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.

JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY

The Manufacturing Process Engineering Manager plays a crucial role in ensuring the efficient and effective operation of the manufacturing processes. Will be responsible for overseeing and managing the process activities within the manufacturing facility. Will lead a team of process and reliability engineers to design, implement and optimize manufacturing processes for efficiency, quality and cost-effectiveness.

Leads a team of process and reliability engineers, while collaborating with cross functional departments to drive continuous improvement and implement innovative solutions.

DIRECT REPORTS

1. 1. Process Engineers
   2. Reliability Engineers

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (Essential Job Functions)

• Technical leadership – Provide technical expertise in facility layout, equipment selection, FAT support, installation and team member training. While also conducting equipment validations and being responsible for setting labor standards associated with equipment. Familiar with facility equipment OEMs, having experience with new automation capabilities.
• Strategic development & Process Optimization/Improvement – Develop cost-effective methods for production processes, collaborating with cross functional teams & department to align on process strategies for the facility and network. Analyze the current manufacturing processes using methodologies such as lean manufacturing and six sigma to identify inefficiencies, reduce waste and improve performance & profitability.
• Team management – Manage the process and reliability engineering teams, including hiring, training, developing and coaching. Coordinate with other departments, such as maintenance, product development, quality assurance and operations identifying process or equipment related gaps.
• Project Management – Manage engineering projects from conception to completion, including planning, budgeting, resource allocation and timeline management.  

• New Product Introduction – Oversee the transition of new designs and products from the cross functional teams into full scale production, ensuring line readiness, team member readiness and the development of necessary manufacturing processes and procedures.
• Administrative Tasks - Perform administrative duties necessary for the effective management of the department, including team member safety, selection and development, salary and budget administration, team member counseling and motivation, organization goals and objectives, planning, organizing, integrating, measuring, and reporting the work performed within the department.
   

  PHYSICAL DEMANDS  

  The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a Team Member to 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 Team Member will be required to wear the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (i.e. beard/hairnet, ear plugs, frock, boots, etc.), stand for extended periods of time, and use hands/arms to push, pull, reach and occasionally lift above head.  The Team Member must occasionally lift, push, pull up to 25 pounds and 50 pounds infrequently. Team Members are requested to visually inspect equipment and/or product. 

  WORK ENVIRONMENT

  The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those a Team Member encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The work environment is a plant setting with wet/slippery floors, varying degrees of temperatures with an average temperature of 40 degrees in the production area.  Team Members will be exposed to raw and/or cooked meat products and moving equipment and will be required to follow all Food Safety Quality requirements.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, automation technology or related field
• 5+ years’ experience in a manufacturing environment
• Proven experience in automation, project management and process improvement

Preferred:

• Master’s degree in engineering, automation technology or related field
• Six Sigma Black Belt or Project Management Professional (PMP) Certificates  

REQUIRED SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES

• Technical expertise with in-depth knowledge of manufacturing processes, lean principles, six sigma methodologies and statistical analysis tools.
• Knowledge of relevant industry standards and safety regulations.
• Ability to work well under pressure, with knowledge of the equipment designs and functionality.
• Strong leadership, analytical skills, problem solving skills and communication skills. Strong cross functional collaboration with change management mindset.

The salary range for this role is $120,000 – $145,000(Annually).  Actual salaries will vary based on several factors, including but not limited to external market data, internal equity, location, and candidate skill set and experience. Base pay is just one component of Jack Link’s Total Rewards package for Team Members. Other rewards may include annual incentive and program-specific awards. Jack Link’s provides a variety of benefits to eligible Team Members, including medical, dental and vision benefits, life and disability insurance, 401k participation, paid holidays, and paid time off.

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.