Continuous Improvement Engineer

F&S Produce; Forest Park, Northern (GA, KY); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Benefits package

401(k) match

PTO & holidays

Tuition assistance

Job summary

F&S Fresh Foods is seeking a Continuous Improvement Engineer to own CI projects on the production floor, from identifying opportunities to validating savings, balancing analysis with hands-on execution.

You will lead time studies, implement line balancing and standard work, and align plant leadership to sustain measurable improvements across facilities.

Qualifications

• 2–4 years in manufacturing operations or CI.
• Led at least 2 measurable improvement projects on the production floor.
• Savings validated by Finance, not self-reported.
• Strong Excel skills for time studies and data analysis.
• Lean/CI tools knowledge; bilingual English/Spanish a plus.

Responsibilities

• Conduct time studies to identify labor and process inefficiencies.
• Establish baselines with Finance and plant leadership.
• Implement line balancing, standard work, and visual controls.
• Drive bottom-up engagement with plant teams.
• Lead CI initiatives focused on safety, quality, delivery, cost, and engagement.
• Plan and execute Kaizen events and rapid improvement workshops.
• Develop and execute site-level improvement roadmaps.

Skills

Time studies

Workflow analysis

Analytical skills

Influence teams

Lean/CI knowledge

Education

Engineering degree

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt

Tools

Excel

Fishbone Diagram

5-Why Analysis

Line Balancing

Takt Time Analysis

Standard Work

Job description

Description

Who We Are

Headquartered in Vineland, NJ, F&S Fresh Foods is leading the way in fresh-cut fruit, vegetables, and meal solutions distribution. With the recent acquisition of five additional state-of-the-art facilities strategically located across the U.S., we now deliver to customers across the United States and Canada — every single day!

For over 40 years, we've been redefining production and safety processes, building strong partnerships, and creating endless possibilities for our diverse customers — from restaurants and supermarket prepared food operations to convenience store chains and beyond. At F&S, we are fueling families with nutrition, innovation, and convenience, turning meals into memorable moments. By combining cutting-edge technology, deep-rooted customer relationships, and operational excellence, we are shaping the future of fresh — from farm to family.

We're not just about food; we're about people. Recognized as a Great Place to Work for three consecutive years, our team of 2,100 full-time employees drives our culture forward by living our values every day. If you're ready to be part of a company that values innovation, excellence, and community impact, join us as we embrace our next exciting chapter of growth. Together, we're planting the seeds of progress and nourishing a fresh, healthy future for everyone!

What We Offer

• Competitive compensation package
• Comprehensive benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision and Life Insurance
• 401(K) including company match!
• Paid Time Off annually + Paid Holidays
• Career Advancement opportunities and Tuition Assistance

What's the Role

The Continuous Improvement Engineer is a hands-on floor execution leader who owns CI project delivery end-to-end — from opportunity identification and financial validation, through plant-level buy-in and implementation, to verified sustained results. This is a fast-paced role with a strong presence on the production floor, balanced with time spent on analysis, planning, and project execution, working closely with floor associates to drive and sustain operational improvements. This role matters to F&S's mission because it turns continuous improvement from a one-time event into a sustained discipline that protects real, Finance-validated savings across our facilities. The ideal candidate is a floor-first executor and practical problem solver who uses data to identify constraints rather than just describe them, and who can lead change with frontline teams through clear expectations, follow-through, and accountability.

What You’ll Own

• Conduct time studies and workflow analysis to identify labor and process inefficiencies and quantify savings opportunities
• Confirm savings logic with Finance and plant leadership and establish performance baselines prior to launch
• Implement line balancing, staffing adjustments, standard work, and visual controls; monitor early-stage performance daily
• Align plant managers, supervisors, leads, and operators to drive bottom-up engagement and accountability
• Validate post-implementation performance and conduct 60–90 day sustainment audits, closing projects only after financial validation
• Lead and facilitate CI initiatives focused on safety, quality, delivery, cost, and employee engagement
• Plan, lead, and execute Kaizen events and rapid improvement workshops
• Partner with site leadership to develop and execute improvement roadmaps at the site execution level

Requirements

What You Bring

• 2–4 years of manufacturing operations or continuous improvement experience, having led at least 2 measurable improvement projects
• Demonstrated ability to lead improvement events and implement changes directly on the production floor
• Demonstrated history of savings validated by Finance, not self-reported
• Strong analytical skills with required Excel proficiency for time studies, tracking, and data analysis
• Ability to influence frontline and supervisory teams without direct authority
• Working knowledge of Lean/CI tools, including Fishbone Diagrams, 5-Why Analysis, Line Balancing, Takt Time Analysis, and Standard Work
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations, or related field preferred, or equivalent high-impact manufacturing leadership experience
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or equivalent practical Lean training preferred; food manufacturing/cold environment experience and bilingual (English/Spanish) a plus

Physical Demands

• Frequent standing, walking, bending, and moving through production areas
• Lifting up to 50 pounds
• Regular exposure to cold food manufacturing environments (approximately 36°F–40°F in refrigerated areas)
• PPE and GMP compliance required at all facilities
• Moderate noise levels; hearing protection provided where required

F&S is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in its workforce. We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds. Join us in shaping the future of F&S Fresh Foods!