Technical Operations Specialist

Company Description

When it comes to being wild, we know a thing or two. We're not afraid of trying something new or the hard work it takes to make it happen. It's in our DNA. We've turned a family recipe into a new snacking category. And the wilderness into the world's largest meat snack business, that's still proudly family owned and operated.

We're a company built by innovators, and are driven to not only satisfy your hunger, but to also feed your journey – whether that journey is on the road, on the run, at the campground, at the playground, in the office or in the moment. It’s a journey we share with you. It’s the journey forward of our people, of our communities, of our category…with a reverence for quality and an irreverence for the status quo.

 At Jack Link's Protein Snacks, we see every moment of every day as an opportunity to move forward, to forge new ground. To realize our vision of becoming the World’s #1 Protein Snack Company. We never give up. You never give up. Together, we keep going. Are you wild enough to join us?

Jack Link's Protein Snacks is a global leader in snacking and the No. 1 meat snack manufacturer worldwide. Family-owned and operated with headquarters in Minong, Wisconsin, Jack Link’s Protein Snacks also has a large corporate hub in Downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota. The company is made up of over 4,000 passionate team members, across 11 countries, who share an uncompromising commitment to delivering awesome products and feeding the journey of those who move things forward. The Jack Link’s Protein Snacks portfolio of brands includes, Jack Link’s, Lorissa’s Kitchen, BiFi, Peperami, Wild River, Golden Island and Country Fresh Meats.

Job Description

JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY

The Technical Operations Assistant is a dynamic position focused on the execution of technical operations, which can include product support, process & product development, and product & data analysis while supporting daily operations. This role involves documentation, testing, and process optimization to improve product quality and manufacturing efficiency while collaborating with cross functional departments to ensure operational metrics and business goals are met. This individual will lead teams and projects to improve overall operational efficiencies, reliability and quality within a technical environment.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The duties and responsibilities of this position shall consist of, but not be limited to, the following:

Technical Operations:

• R&D & Operational Support:

Assisting with experiments, product testing, new product launches, prototyping, and process optimization.

• Documentation & Compliance:

Maintaining project documentation, technical files, and templates in accordance with quality systems and regulatory standards.

• Technical Oversight:

Managing technical projects, resolving complex issues with products or systems, and supporting design and development processes with cross functional teams. Setting up/breaking down equipment, troubleshooting technical issues, ensuring material readiness and monitoring production.

• Cross Functional Collaboration:

Partnering with R&D, Engineering, Project Management, and other internal teams to align technical operations with business objectives. 

• Process optimization: 

Continuously analyze and improve technical and operational workflows to increase productivity, reduce waste, and improve quality. This often involves using methodologies like Lean or Six Sigma.

• Data Analysis:

Monitor manufacturing and product performance trends, analyze data to identify problems, and make informed decisions for process improvements.

• Team Member Training:

Support the facility leadership team in identifying training/knowledge gaps with TMs on technical process related concerns. Develop action plans with the team to mitigate concerns.

• Perform other duties and responsibilities as necessary.

Qualifications

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Minimum Requirements:

• Technical Skills – Familiarity with lab techniques, manufacturing processes, software (MS Office), data management. 
• Problem-Solving: The ability to solve complex, ambiguous operational problems and drive continuous improvement. 
• Prior internships, manufacturing experience or lab work
• Ability to work in a team environment and manage multiple tasks

Additional Information

The starting rate for this role is $65,000 - $80,000(Annually). Actual salaries will vary based on several factors, including but not limited to external market data, internal equity, location, and candidate skill set and experience. Base pay is just one component of Jack Link’s Total Rewards package for Team Members. Other rewards may include annual incentive and program-specific awards. Jack Link’s provides a variety of benefits to eligible Team Members, including medical, dental and vision benefits, life and disability insurance, 401k participation, paid holidays, and paid time off.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a Team Member to be successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job the Team Member is regularly required to sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear. The Team Member is occasionally required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms. The Team Member must occasionally lift and/or more up to twenty-five pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those a Team Member encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The work environment is a plant/office setting with varying degrees of temperatures and noise levels. Exposure to manufacturing equipment movement and wet/slippery floors. However, the vast amount of work is conducted in a climate-controlled office. Travel may be required.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:
Jack Link’s provides equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic that is protected by federal, state or local law.

E-VERIFY:
Jack Link’s is participant in the federal E-Verify program to confirm the identity and employment authorization of all newly hired employees.  For information about the E-Verify program, please visit:  http://www.uscis.gov/e-verify/employees

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.