Continuous Improvement Specialist

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A great job-and a great future-awaits you at Smithfield Foods. We are an American food company with a leading position in packaged meats and fresh pork products. We’re looking for motivated people who want to join our team and grow lasting and meaningful careers with us. Apply Now!

YOUR OPPORTUNITY

Our team members receive industry-competitive salaries and are eligible for great benefits packages:

• Competitive Pay $60,500 - $91,250 USD Annual

• Annual Bonus Earning Potential

• Comprehensive Health Insurance, Retirement Benefits and More

• Education benefit available to full and part time Smithfield team members on their first day of employment.

In addition, we offer opportunities for career growth, professional development, and tuition assistance.

The position summary states the general nature and purpose of the job. Overall accountabilities are defined in this section.

The Continuous Improvement Specialist identifies and implements process improvement opportunities. Responsible to identify and improve the outcomes of manufacturing and operational processes to improve efficiencies, reduce cost and increase customer satisfaction at a particular location. Provides advisement and recommendations to key management personnel to influence change and implement continuous process improvement following M-IQ, Manufacturing Intelligence lean transformation process, and Smithfield Way methodologies.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

Responsibilities and tasks are written as follows:

• Evaluates plant efficiencies and drives cost savings by identifying and facilitating process improvement projects utilizing A3 methodology.

• Completes data collection and assists in root cause analysis to determine metrics and troubleshoot manufacturing/business and operational issues.

• Facilitates training/workshops to drive cultural change and improve core company metrics as defined by leadership.

• Participate in Kaizen and Value Stream Mapping Events.

• Conducts problem solving activities including problem solving A3s with the plant team to troubleshoot manufacturing/business and operational issues.

• Conducts compliance audits, program evaluations, and reviews to drive results with the fortitude to ensure change is sustainable.

• 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.

• Partners with cross functionally to monitor and evaluate effectiveness of new equipment installations.

• Act as a change agent to identify and facilitate the implementation of process improvements and cost savings opportunities aligned with key business objects.

• Coaches management in tactical execution of strategic plans.

• Help drive visual management into all aspects of the manufacturing environment.

• Deploy 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.

• Optimize manufacturing processes to attain product quality, efficiency, and process repeatability in one or more facilities in which responsible for. May assist with one or more additional locations.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions. 

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Engineering, Science or related field and 2+ years of relevant experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience, required.

• 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.

• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, including advanced level knowledge of Excel.

• Knowledge of SAP is preferred.

• 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.

• 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.

EEO/AA Information

Smithfield is an equal opportunity employer committed to workplace diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, gender identity, protected veterans status, status as a disabled individual or any other protected group status or non-job characteristic as directed by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment selection process, please call us at 757-357-1595.