Process Improvement Engineering Manager

Smithfield Foods • Smithfield, VA

6d

About The Position

As a Process Improvement Engineering Manager, you will be the driving force behind transformative initiatives that elevate operational performance, product quality, and cost efficiency across a network of manufacturing sites. In this high-visibility role, you’ll lead end-to-end process optimization efforts, champion labor efficiency improvements, and embed a culture of continuous improvement organization-wide. Your leadership will extend to building and mentoring top-performing engineering teams, establishing world-class standards and performance systems, and working in close partnership with cross-functional leaders in operations, supply chain, and quality to align on strategic priorities and deliver measurable impact.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university in the environmental, health and safety field and 5+ years relevant experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience, required.
• 2+ years of demonstrated experience in team management/development or project leadership is required.
• Demonstrated success in lean manufacturing, 5S, Value Stream Mapping, and statistical analysis.
• Ability to travel up to 50%, depending on project scope.

Nice To Haves

• Strong organizational planning and project execution skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (especially Excel); SAP experience preferred.
• Self-motivated with a high degree of accountability and the ability to manage multiple priorities independently.

Responsibilities

• Process Optimization and Lean Implementation: You will analyze and improve manufacturing processes—including workflows, facility layouts, and labor utilization—to boost operational efficiency and product flow. You will also lead the implementation of lean manufacturing techniques such as Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping, and A3 problem-solving to reduce waste and drive higher throughput across operations.
• Project and Program Management: You will lead and manage multiple, concurrent engineering projects from concept through execution, ensuring effective coordination and delivery at every stage. You will also maintain strict alignment with project timelines, budgets, and performance objectives to drive successful outcomes.
• Data Analytics and Continuous Improvement: You will utilize data collection and root cause analysis to evaluate production systems, uncover inefficiencies, and identify key opportunities for improvement. You will then lead targeted continuous improvement initiatives based on operational insights to enhance performance, efficiency, and overall output.
• Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and Business Systems: You will develop and maintain labor standards, standard operating procedures, and production measurement systems to ensure consistency and operational excellence. You will also establish and enhance analytical systems that support cost analysis, financial planning, and job evaluation for data-informed decision-making.
• Cross-Function Collaboration and Execution: You will collaborate with Operations, Quality, Maintenance, and Supply Chain teams to align technical initiatives with organizational goals. You will also support new equipment installation and lead process validation efforts to ensure seamless integration and performance from the outset.
• Training, Coaching, and Knowledge Transfer: You will facilitate training workshops that empower teams to drive operational excellence. You will also coach plant personnel and leadership on process optimization best practices, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and capability building.
• Compliance, Auditing, and Governance: You will conduct audits and evaluations to assess operational effectiveness and identify areas for improvement. You will also ensure alignment with internal standards and regulatory requirements, reinforcing compliance and process integrity across the organization.
• Innovation and Technology Integration: You will research and implement emerging technologies and systems that strengthen operational capabilities and future-proof manufacturing processes. You will also drive efficiency, sustainability, and product quality improvements through purposeful technical innovation and continuous advancement.
• Leadership: Drives a positive employee experience through leadership by way of employee development and coaching.

Benefits

• Smithfield is proud to offer robust, flexible and affordable benefit plans and programs to support our team members and their loved ones, and with out-of-pocket costs, on average, 20 percent less than plans offered by other employers.
• Beyond our medical plans, our Be Well programs offer tools and resources to enhance your quality of life, at no additional cost. These programs are uniquely tailored to our Smithfield team and provide support for elective surgeries, weight loss, mental health, cancer, kidney disease, diabetes, smoking cessation, asthma, maternity management and more.
• Our company invests in your future. We offer comprehensive training and professional development programs designed to help you reach your full potential. Our partnership with GUILD supports your continuing education with tuition assistance covering English language learning and various certificate programs, while our leadership development initiatives nurture high-potential talent.
• For those looking to build specialized skills, we offer apprenticeship programs that combine hands-on experience with focused learning. We also offer unique benefits like our Smithfield Scholarship Program for employees’ children.
• Smithfield’s Education Reimbursement Program provides financial reimbursement to team members who want to further their formal education by obtaining a GED/High School Equivalency (HSE) Diploma or by pursuing an academic degree at an accredited college or university that is not a Guild learning partner.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager