Senior Continuous Improvement Manager

Farmer Focus • Harrisonburg, VA

11d • Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Continuous Improvement Manager is responsible for driving process and system improvements across Farmer Focus chicken production facilities by implementing programs with long-term, sustainable benefits. This role partners with continuous improvement team members, department leaders, and cross-functional teams to standardize systems, improve safety, quality, yield, and operational efficiency, and support achievement of enterprise goals. The position leads multi-disciplinary improvement projects, analyzes operational data, identifies underperforming areas of production, and develops action plans that close performance gaps while strengthening a culture of continuous improvement.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering, biotechnology engineering, food engineering, or a related engineering field required.
• At least three years of experience leading continuous improvement or lean manufacturing initiatives across multiple facilities required.
• Strong analytical, planning, problem-solving, and project management skills required.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office required, including advanced Excel knowledge.
• Experience with Lean Six Sigma tools required.
• Ability to conduct statistical analysis using Minitab required.
• 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 required.
• Selected candidate must be able to perform the essential functions of the role with or without reasonable accommodation.
• New team members must be able to pass a drug, alcohol and background screening post-offer and prior to the start of their employment.
• The Immigration Reform and Control Act requires that verification of employment eligibility be documented for all new employees by the end of their third day of work.

Responsibilities

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across Farmer Focus production facilities to improve safety, quality, yield, efficiency, and overall operational performance.
• Lead multi-disciplinary team projects that implement standardized systems and support achievement of enterprise goals.
• Continuously evaluate production processes and identify more efficient ways to operate while maintaining compliance with company policies and applicable government regulations.
• Oversee personnel and drive Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) relevant to the Continuous Improvement Department.
• Track and measure progress, analyze inefficiencies, identify underperforming production areas, and create action plans to close performance gaps.
• Lead focused Kaizen improvement efforts aimed at breakthrough and incremental improvements in plant processes, departments, and line-specific opportunities.
• Deploy change management tools and techniques to support stakeholder adoption, documentation, training, and long-term sustainability 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 opportunities for project initiatives.
• Audit improved processes and continuous improvement initiatives for sustainability and compliance.
• Partner with department managers and operations leaders to interpret data, prepare teams for high-level reporting and meetings, identify opportunities, and create action plans.
• Lead meetings related to operational efficiencies, continuous improvement opportunities, and progress against action plans.
• Oversee creation 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, detailed organization, and effective interdepartmental communication.
• Perform job responsibilities safely and efficiently while following applicable regulations and company policies.

Benefits

• weekly payroll
• paid time off and sick leave
• semi-subsidized medical coverage
• dental and vision plan options
• a 401(k) plan with company match
• education reimbursement opportunities
• employee assistance programs (EAP)
• internal learning, development, and career growth programs

What This Job Offers

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