Process Improvement Analyst

Description:

The Business
Patties Foods is a true Australian success story. With humble beginnings in 1966 as a family-owned cake shop in Lakes Entrance, Victoria, we have grown into one of Australia's most loved manufacturers, suppliers, and marketers of leading branded frozen savoury, frozen meals, and dessert products. In recent years, Patties Foods has also started exporting to Japan and the USA, introducing the great Australian taste to the global market.
Our company values of Courage, Trust, Integrity, and Ownership reflect our origin as a proudly local company and have helped form a strong foundation for international growth. Patties Foods' brands have become household names across the nation, but to make our great brands happen, we need great people - and that's where you come in.
The Role
The Process Improvement Analyst will lead and support process improvement initiatives across all manufacturing operations located in Bairnsdale. This role is essential in driving continuous improvement by applying proven methodologies. Reporting to the Continuous Improvement & Sustainability Manager, the ideal candidate will focus on optimizing production processes, reducing waste, enhancing product quality, and ensuring compliance with both internal and external standards. The main duties will include but not be limited to;

• Manage and execute initiatives aimed at enhancing production efficiency, reducing operational costs, and improving product quality.
• Analyse production processes, packaging, and other key areas to identify inefficiencies and prioritise opportunities for improvement.
• Design and execute strategies to streamline workflows, reduce waste, and maximize resource utilisation across the manufacturing process.
• Apply Lean, Six Sigma, and other process improvement tools to drive measurable results in the production environment.
• Investigate underlying issues contributing to inefficiencies and quality problems, leading corrective actions and process enhancements.
• Implement strategies to eliminate waste (e.g., overproduction, defects, waiting time) and foster a culture of continuous improvement across teams.
• Work closely with production, quality control, maintenance, and supply chain teams to gather insights and align process changes.
• Oversee the planning, execution, and tracking of projects, ensuring they meet objectives, timelines, and deliver measurable outcomes.
• Track and analyse production, quality, and operational efficiency KPIs to assess the impact of improvements.
• Educate and support production staff in process improvement techniques and tools, helping to embed a culture of continuous improvement on the shop floor.
• Other ad hoc duties as per directed.

The Person
The ideal Process Improvement Analyst is a dynamic, results-driven professional with a strong passion for enhancing operational efficiency and driving continuous improvement. This person thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and will obtain the following;

• A Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Food Science, Business Administration, or a related field is preferred.
• Lean Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or Black Belt) is highly desirable.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in process improvement, operations management, or a similar role in a food manufacturing environment.
• Proven track record of applying Lean, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies to drive measurable improvements in manufacturing processes.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, particularly in food production.
• Proficiency with process mapping tools (e.g., Microsoft Visio) and data analysis tools (e.g., Excel).
• Familiarity with food safety and quality standards, including HACCP, GMP (desirable)

What we offer you
At Patties Food Group we are passionate about our people, brands and culture! We are an Equal Opportunity employer, committed to providing an inclusive environment where all employees are treated fairly and with respect. As a member of the Patties Food Group team, you will have access to;

• Generous employee benefits that compliment a positive work/life balance, including salary packaging as well as flexible working arrangements
• Take home products for you and your family to enjoy
• Employee Assistant Program (EAP) services, supportive parental leave options and multiple social and engagement activities.
• Patties people; hungry humble and focussed. Join us now!

We do not accept unsolicited resumes from employment agencies. No fee of any type will be paid in the event we hire a candidate whose resume is submitted by an employment agency to any of our employees without a valid written recruitment agreement. Such resumes shall be deemed the sole propriety of Patties Food Group