Process Improvement Engineering Project Manager

Smithfield Foods • Suffolk, VA

6d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Continuous Improvement Project Manager supports and completes special projects for the M-IQ, Manufacturing Intelligence lean transformation, process. The Continuous Improvement Project Manager works with the project management team and relevant Continuous Improvement team members to develop and deploy technology initiatives. All responsibilities support the improvement of Smithfield’s manufacturing improvement plan.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree from a regionally accredited four-year college or university and 5+ years’ relevant experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience, required.
• Minimum of 2+ years’ experience in a position of leadership to include team development and management, required.
• Demonstrated ability to use Continuous Improvement methods to reduce costs and manage projects.
• Demonstrated ability to identify and implement continuous improvement plans, lean manufacturing initiatives, 5S, value stream mapping, statistical analysis to drive change.
• 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.
• Demonstrated ability to transfer CI knowledge to less experienced CI Specialists as well as plant operations personnel, both hourly and salary
• Demonstrated ability in developing high performing hourly teams and coaching salary personnel in mentoring and developing high performing work teams.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, including advanced level knowledge of Excel.
• Capability to learn and train others on new technology
• 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.
• Strategic thinking skills, and the ability to effectively translate strategy into operating methodology and results.
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• Five plus years of experience leading continuous improvement projects in manufacturing, maintenance, supply chain, distribution or engineering leadership role, preferred.
• Knowledge of SAP is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead process improvement initiative across the organization to develop solutions that drive safety, quality, and efficiency improvements.
• Facilitate the definition of sustainability measures, project goals, resource needs, and customer and stakeholder requirements
• Identify industry and company best practices to drive opportunities for improvement and stay current with process improvement methodologies and technology driven initiatives
• Lead or participate in planning and implementation of projects including new process start ups, process improvements, data gathering, process documentation creation, leading development teams, training initiatives, and establishing processes to monitor and sustain effective change
• Manage project within budget, timeline, and resource allocation.
• Coordinates and completes testing, advanced data collection and root cause analysis for implemented changes.
• Evaluates plant efficiencies and drives cost savings by identifying and facilitating process improvement projects utilizing A3 methodology.
• Supports special projects and duties as assigned by leadership.
• Lead Kaizen and Value Stream Mapping Events.
• Developing initiating, leading and driving continuous improvement projects from a corporate level
• Conducts problem solving activities including problem solving A3s with the plant team to troubleshoot manufacturing/business and operational issues.
• Participate in reviewing proposed enhancements and identifying issues related to project business requirements.
• Resolve or assist in the resolution of conflicts within and between projects or functional areas.
• Embrace and sustain all M-IQ, Manufacturing Intelligence lean transformation process, tenets and other Smithfield Way elements then ensure each are sustained to meet the program governance.
• Establish and develop systems which reinforce and encourage data-based decisions to drive value stream enhancement and continuous improvement.
• Works across the organization to ensure consistent approach, format, data integrity, and decision processes are deployed and in use throughout the facility.
• Acts as a change agent to identify and drive continuous improvement projects that realize cost savings for the organization.
• Will provide weekly reports and conduct periodic presentations to Senior Leadership.
• Coaches management in tactical execution of strategic plans.
• Optimize manufacturing processes to attain product quality, efficiency, and process repeatability in one or more facilities in which responsible for.
• Supervise/Mentor associates, team members, CFP associates, interns, plant leadership team members as assigned.

Benefits

• Robust, flexible and affordable benefit plans and programs to support our team members and their loved ones.
• Out-of-pocket costs, on average, 20 percent less than plans offered by other employers.
• Be Well programs offer tools and resources to enhance your quality of life, at no additional cost.
• Comprehensive training and professional development programs designed to help you reach your full potential.
• LinkedIn Learning access on-demand courses, professional certificates, and skill-based training.
• Partnership with Guild supports your continuing education with tuition assistance covering English language learning, high school completion, and degree programs.
• Leadership development initiatives nurture high-potential talent.
• Smithfield Scholarship Program for employees’ children.

What This Job Offers

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