Continuous Improvement Engineer

Nestlé S.A.; Gaffney (SC); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Nestlé USA is hiring a Continuous Improvement Engineer to drive the Local Leadership Team’s improvement strategy and act as the site expert for Factory Improvement and Industrial Performance.

You will collaborate with the Local Leadership Team to define, align, and execute plans that deliver sustained performance improvements across the factory, from loss elimination to KPI progression and workplace transformation, while spending time on the shop floor.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• 2–4 years of manufacturing experience.
• Experience with continuous improvement and performance systems (e.g., TPM, Lean, FI/LVS).
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills; ability to apply structured methods.
• Experience partnering with factory management and cross‑functional teams.
• Familiarity with data/tools and systems (SAP, Power BI).
• Excellent communication and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently with coaching toward results.

Responsibilities

• Drive factory performance and loss elimination with process owners and standardize best practices.
• Support definition, alignment, and implementation of LLT execution plans.
• Co‑develop factory improvement strategy using OMP, loss analysis, and benchmarks.
• Help build a 3‑year KPI roadmap, people development, and workplace transformation.
• Drive LLT alignment and stakeholder communication across Production.
• Partner with LLT to define and deliver execution plans (NCE, digital initiatives, CAPEX).
• Support competency-building and identify external support needs.
• Ensure governance, routines, and tracking to sustain improvement.
• Spend time on the shop floor to assess maturity and provide feedback.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication

Independent work

Attention to detail

Data literacy

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

SAP

Power BI

Job description

Foods you love. Brands you trust. And a career that empowers you to grow.

At Nestlé USA, we’re all working towards the same goal – to delight and deliver for our consumers. With a rich portfolio of beloved brands, including DiGiorno, Toll House, and Coffee mate, in 97% of U.S. households, we have a unique opportunity – and responsibility – to be there for every moment in our consumers’ lives.

Joining Nestlé means becoming part of an inclusive workplace that inspires innovation, encourages strategic thinking and creativity, and celebrates your achievements. No matter where you work within the organization, you are empowered to challenge the status quo, embrace risk‑taking, and pioneer new ideas. Our supportive and collaborative environment encourages bold ambitions and continuous learning so that everyone can grow and thrive.

The Continuous Improvement Engineer supports the implementation of the Local Leadership Team (LLT) improvement strategy and serves as a site expert for Factory Improvement and Industrial Performance. This role partners with the Local Leadership Team to define, align, and execute plans that deliver sustained performance improvements across the factory.

Key Responsibilities

• Drive factory performance and loss elimination by collaborating with process owners to implement solutions and standardize best practices.
• Support definition, alignment, and implementation of the Local Leadership Team execution plan.
• Co‑develop the factory improvement strategy using factory OMP, loss analysis, and external benchmarks.
• Help build a 3‑year roadmap for KPI progression, people development, and workplace transformation (factory vision).
• Drive alignment with LLT and key stakeholders; support cascade and communication across the Production organization.
• Partner with LLT to define and deliver execution plans (e.g., NCE rollout plans, digital initiatives, CAPEX enablement, and key improvement projects).
• Support competency‑building activities and identify external support requirements as needed.
• Ensure governance, routines, and tracking to sustain improvement execution and results.
• Spend time on the shop floor to assess maturity progression, identify opportunities, and provide feedback and corrective action guidance.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree – required
• 2–4 years of experience in manufacturing.
• Experience partnering with factory management/leadership teams and supporting cross‑functional teams.
• Experience with continuous improvement and performance systems (e.g., TPM, Goal Alignment, Lean, FI/LVS).
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills; ability to lead/apply structured problem‑solving tools.
• Working knowledge of manufacturing processes and basic finance/value creation concepts.
• Proficiency with common data/tools and systems (e.g., SAP, Power BI or similar).
• Effective communication skills; strong attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently with coaching toward results.
• Commitment to comply with all company programs and policies, including safety, quality, GMPs, and relevant ISO/NQMS requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Hands‑on experience with loss analysis, line labor standards, line capability/speed studies, and budget preparation/review.
• Experience leading change management and cultural transformation initiatives in a factory environment.
• Project management experience supporting multiple workstreams and stakeholders.

It is our business imperative to remain a very inclusive workplace.

To our veterans and separated service members, you’re at the forefront of our minds as we recruit top talent to join Nestlé. The skills you’ve gained while serving our country, such as flexibility, agility, and leadership, are much like the skills that will make you successful in this role. In addition, with our commitment to an inclusive work environment, we recognize the exceptional engagement and innovation displayed by individuals with disabilities. Nestlé seeks such skilled and qualified individuals to share our mission where you’ll join a cohort of others who have chosen to call Nestlé home.

The Nestlé Companies are equal employment opportunity employers. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Prior to the next step in the recruiting process, we welcome you to inform us confidentially if you may require any special accommodations in order to participate fully in our recruitment experience. Contact us at [e-mail] or please dial 711 and provide this number to the operator: 1-800-321-6467.

This position is not eligible for Visa Sponsorship.

Review our applicant privacy notice before applying at https://www.nestlejobs.com/privacy.

Job Requisition:408561