Senior Continuous Improvement Manager

Farmer Focus•Harrisonburg, VA

13d•$100,000 - $130,000•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.