Continuous Improvement Specialist

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A great job-and a great future-awaits you at Smithfield Foods. We are an American food company with a leading position in packaged meats and fresh pork products. We're looking for motivated people who want to join our team and grow lasting and meaningful careers with us. Apply Now!

THE VALUE YOU'LL BRING:

As a Continuous Improvement Specialist, you will play a crucial role in identifying and implementing process improvement opportunities to enhance manufacturing and operational efficiencies. Your responsibilities will include improving process outcomes to boost efficiency, reduce costs, and increase customer satisfaction at a specific location. You will provide expert advice and recommendations to key management personnel, influencing change and driving continuous process improvement using Manufacturing Intelligence (M-IQ), Lean transformation, and Smithfield Way methodologies.

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.

• Process Improvement and Optimization: You will evaluate plant efficiencies and drive cost savings by identifying and facilitating process improvement projects using A3 methodology. You will complete data collection, assist in root cause analysis, and conduct problem-solving activities with the plant team to troubleshoot issues. Acting as a change agent, you will identify and drive continuous improvement projects, implement process improvements aligned with key business objectives, and optimize manufacturing processes to achieve quality, efficiency, and repeatability across multiple facilities.

• Training and Cultural Change: You will facilitate training and workshops to drive cultural change and improve core company metrics as defined by leadership. You will participate in Kaizen and Value Stream Mapping events, coach management in the tactical execution of strategic plans, and help drive visual management into all aspects of the manufacturing environment.

• Compliance and Auditing: You will be responsible for conducting compliance audits, program evaluations, and reviews to drive results with the fortitude to ensure change is sustainable.

• Reporting and Communication: You will provide weekly reports and conduct periodic presentations to Senior leadership. You will partner cross-functionally to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of new equipment installations.

• Methodologies and Governance: You will work across the organization to ensure a consistent approach, format, data integrity, and decision processes are deployed and in use through the facility. You will deploy and sustain all M-IQ lean transformation process tenets and other Smithfield Way elements, ensuring each is sustained to meet the program governance.

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.

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Engineering, Science or related field and 2+ years of relevant experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience, required.

• Energized by collaboration through travel to other locations 50-75% of the time depending on the initiative being executed.

OTHER SKILLS THAT MAKE YOU STAND OUT:

• Demonstrated ability to train in person and via Teams effectively as well as present technical knowledge effectively.

• Demonstrated understanding of Continuous Improvement and lean manufacturing principles.

• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, including advanced level knowledge of Excel.

• Knowledge of SAP is preferred.

• Demonstrated planning, time management, organization, and execution skills.

• Can work independently - without direct oversight, self-motivated with high level of personal accountability.

• Excellent written and oral communication skills, organizational planning, teamwork, analytical reasoning, and adaptability.

• Strong interpersonal and technical skills.

• Ability to work well with others in fast paced, dynamic environment.

• Ability to be respectful, approachable and team oriented while building strong working relationships and a positive work environment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Mobility: Some positions may involve frequent bending, moving, lifting, and carrying materials weighing up to 50 pounds. In more physically demanding roles, this weight may go up to 70 pounds.

• Standing: You may need to stand for up to eight hours each day, especially during site visits or meetings.

• Weather Conditions: Depending on the job context, you might work in various weather conditions, including exposure to outdoor elements.

• Terrain: If you visit project sites, you may encounter uneven terrain, so mobility and adaptability are essential.

Relocation Package Available

Eligible for Company Vehicle

EEO Information

Smithfield is an equal opportunity employer committed to workplace diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, gender identity, protected veterans status, status as a disabled individual or any other protected group status or non-job characteristic as directed by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment selection process, please call us at 757-357-1595.