Senior Process Improvement Engineering Manager

When you join Smithfield, you become part of something special - a company that's sustainably feeding people around the world, producing good food the right way with respect for our people, animals, communities and planet. With opportunities across locations and functions, a culture grounded in our Core Four values - gratitude, communication, respect and accountability - and a strong commitment to learning, collaboration, and innovation, Smithfield offers challenging and rewarding careers where you can grow, contribute and make a real impact.

The position summary states the general nature and purpose of the job. Overall accountabilities are defined in this section. As a Senior Process Improvement Engineering Manager, you will provide strategic leadership for enterprise-wide initiatives that drive operational excellence, enhance product quality, and optimize cost performance across multiple manufacturing sites. In this high-impact role, you will architect and lead the execution of advanced process improvement strategies, labor optimization programs, and continuous improvement frameworks that support long-term business goals.

You will mentor and develop a high-performing, cross-functional engineering organization, establish performance standards and measurements.

• Strategic Leadership:
  Lead the development of long-term roadmaps to drive productivity, cost efficiency, and standardization; serve as a thought leader for process transformation, capital allocation, and innovation, including automation and advanced analytics initiatives.
• Engineering Leadership:
  Provide technical direction and mentorship to engineering staff.
• Process Optimization:
  Analyze and improve manufacturing processes, including workflows, layouts, and labor utilization.
• Implement lean manufacturing techniques such as Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping, and A3 problem-solving to reduce waste and increase throughput.
• Project Management:
  Lead and manage multiple, concurrent engineering projects from concept through execution. Ensure project timelines, budgets, and objectives are achieved.
• Data-Driven Improvements:
  Utilize data collection and root cause analysis to evaluate production systems, identify inefficiencies, and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Standards & Systems:
  Develop and maintain labor standards, SOPs, and production measurement systems. Establish and enhance management systems for cost analysis, financial planning, and job evaluation.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration:
  
  Partner with Operations, Quality, Maintenance, and Supply Chain to implement technical improvements and ensure alignment with business goals. Support new equipment installation and process validation.
• Training & Knowledge Sharing:
  Facilitate training workshops and coach plant personnel and leaders on best practices in process optimization.
• Compliance & Governance:
  Conduct audits and evaluations to ensure processes align with internal standards and regulatory requirements.
• Technology Advancement:
  Research and implement new technologies and systems that improve operating efficiency, sustainability, and product quality.
• Leadership:
  Drives a positive employee experience through leadership by way of employee development and coaching.

• Education:
  
  Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Engineering (Industrial, Manufacturing, or related discipline) and 8+ years of relevant experience in manufacturing, engineering, or continuous improvement; or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
• Leadership: 2+ years of demonstrated experience in team management/development or project leadership.
• Communication:
  Excellent written and verbal communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills.
• Self-motivated with a high degree of accountability and the ability to manage multiple priorities independently.
• Strong organizational planning and project execution skills.
• Continuous Improvement & Analytical
  
  Skills:
  
  Demonstrated success in lean manufacturing, 5S, Value Stream Mapping, and statistical analysis.
• Travel Flexibility:
  Ability to travel up to 50%, depending on project scope.

• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (especially Excel); SAP experience preferred.
• Six Sigma Black Belt or Master Black Belt preferred.
• Relocation Package Available Yes

Smithfield is an equal opportunity employer committed to workplace diversity. All qualified applicants will receive…