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, BiFi, Peperami, Wild River, Golden Island and Country Fresh Meats.

Join Jack Link's as a Continuous Improvement Intern during the summer of 2024 in New Glarus, WI! The Continuous Improvement Intern is responsible for assisting the implementation of the Jack Link’s Continuous Improvement Process. The position will be a resource to the Plant Leadership and Performance System implementation teams facilitating meetings, kaizen events, metrics and assisting in the root cause problem solving processes within the facility.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (Essential Job Functions)

The duties and responsibilities of this position shall consist of, but not be limited to, the following:

• Be the plant level change agent responsible for leading and managing continuous improvement process.                                                                                                                                              
• Work along with the Plant Leadership Team to monitor plant targets and Key Performance Indicators.                                                                                                                                                           
• Establish action plans and follow-up meetings, as needed, to advance  process improvements to achieve targets.                                                                                                                           
• Instill “hands-on,” systematic approach to problem solving (“Gemba”)                                         
• Continually challenge individuals and teams to improve through systematic application of continuous improvement methodologies and leading by example.          

• Manage the plant level Key Performance Indicator charting and posting process including daily, weekly and monthly KPI’s.                                                                                                                 
• Simplify the data line performance collection process, automate if possible.    

• Leverage Statistics and other data analysis methods to provide data to plant teams and operational leadership to facilitate the improvement of operations within the facility.      

• Be a member on improvement teams to help with data analysis, problem solving and presentation of solutions to various levels of the organization.                                                                             
• Facilitate Kaizen Events to drive improvements in performance

• Lead site’s Jack Link’s Performance System (JLPS) program for improvements.     

•  Be the owner of the Simple Root Cause problem solving tool and train   people on its use.  

• Implement a cost savings tracking process based on corporate process.

• Performs other duties and responsibilities as necessary.

Measurable output:

• You will develop a final presentation on your experience highlighting project work, accomplishments, and insight on Jack Link’s as a company.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Required Education:

Working towards a Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial, Manufacturing, Business, Engineering, Food Science, or other related field. Will consider candidates with another technical degree and related experience.

Required Experience:

• Six Sigma/Lean knowledge
• Experience in statistical process control, root-cause analysis, and or analytical methods

Preferred:

• Prior experience in a manufacturing environment
• Presentation and Project Management experience

REQUIRED SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES

Proven thorough understanding of continuous improvement activities.

Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.  Ability to speak effectively on a phone and before customers and other employees.  Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to create and interpret graphs and charts.  Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral or diagram form.  Ability to deal with conflict resolution.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills; must work effectively with all levels of management and employees.

Must demonstrate effective leadership, problem solving, presentation, and employee motivational skills.

Proficient in Internet navigation, Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

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

While performing the duties of this job the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to sit and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The work environment is a plant / office setting with varying degrees of temperatures and noise levels. Exposure to manufacturing equipment movement and wet / slippery floors. Travel may be required.

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.