Production Logistics Specialist - 1St Shift (Sparks, Nv)

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Draws up a production line-level schedule to establish each operation's sequence and lead time, meeting shipping dates according to sales forecasts, operational efficiencies, warehouse utilization, and material availability.
• Plans and schedules workflow for processing and packaging operation according to previously established manufacturing sequences and lead times.
• Plans the sequence of process, assembly, packaging, and other manufacturing operations to guide production workers. Coordinates with production supervisors, supply chain planners, and management to prioritize production runs. Expedites operations that impact the OOS list and adjust schedules to meet unplanned sales demands.
• Prepares available runs for each production value stream to ensure maximum efficiency in meeting corporate KPIs related to optimal use of equipment, associates, space, and cost.
• Inputs data and prepares reports and charts to support metrics required for the management team. Review all data to ensure integrity (including Safety and Quality information).

• Assists in staging materials for scheduled production runs.
• Assists in manufacturing areas as needed or directed.

• Receives priorities from Supply Chain Planning and communicates priorities to Production.
• Ensures all batch production records are readily available at the time of use.
• Communicates blending priorities with the pre-weight team to ensure a smooth transition of materials to minimize downtime.
• Coordinates with receiving to ensure all necessary ingredients and components have been transferred to the appropriate staging location.

• Coordinates communication between supporting departments to ensure all planned deviations are completed and attached to appropriate batch production records.
• Identifies and submits suggestions to improve efficiency, quality, and safety.
• Complies with safety and GMP requirements.

Supports a culture of safe production and exhibits safe work practices. Actively participates in the safety program by engaging in safety activities. Effectively provides and accepts constructive peer-to-peer feedback on safety performance. Adheres to policies, procedures, SOP’s, safe work practices, and safety policies and procedures. Reports ALL workplace incidents to supervisor immediately. Communicates concerns to supervisor, reports hazards, and provides input on prevention. Properly uses, wears, and stores Personal Protective Equipment when required.  Participates on safety teams and/or completes safety-related activities as part of regular job responsibilities.

QUALIFICATIONS 

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

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree preferred or working towards a degree AND five years of experience required in production area or knowledge of NOW’s current system OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Prior production scheduling experience preferred.
• Experience in Lean Manufacturing including 5S and Lean Practices helpful.
• Intermediate skills in MS office including Excel, PowerPoint, Access, etc. required.
• Oracle experience strongly preferred.

PERFORMANCE ABILITY

Ability to work with all levels of management and in time-constrained situations. Ability to think globally about schedules impacting all departments while fulfilling customer expectations. Understanding costs related to downtime, labor, and continuous improvement initiatives while supporting safety and cGMP goals. Understanding the overall corporate goal as it relates to the production floor. Demonstrated ability to meet quality, safety, and efficiency goals consistently. Excellent problem-solving skills are required. Excellent organizational skills and ability to prioritize and calmly handle multiple tasks simultaneously in a fast-paced environment; demonstrate a strong sense of urgency and flexibility to change tasks frequently. Strong teamwork ability to collaborate and communicate effectively with others; and excellent written and verbal communication skills required. Strong attention to detail skills; data driven; and demonstrated high quality of work. Consistently follows all company policies and procedures, including all safety policies and procedures.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers and coworkers.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

Ability to work with mathematical concepts. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Ability to work extended hours, including weekends, to support business needs.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee 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 employee is frequently required to move between a stationary work location and various locations throughout the work facility, including the production floor. The employee must regularly use the telephone and computer to talk and hear. 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. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

When on the Production floor:

• Works around ingredients such as vitamins, minerals, amino acids, botanicals, etc., and chemicals such as alcohol that may require respiratory protection.  
• May be exposed to potentially hazardous chemicals and biological materials.   
• Employee works near moving mechanical parts. When on the production floor, frequently exposed to vapors, airborne particles, and herbal aromas, some classified as allergens or irritants.
• This position works in all areas of NOW’s manufacturing facilities, with direct exposure to ingredients (powders and liquids), mixes (powders and liquids), equipment, and packaging. It is frequently exposed to all of the FDA-designated major food allergens (Milk, Eggs, Fish, Crustacean shellfish (e.g., crab, lobster, shrimp), Tree nuts (e.g., almonds, walnuts, pecans), Wheat, and Soybeans, except for peanuts.
• As required, works in a loud area requiring hearing protection and other protective equipment.