Process Specialist

Basic Function

The Process Specialist will monitor, troubleshoot, and optimize operating lines to drive process and product improvements. During a typical day they will apply technical knowledge to detect causes of deviations in quality, capacity, yield, and energy consumption. The individual will identify, recommend and implement strategic projects to improve line performance. The process Specialist will also collaborate with site leadership to support process design and implementation of capital projects. The Process Specialist will be reporting to the Operations Manager and will be based out of Akron, OH.

Roles & Responsibilities

•    Releasing process orders in SAP, review BOM’s for irregularities and send BOM change request to the lab as needed, update run rates and process order notes in SAP, determine blend size, print and submit to the lab.

•    Send missing material list to AKO Supply Chain for upcoming production runs.

•    Create new production versions in SAP for existing SAP item numbers.

•    Add notes to BOM header page or setup sheet for quality complaints, special PPE requirements, and QC specs.

•    Update the schedule to reflect completed runs, newly released process orders, missing raw materials, scheduled maintenance downtime, planned screw pulls, etc.

•    Hold a regular AKO scheduling meeting with office staff and Corporate Planning/Asset Management.

•    Re-sequence production runs on the schedule to for efficient color wheels, processing needs, Lab trials, or other considerations to improve productivity.

•    Communicate priority changes and immediate schedule to AKO site members, Corporate Planners/Asset management.

•    Forward any questions and requests from corporate Planning/Asset management to the appropriate AKO site staff and respond with answers and updates.

•    Work with the Maintenance team, AKO management, and corporate Planning/Asset management to schedule planned machine downtime for preventative maintenance and machine repair. 

•    Request updates from Purchasing on ordered raw materials. 

•    Work with Purchasing and Corporate Planning/Asset Management on future raw material demand for specific SAP items. 

•    Request cycle counts for raw materials that could affect releasing process orders as needed.

•    Communicate impact to the schedule due to back ordered raw materials.

•    Calculate and coordinate partial runs based on shortage of raw materials.

•    Create Change-over checklists for equipment.

•    Participate in scale up meeting with PAD group on a regular basis.
 

Min. Qualifications

•    Minimum of four years of experience in a plastics manufacturing industry
•    Demonstrated advanced capability in Microsoft Office Suite, SAP and data driven decision making
•    Knowledgeable in scheduling
•    Ability to apply process knowledge to solve machine performance problems
•    Knowledgeable in the HSE/PSM regulations and relevant company Operational Excellence guidelines/procedures
•    Good troubleshooting skills and technique
•    Properly interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram or schedule form
•    Ability to work proactively and support other personnel and departments
•    Possess a professional attitude
•    Ability to multitask and utilize the time available to organize and complete work within given deadlines   
 

Work Environment

•    Ability to work with fiberglass among other potentially hazardous materials
•    Willing and able to comply with respiratory fit testing (where applicable)
•    Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) may be required to be worn
•    Ability to work in moderate noise level atmosphere
•    Ability to work in an environment that is not temperature-controlled; very warm temperatures in summer months
 

Competencies