When it comes to being wild, we know a thing or two. We're not afraid of trying something new or the hard work it takes to make it happen. It's in our DNA. We've turned a family recipe into a new snacking category. And the wilderness into the world's largest meat snack business, that's still proudly family owned and operated.

We're a company built by innovators, and are driven to not only satisfy your hunger, but to also feed your journey – whether that journey is on the road, on the run, at the campground, at the playground, in the office or in the moment. It’s a journey we share with you. It’s the journey forward of our people, of our communities, of our category…with a reverence for quality and an irreverence for the status quo.

 At Jack Link's Protein Snacks, we see every moment of every day as an opportunity to move forward, to forge new ground. To realize our vision of becoming the World’s #1 Protein Snack Company. We never give up. You never give up. Together, we keep going. Are you wild enough to join us?

Jack Link's Protein Snacks is a global leader in snacking and the No. 1 meat snack manufacturer worldwide. Family-owned and operated with headquarters in Minong, Wisconsin, Jack Link’s Protein Snacks also has a large corporate hub in Downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota. The company is made up of over 4,000 passionate team members, across 11 countries, who share an uncompromising commitment to delivering awesome products and feeding the journey of those who move things forward. The Jack Link’s Protein Snacks portfolio of brands includes, Jack Link’s, Lorissa’s Kitchen, MATADOR Jerky, BiFi and Peperami.

Come join Jack Links as a Sr. Project Manager with our engineering team to identify and implement automated manufacturing systems across our manufacturing and distribution locations. The goal of these projects is to deliver reduced manufacturing costs and/or increased manufacturing capability. In this role, you will work in collaboration with operations, supply chain and new product development teams as well as external automation companies to develop automated equipment and production lines. 

Specifically, you will work across these areas: 

• Project Leadership:  Be the Project Manager for projects being implemented.  Develop project plans and convey concepts and specifications to key stakeholders internally and externally.  Provide corrective feedback to keep projects on track. 
• Supplier Relationships: Maintain current knowledge of key automation suppliers and provide input on the capabilities and status of providers of automation design, system and equipment manufacturing.  Evaluate suppliers and make recommendations for selection based on project needs. 
• Production Support: Worki with production and maintenance team members, support efforts to improve performance of current manufacturing systems, e.g. yield, speed, personnel requirements, and maintenance needs.  Consider factors such as ease of setup, changeover and maintenance, reliability, contamination control and costs. Identify possible product modifications to improve manufacturability.
• Process Analysis: Lead FMEA and risk analysis activities for planned automation to insure high OEE of new systems. 
• Automation Technology: Keep up to date with automation technology developments, new trends, applications, equipment and suppliers.  Apply knowledge to promote continuous improvement of existing production equipment.
• Project Planning:  Build and maintain a hopper of cost savings automation projects to deliver a targeted cost savings plan. 

• 8 + years of experience with automation projects within Consumer-Packaged Goods - preferably in the Food Sector.
• Bachelor's degree required. Mechanical Engineering Degree preferred.
• Knowledge and experience in AutoCAD. 
• Must be proficient in the use of Microsoft Office applications, including Microsoft Project, Word and EXCEL.
• Experience successfully performing engineered designs for large scale projects and leading project teams required.
• Familiarity with TPM, Six Sigma, LEAN or other vigorous Continuous Improvement Methodologies preferred. 
• Job assignments are complex in nature and require excellent planning, project leadership, technical skills and communication to be successful in meeting project objectives.  Must be able to coordinate and resolve both interpersonal and technical problems and work independently.
• Effective oral and written communication skills, acute attention to detail, excellent time and project management skills and the drive to complete projects thoroughly required
• Ability to handle multiple priorities in a fast-changing work environment.
• Must be a creative thinker with good interpersonal relationship skills, strong project management and process improvement skills, as well as strong cross-functional teamwork skills.
• Qualified candidates will be able to present and detail a successful automation project that they have led from concept to completion.
• Ability to travel 50 - 60% of the time. 

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:
Jack Link’s provides equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic that is protected by federal, state or local law.

E-VERIFY:
Jack Link’s is participant in the federal E-Verify program to confirm the identity and employment authorization of all newly hired employees.  For information about the E-Verify program, please visit:  http://www.uscis.gov/e-verify/employees

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.