Operations Business Unit Lead

At Hill’s we have a purpose to transform the lives of millions of pet families through pioneering innovation, science-led nutrition, and the best and brightest people. If you’re interested in work that matters, fueled by passion for pets, we invite you to apply.

Founded more than 75 years ago with an unwavering commitment to pet nutrition, Hill’s mission is to help enrich and lengthen the special relationships between people and their pets. Our decades of science and research guide us in creating nutrition that’s a step ahead so pets and pet parents can enjoy every day together. As the US #1 Veterinarian recommended pet food brand, knowledge is our first ingredient with 220+ veterinarians, PhD nutritionists and food scientists working to develop breakthrough innovations in pet health.

Operations Business Unit Lead - 3rd Shift

Are you ready to drive operational excellence at the heart of a fully integrated, automated production facility? As a Processing Business Unit Lead, you will function as the operational hub of our facility, utilizing cutting-edge technology to champion performance and optimize our manufacturing systems. Reporting directly to the Operations Team Leader, you will own the critical monitoring, operation, and maintenance of our mixing, filling, and sterilization processes. Your leadership will directly shape the future of our manufacturing team.

Responsibilities

• Operates, monitors, and performs changeovers and maintenance of automated and manual equipment throughout the production facility through computer terminals, control panels, tablets and/or by manual means. Critical knowledge of the Mixer area, Fillers and Seamers, and Hydrostat Sterilizer
• Monitor conditions throughout the facility and work with other team members to ensure consistent operational performance
• Provide expert job knowledge and take a lead role in troubleshooting including root cause analysis
• Gather relevant information efficiently; apply logic in solving problems and making decisions; use data to support recommendations; weigh risks and predict costs and benefits. Use software to monitor equipment performance, making recommendations for improvement to Production or for Autonomous Maintenance (AM) and Preventative Maintenance (PM) activities
• Participate in Sanitation and upkeep of Process area
• Fosters an environment that values teamwork and sharing of ideas
• Makes product to required standards: sampling, testing, and making adjustments as needed
• Interact with Reliability BUL to plan Autonomous Maintenance and Preventative Maintenance activities
• Follow all safety and quality requirements
• Identify continuous improvement opportunities, provide solutions and empower employees in decision making

Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent standard.
• Minimum of 5 years of manufacturing experience, including direct experience interacting with HMI screens.
• Proven technical proficiency in operating and monitoring industrial equipment.
• Ability to meet all physical demands of the role, including lifting up to 50 lbs. and climbing stairs carrying tools/supplies.

Preferred Qualifications

• Technical Certification, Associate's Degree, or Bachelor's Degree.
• Food Safety Experience
• Hands-on technical experience utilizing SAP software platforms.
• Strong data-driven decision-making, complex problem-solving, and cross-functional communication skills.

Physical Functions:

• Ability to bend, climb, crawl, and work in confined spaces, and work in hazardous condition spaces for up to twelve hours per day
• Ability to work in extreme weather conditions with temperature ranges from cold to hot and humid
• Ability to use hazardous materials 
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. on a continual basis
• Ability to wear all required Fall Protection Equipment and all other PPE, including hearing, eye, foot and dust protection.
• Complete tasks that require working with hands overhead
• Use a stand-up or sit-down forklift, intermittently for up to twelve hours per day 
• Type, using a computer keyboard, intermittently for up to twelve hours per day 
• Walk unlimited distances each day
• Frequently walk up and down multiple levels of steps, multiple times a day, up to 8.5 levels - carrying tool bag, materials, or other supplies that weigh 25 lbs on average
• Occasionally climb ladders or ledges, with tie-off equipment when required
• Frequently bend at waist 90 degrees and flex at knees 120 degrees 
• Perceive visual and audible alarms and telephones while wearing hearing protection
• Receive and transmit information in person and by telephone communications