Principal Continuous Improvement Specialist

About SunOpta

SunOpta delivers customized supply chain solutions and innovation for top brands, retailers and foodservice providers across a broad portfolio of beverages, broths and better-for-you snacks. With over 50 years of expertise, SunOpta fuels customers’ growth with high-quality, sustainability-forward solutions distributed through retail, club, foodservice and e-commerce channels across North America.

Job Summary

The Principal CI Specialist drives medium to large-scale CI projects, aligning improvement initiatives with business objectives and operational goals. This role plays a key part in standardization efforts, data-driven decision-making, and employee training to enhance efficiency and reduce variability.

Essential Functions Of The Job

• Manage initiatives that significantly improve safety, cost, quality, and/or productivity across multiple areas of the facility.
• Ensure continuous improvement supports overall business goals.
• Develop standardized approaches (best practices) to reduce inefficiencies and enhance consistency.
• Provide advanced coaching and guidance to develop internal CI capabilities.
  
  

Supervisory Responsibilities

• N/A.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

• Associate or Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or related field.
• 5 years in CI roles or other relevant experience.
• Proficiency in MS Excel along with a working knowledge of MS Word and MS PowerPoint.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Black Belt certified with proven project implementation experience.
  
  

Knowledge And Skills

• Knowledge in Lean Six Sigma with strong command of DMAIC, process modeling, and statistical tools.
• Proficiency in complex data-driven decision-making and root cause analysis.
• Skilled in implementing control measures to sustain improvements.
  
  

Additional Considerations

• Location: This position will be based in our SunOpta Plant in Allentown, PA.
• Work Environment: Approximately 70% is in a manufacturing/production environment; 30% of this role is performed in an office environment
• International remote working arrangements (outside of the US) will not be considered.
  
  

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

EOE M/W/VET/DISABLED