Process Improvement Engineer III

British American Tobacco•Winston-Salem, NM

9d•Onsite

About The Position

Reynolds American is evolving into a global multi-category business. Our purpose is to create A Better Tomorrow™ by Building a Smokeless World. To achieve our ambition, we are looking for colleagues who are ready to join us on this journey. Tomorrow can’t wait, let’s shape it together! REYNOLDS AMERICAN has an exciting opportunity for a Process Improvement Engineer III in Tobaccoville, NC Process Improvement Engineer III is responsible for driving continuous improvement initiatives across manufacturing processes to enhance safety, quality, delivery, cost, equipment reliability, and operational performance. This role leverages production data, shop-floor observations, and structured problem-solving methodologies to identify process losses, implement sustainable solutions, and improve manufacturing efficiency. Working cross-functionally with Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, Quality, and other stakeholders, the position plays a key role in optimizing processes, standardizing best practices, and delivering measurable business results through TPM, Lean, and operational excellence initiatives.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Operations Management, or related technical discipline.
Experience in manufacturing operations, process improvement, Lean Manufacturing, TPM, equipment reliability, or operational excellence initiatives.
Strong ability to analyse production data, identify process losses, prioritize opportunities, and develop actionable improvement plans.
Understanding of manufacturing KPIs including OEE, MTBF, downtime, waste/scrap, throughput, changeovers, quality defects, and process stability.
Experience using structured problem-solving methodologies such as Root Cause Analysis, 5 Whys, 6W2H, Process Mapping, and corrective action plans.
Strong communication and stakeholder management skills with the ability to partner across Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, and Quality teams.
Floor-focused mindset with demonstrated initiative, curiosity, and ability to work independently in a manufacturing environment.
Microsoft Excel proficiency and experience utilizing manufacturing data for performance analysis and continuous improvement activities.

Nice To Haves

Experience in tobacco manufacturing, cigarette production, PMD/FMD, Making, Packing, or other high-speed automated manufacturing environments.
Knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma, TPM pillars, IWS, Autonomous Maintenance, or other loss elimination methodologies.
Experience with Power BI, MES, Ignition, Historian Databases, OMS, or similar manufacturing systems.
Knowledge of centerline management, preventive maintenance, reliability tools, changeover optimization, and standard work.
Experience leading Kaizens, continuous improvement projects, workshops, or cross-functional initiatives.
Strong presentation and storytelling skills to communicate performance metrics, opportunities, and project results to leadership teams.

Responsibilities

Drive manufacturing process improvements focused on safety, quality, productivity, reliability, and cost reduction.
Analyse production data and KPIs (OEE, MTBF, downtime, waste, throughput) to identify losses and improvement opportunities.
Lead Lean, TPM, and continuous improvement initiatives to improve process stability and operational performance.
Partner cross-functionally with Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, and Quality to implement sustainable solutions.
Utilize root cause analysis and problem-solving methodologies to resolve recurring issues and standardize best practices across operations.

Benefits

401(k) plan that offers opportunity to save on pre- and post-tax basis up to 50 percent of eligible compensation.
Company matches 100 percent of employee pre-tax/Roth (401k) contributions up to six percent
Company contributes an additional three percent to 401(k) whether employee participates or not
Comprehensive health- and welfare-benefits package (including medical, dental, vision, and prescription drugs)
Health Savings Account start-up contribution for employees who elect the high deductible health plan
Flexible spending accounts for both Health Care and Dependent Care allowing employee to use pre-tax dollars to pay for qualified expenses during the calendar year
Employee assistance program offering 8 free counselling sessions, per issue, each calendar year for employees and their dependents
Company paid life insurance of 1x annual base pay ($50,000 minimum)
Company paid accidental death or dismemberment insurance of 2x annual base pay ($50,000 minimum)
Voluntary insurances offered at group rates: employee and dependent life insurance, AD&D insurance, critical illness, accident coverage, disability buy-up, and auto & home insurance
Tuition reimbursement and student loan support
Dependent Scholarship Programs
Free confidential personal financial counselling service
On-site health centers and 24/7 fitness centers at certain company locations
A charitable giving matching grants program that enables employees to direct and double their donations to qualifying charitable organizations of their choice
Health-care concierge service
Volunteer service opportunities
Extensive training opportunities
Company vehicle for eligible employees
Mobile phone allowance for eligible employees
Paid Leave: Sick and Personal Time (exempt employees may be excused with pay for brief absences; non-exempt employees receive up to 6 days)
Vacation (levels Below Senior Director receive 15 days (pro-rated during first year of service); Senior Director and Officers receive 25 days (pro-rated during first year of service)).
Holidays (Nine company recognized and two annual personal holidays to be used at the employee’s discretion)
Paid Parental Leave + temporary reduced work schedule opportunity
Funeral Leave
Short-Term Disability Leave
Long-Term Disability Leave
Jury Duty Leave
Military Leave
Released Time for Children’s Education
Community Outreach Leave
Other paid leave benefits, as required by state or local law