Smithfield Foods

Senior Process Improvement Engineering Manager

Smithfield Foods$100K — $130K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's Degree in Engineering (Industrial, Manufacturing, or related discipline) and 8+ years of relevant experience
  • 2+ years of demonstrated experience in team management or project leadership
  • Excellent communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills
  • Proficiency in continuous improvement methodologies like lean manufacturing and Value Stream Mapping
  • Ability to travel up to 50% based on project needs

Responsibilities

  • Lead long-term roadmaps for productivity and cost efficiency
  • Provide technical direction and mentorship to engineering teams
  • Analyze and enhance manufacturing processes using lean techniques
  • Manage multiple engineering projects from concept to execution
  • Utilize data for root cause analysis and continuous improvement
  • Develop and maintain labor standards and production measurement systems
  • Collaborate cross-functionally to implement technical improvements
  • Facilitate training workshops for plant personnel on process optimization
  • Conduct audits to ensure compliance with internal and regulatory standards
  • Research and implement new technologies for efficiency and product quality

Benefits

  • Relocation package available
  • Opportunities for professional development and mentorship
  • Engagement in high-impact process improvement initiatives
  • Access to advanced technologies and systems
  • Supportive leadership that promotes employee development
Full Job Description
If you are currently employed at Smithfield, please log into Workday and submit your application through the Jobs Hub.If you are currently employed at Smithfield, please log into Workday and submit your application through the Jobs Hub.

The position summary states the general nature and purpose of the job. Overall accountabilities are defined in this section.

As a Senior Process Improvement Engineering Manager, you will provide strategic leadership for enterprise-wide initiatives that drive operational excellence, enhance product quality, and optimize cost performance across multiple manufacturing sites. In this high-impact role, you will architect and lead the execution of advanced process improvement strategies, labor optimization programs, and continuous improvement frameworks that support long-term business goals. You will mentor and develop a high-performing, cross-functional engineering organization, establish performance standards and measurements.

WHAT YOU'LL DO:

The below statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. May perform other duties as assigned.
  • Strategic Leadership: Lead the development of long-term roadmaps to drive productivity, cost efficiency, and standardization; serve as a thought leader for process transformation, capital allocation, and innovation, including automation and advanced analytics initiatives.
  • Engineering Leadership: Provide technical direction and mentorship to engineering staff.
  • Process Optimization: Analyze and improve manufacturing processes, including workflows, layouts, and labor utilization. Implement lean manufacturing techniques such as Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping, and A3 problem-solving to reduce waste and increase throughput.
  • Project Management: Lead and manage multiple, concurrent engineering projects from concept through execution. Ensure project timelines, budgets, and objectives are achieved.
  • Data-Driven Improvements: Utilize data collection and root cause analysis to evaluate production systems, identify inefficiencies, and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Standards & Systems: Develop and maintain labor standards, SOPs, and production measurement systems. Establish and enhance management systems for cost analysis, financial planning, and job evaluation.
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with Operations, Quality, Maintenance, and Supply Chain to implement technical improvements and ensure alignment with business goals. Support new equipment installation and process validation.
  • Training & Knowledge Sharing: Facilitate training workshops and coach plant personnel and leaders on best practices in process optimization.
  • Compliance & Governance: Conduct audits and evaluations to ensure processes align with internal standards and regulatory requirements.
  • Technology Advancement: Research and implement new technologies and systems that improve operating efficiency, sustainability, and product quality.
  • Leadership: Drives a positive employee experience through leadership by way of employee development and coaching.


WHAT WE'RE SEEKING:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions.
  • Education: Bachelor's Degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Engineering (Industrial, Manufacturing, or related discipline) and 8+ years of relevant experience in manufacturing, engineering, or continuous improvement; or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
  • Leadership: 2+ years of demonstrated experience in team management/development or project leadership.
  • Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills. Self-motivated with a high degree of accountability and the ability to manage multiple priorities independently. Strong organizational planning and project execution skills.
  • Continuous Improvement & Analytical Skills: Demonstrated success in lean manufacturing, 5S, Value Stream Mapping, and statistical analysis.
  • Travel Flexibility: Ability to travel up to 50%, depending on project scope.


OTHER SKILLS THAT MAKE YOU STAND OUT:
  • Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (especially Excel); SAP experience preferred.
  • Six Sigma Black Belt or Master Black Belt preferred.


Relocation Package AvailableYes

Check out this video to learn more about this role!

About Smithfield Foods

Smithfield Foods is a meat processing company that produces and markets a variety of fresh and packaged meats. The company was founded in 1936 and is headquartered in Smithfield, Virginia. Smithfield Foods operates in the United States and internationally, and its products are sold under a number of well-known brands. The company is committed to sustainability and has implemented a number of initiatives to reduce its environmental impact. Smithfield Foods is a subsidiary of WH Group, a Chinese meat processing company.
Learn more about Smithfield Foods
Size
54,000 employees
Industry
Founded
1936

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