Continuous Improvement Coordinator

Farmer Focus•Harrisonburg, VA

22h•$75,000 - $85,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Continuous Improvement Coordinator drives process and system improvements at Farmer Focus’s production facility by implementing programs with sustainable, long-term benefits. The role partners with continuous improvement team members, department leaders, and cross-functional facility teams to standardize systems and improve safety, quality, yield, and operational efficiency in support of facility and enterprise goals. The Coordinator leads multidisciplinary improvement projects, analyzes operational data, identifies underperforming production areas, and develops action plans to close performance gaps and strengthen a culture of continuous improvement. This is an onsite position at the production facility at 779 Massanutten Street. Work takes place in office, meeting, and production-floor environments and may involve observing processes, collecting data, participating in operational meetings, and collaborating with facility leaders and team members. The position may require compliance with facility safety, food safety, PPE, quality, and regulatory requirements. Travel within the United States may be required once per year for conferences or training.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering, biotechnology engineering, food engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related engineering field.
At least two years of experience in the poultry industry or a fast-paced manufacturing environment, in a supervisory-level position or higher, with direct responsibility for managing operations, personnel, and performance in a production department and significant presence on the manufacturing floor.
Strong analytical, planning, problem-solving, and project management skills.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including advanced Excel knowledge.
Experience with Lean Six Sigma tools.
Ability to conduct statistical analysis using Minitab or Excel.
Ability to lead cross-functional teams, influence stakeholders, and support adoption of process improvements through documentation, training, and follow-up.
Knowledge of continuous improvement systems, Kaizen methodology, Root Cause Analysis, 5 Why processes, SOP development, KPI tracking, and 6S practices.
Ability to perform the essential functions of the role with or without reasonable accommodation.
Must pass a post-offer drug, alcohol, and background screening before employment begins.
Must complete employment eligibility verification by the end of the third day of work.

Responsibilities

Drive continuous improvement initiatives at the production facility to improve safety, quality, yield, efficiency, and overall operational performance.
Lead multidisciplinary facility projects that implement standardized systems and support facility and enterprise goals.
Evaluate production processes and identify more efficient operating methods while maintaining compliance with company policies and applicable government regulations.
Oversee facility continuous improvement personnel and drive relevant Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
Track and measure progress, analyze inefficiencies, identify underperforming production areas, and develop action plans to close performance gaps.
Lead focused Kaizen efforts for breakthrough and incremental improvements in plant processes, departments, and production lines.
Use change management tools and techniques to support stakeholder adoption, documentation, training, and sustainable implementation of improved processes and systems.
Define and implement processes that support a continuous improvement culture, including annual improvement planning, results review, issue identification, problem-solving, project launches, and sustainable solution implementation.
Oversee collection and analysis of operational efficiency data to identify project opportunities.
Audit improved processes and continuous improvement initiatives for sustainability and compliance.
Partner with department managers and operations leaders to interpret data, prepare teams for reporting and meetings, identify opportunities, and develop action plans.
Lead meetings about operational efficiency, continuous improvement opportunities, and progress against action plans.
Oversee development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Root Cause Analysis protocols, 5 Why processes, and related investigation support following incidents.
Create dashboards to organize data collection, root cause analyses, 5 Whys, and 6S activities.
Support senior operational leadership through meeting attendance, organization, and interdepartmental communication.
Perform job responsibilities safely and efficiently while following applicable regulations and company policies.