Plant Impact Specialist

Founded in 2013, Home Chef is the leading meal solutions company with both a retail and online presence. Available online at homechef.com and in retail at more than 2,100 Kroger grocery stores, Home Chef is committed to inspiring and enabling more people to cook simple, delicious meals, no matter how busy they are.

In 2023, Home Chef introduced a new brand, Tempo! Tempo features a rotating selection of ready-to-heat meals delivered directly to your door. These meals are better-for-you versions of familiar favorites, designed to save you time and reduce stress while maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Our Tempo menu includes options that are protein-packed, fiber-rich, calorie and carb conscious, keto-friendly, and dietitian-approved.

Similar to our recipes, we recognize that variety is the spice of life, and therefore, our employees also bring their uniqueness and color to our fantastic team. We’re eager to work with humble team players and pragmatic next-level thinkers to innovate on Home Chef’s offerings.

The Plant Impact Specialist plays a critical role in supporting both the administrative and operational aspects of plant impact initiatives. Reporting to the Plant Impact Manager, this position is responsible for assisting with the execution of new product implementations, marketing initiatives, process optimization, and cross-functional collaboration and communication associated with corporate led changes to plant operations. The role will also involve hands-on work to improve operational efficiency through continuous improvement methods and Lean practices. The ideal candidate will support both strategic projects and day-to-day operations while ensuring seamless communication between plant teams and corporate functions.

Detailed Responsibilities

Project Coordination and Administrative Support

• Assist the Plant Impact Manager in coordinating communication between corporate and plant teams regarding product innovations, marketing initiatives, capacity planning, and project timelines.
• Manage documentation related to new product implementations, SKUs, and process changes, ensuring all records are up to date and shared with relevant stakeholders.
• Prepare reports, track progress, and maintain schedules for plant impact meetings and project timelines, providing updates to the Plant Impact Manager and supporting decision-making at both plant and corporate levels.

Process Optimization and Data Analysis

• Collect and analyze data on product types, mix, and menu design to optimize site productivity and product offerings.
• Assist in developing and maintaining Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and best practices to enhance operational performance.
• Support day-to-day operations by troubleshooting process issues, performing box fit tests, and implementing corrective actions for product design and packaging optimization.

Cross-functional Collaboration and Support

• Act as a liaison between plant and corporate teams to ensure smooth implementation of new products and alignment on operational initiatives.
• Collaborate with Fulfillment, New Product Development, Marketing, HR, Ops Tech, Warehouse Excellence, and Maintenance teams to gather feedback and resources for project execution.
• Facilitate communication between the Plant Impact Manager and plant teams, helping to align goals and initiatives, while providing on-site support and guidance when needed.
• Demonstrate willingness to work flexible hours and travel periodically to the fulfillment centers to provide regular on-site support, guidance, and drive accountability.
• Develop a strong understanding of plant operations and act as the plant’s advocate in corporate discussions, ensuring plant interests are represented effectively.

This position requires up to 50% travel. 

Qualifications

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability needed for this role. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities.

• Associate’s / Bachelor's preferred, or equivalent experience
• Experience in food manufacturing is preferred. Strong candidates would have experience in supply chain, plant operations, or operations excellence roles
• Exceptional communication with demonstrated ability to drive results, manage conflict, achieve alignment, and collaboration amongst cross functional teams and with external stakeholders
• Excellent project management ability, with experience overseeing and prioritizing among multiple workstreams, and facilitating problem-solving amongst diverse stakeholders 
• Must be willing and able to accommodate up to 50% travel to the fulfillment centers
• Strong analytical skills required, with experience using Excel to build models and demonstrate findings to partners
• Successful candidate must be high energy, have strong people skills, demonstrated history of being an influential partner, and have a strong history of ownership and flexibility. They are willing to take on any project, large or small, and the words ‘that’s not in my job description’ are not in their vocabulary.
• Ideal candidate has a strategic mindset, with the ability to see the big picture as well as diving into the weeds when necessary.

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