Operations Capabilities Specialist - Blue Buffalo

COMPANY OVERVIEW

We exist to make food the world loves. But we do more than that. Our company is a place that prioritizes being a force for good, a place to expand learning, explore new perspectives and reimagine new possibilities, every day. We look for people who want to bring their best - bold thinkers with big hearts who challenge one another and grow together. Because becoming the undisputed leader in food means surrounding ourselves with people who are hungry for what's next.

POSITION OVERVIEW

• Operations Capabilities Specialist
• Starting Pay: $24.00 per hour
• $1.00 per hour additional shift differential pay (7pm to 7am)
• 12-hour shifts | 3 on, 2 off, 2 on, 3 off schedule

Why Join Our Team

Located in historic Joplin, at our Joplin Pet manufacturing site we produce Blue Buffalo dog food, Sizzlers, Stix, Bits, Blue Bones and Wilderness Wild Bones dog treats. We foster a culture where we want our employees to be excited to come to work. We have a variety of committees at our plant to engage and connect our employees. Our Blue Rah committee hosts events throughout the year, as well as events for employees and their families. We also partner with our local humane society for different events and volunteer work.

What We Have to Offer

• $26.20 per hour starting pay
• Earn up to $32.50 per hour with internal pay advancement
• $1.00 per hour additional for hours worked between 7 pm and 7 am
• Up to 120 hours (10 days) vacation annually
• 11 paid company holidays
• 401(k) with company match
• Medical, dental, life insurance
• Career growth and cross-training opportunities

Your Work Schedule and Shift Information

• 12-hour shifts
  • AM: 6:45 am - 7:00 pm
  • PM: 6:45 pm - 7:00 am

• Currently hiring for Night Shift only
• 12-hour schedule: Work repeating 3 nights on, 2 nights off, 2 nights on, 3 nights off schedule
• Must be willing to work overtime, weekends, nights, and holidays as needed
• Plant operates 24 hours/day, 7 days/week.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

As part of our manufacturing team, you will:

• Provide technical and process leadership for the shift through equipment expertise, Daily Management System execution, and on-shift mentorship to support operational performance and team development.
• Promote and model strong food and human safety practices in alignment with safety principles, proactively identifying and mitigating risks
• Develop team capability through hands-on coaching, mentoring, and training to maintain equipment at basic conditions (CIL, CL, DH, TOO, changeovers)
• Support onboarding and ongoing development of shift team members in partnership with site learning programs and training systems
• Lead and support daily operational performance routines, including Daily Direction Setting (DDS) and improvement plan execution to drive loss elimination
• Utilize data and manufacturing systems to analyze performance, troubleshoot issues, and support informed decision-making across the operation
• Build operational understanding of production processes, equipment, and systems to strengthen workforce technical mastery and problem-solving capability
• Create, maintain, and improve training materials and skill matrices to identify capability gaps and track employee development progress
• Provide backup support for operations roles as needed to ensure continuity, staffing flexibility and effective team coverage

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or GED
• Ability to work rotating 12-hour shifts
• Must possess the ability to understand and effectively communicate with co-workers, supervisors, and others in the workplace regarding work matters (our business is generally conducted in English)
• 2 years (minimum) of manufacturing experience
• Demonstrated leadership experience in a highly collaborative, team-based manufacturing or production environment
• Proven ability to drive results through effective process execution, teamwork, and continuous improvement practices
• Track record of identifying opportunities and reducing losses while improving operational performance
• Strong technical understanding of manufacturing process and equipment, with hands-on experience
• Effective communicator with the ability to collaborate across shifts, departments, and cross-functional teams
• Experience working with manufacturing data systems (e.g. MQIS, Maximo) to pull, analyze, and interpret operational data for decision-making
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs
• Ability to stand, walk, climb, bend, push, pull, and twist for extended periods
• Willingness to work in hot, cold, noisy, wet, or dusty conditions
• Ability to climb and/or work at heights while utilizing stairs, ladders, personnel lifts, or platforms
• Ability to follow human and food safety, quality, and grooming standards
• Ability to wear such as protective clothing and equipment (Personal Protective Equipment -PPE) such as safety shoes, safety glasses, hearing protection, hard/bump cap, hair/beard net, gloves, and face masks (when required)
• Ability to work around high-speed machinery and food allergens

ELIGIBILITY

Applicants must meet a minimum 18-year age qualification.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER (EOE)

General Mills is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital or familial status, status regarding public assistance, or membership or activity in a local human rights commission.

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