Division SPS Practitioner

From a small family business to a multi-billion-dollar global company, Sonoco has been changing the face of products and packaging since 1899 — all while keeping the heart of “People Build Businesses” alive.

Our talented people are at the core of our growth, constantly reinventing the Sonoco wheel with brilliant solutions every year. Today we are a world leader in global packaging solutions with diversified operations in over 34 countries. We're extremely proud of our portfolio of brands, our achievements in sustainability and industrialization and the groundbreaking work accomplished by our people. 

While reporting to the Division SPS & Technical Manager, the Division SPS Practitioner is responsible for leading SPS implementation across the Region, including the implementation of Manufacturing Basics.

What you’ll be doing:

• Develops, executes, and maintains implementation plan in conjunction with leadership team to drive training and activities in support of ongoing process improvements.

• Communicate & Review monthly trip report, implementation plan, and scorecards as applicable with Division management team to ensure compliance to plan.

• Utilize division and functional leaders to calibrate divisional expectations with SPS regarding 5S sweep sheet / audit, DTM audits / checklist, machine condition, and maintenance excellence.

• Work with Division leadership team to identify correct metrics and stretch goals for plants in all phases of the SPS Continuum, ensuring balance of forward progress and realistically achievable targets.

• Train, coach and educate plant level associates on improving zero based losses and key performance indicators such as manufacturing OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness), product quality, waste reduction, process performance, supply chain efficiency, energy conservation, safety, and operating costs.

• Assist in strategic planning, special project assignments, cost / benefit analysis, and assessment of financial impact of SPS at both plant and division levels.

• Align appropriate Divisional goals with SPS through leadership of a division level SPS steering team.

• Identify and train appropriate personnel to understand, communicate and take actions based on metrics and tracking implemented.

• Perform job functions without direct supervision.

• Utilize Continuous Improvement (CI) methodologies to drive a culture of learning, a dedication to ongoing improvement, and a focus on sustainable results.

• Assist in leading, coaching, mentoring projects, succession planning, SPS, Budgeting as required for Division.

• Mentors and supports Lean-Six Sigma, DMAIC and TPM processes as needed. Works closely with SPS Specialists. Coordinates SPS and SWFL process implementation as needed.

• Review pillar teams and model machine team communication boards to ensure the boards are up-to-date, easily understood, standard, and show accurate measurements & results.

• Schedule and execute engagement visits with pre-defined agendas.

• Complete monthly trip report, implementation plan, and scorecard after each visit.

• Coordinate schedules and communications with SPS team to ensure consistent communications to plants / mills.

• Ensure plants / mills are following the SPS process – no short cuts.

• Drive understanding and focus on both process steps and performance results.

• Give direct, one-on-one feedback to plant / mill managers on people and process deficiencies and work with them to develop corrective action plan.

• Help coach pillar leaders and teams to share learnings, leverage and standardization.

• Drive standardization of Processes, Pillars, Pillar Steps, Metrics, Systems, Communication Formats, etc. across plants and division.

• Identify, schedule and support resources needed at the plants.

• Lead pre-assessment actions to prepare plants / mills for SPS implementation.

• Participate in SPS Division/ Segment Steering team meetings and give feedback to steering team on SPS progress, issues and barriers.

• Assist plant with meeting completion dates for the SPS implementation plan

• Schedule Area Manager visits or phone conference monthly to review KPI performance progress

• Require KPI stretch goals versus incremental improvements

• Communicate to SPS Leader and Regional Managers limitations or perceived limitations associated with capital or people resources

• Support and participate in the plant rewards and recognition decisions as milestones are achieved

• Walk the production floor with plant manager and pillar team owners - participate in a 5S sweep sheet / audit, DTM audits, OPL reviews, and DTM checklist accuracy

• Continuously raise the bar on expectations

This is a remote position with 80% travel required to plant sites.

We’d love to hear from you if:

• Manufacturing leadership, engineering, continuous improvement experience (TPM, Lean, Six Sigma, etc.).

• Strong technical aptitude and the ability to grasp a general knowledge of division specific manufacturing disciplines, financials, and technologies, across the regions(s) of support.

• Ability to effectively lead multi-functional teams at different sites in the region from the plant floor to regional teams.

• Demonstrated skills in working with shop floor teammates, team development, and leadership skills.

• Skill at building harmonious and sympathetic relationships with others.

• Skill at enlisting others’ support and assistance in influencing others.

• Effective, efficient and seamless ability to deliver the intent, message and context to ensure transfer of knowledge.

Compensation: 

The annual base salary range for this role is from $122,320 to $137,610, plus annual target bonus of 7.5% of base salary. 

At Sonoco Products Company, we offer a comprehensive total rewards package, including competitive pay and benefits. *Benefits listed below are for employees located in the U.S. Specific benefits and wellbeing programs may vary depending on your location (within the U.S. or global), or if you are a union employee.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your dependents, including FSA and HSA options
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match
• Wellbeing tools and resources to support holistic health, including an Employee Assistance Program with a variety of services
• Paid time off and holidays to recreate, rejuvenate and care for the health of yourself and family
• Variety of company paid and voluntary employee-paid insurance plans including life, personal accident, and disability insurance
• Tuition reimbursement

We are an equal opportunity employer, and we strictly prohibit and do not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants or any other covered persons because of race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, marital status, gender identity or expression, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any legally protected characteristic.