Senior Process Improvement Engineering Manager

Smithfield Foods; Kansas City (MO); On-site; USD 130,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation package

Job summary

Smithfield Foods in Kansas City, MO is seeking a Senior Process Improvement Engineering Manager to lead enterprise-wide initiatives to boost productivity, quality, and cost efficiency across multiple plants.

You will mentor a cross-functional engineering team, develop roadmaps, apply lean methods, and implement automation and advanced analytics. Travel up to 50% and collaborate with Operations, Quality, Maintenance, and Supply Chain to deliver measurable improvements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering and 8+ years of relevant experience in manufacturing, engineering, or continuous improvement.
• 2+ years of team management or project leadership experience.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills.
• Demonstrated success in lean manufacturing, 5S, Value Stream Mapping, and statistical analysis.
• Travel up to 50% depending on project scope.

Responsibilities

• Lead enterprise-wide initiatives to drive productivity, cost efficiency, and standardization across multiple sites.
• Provide technical direction and mentorship to engineering staff.
• Analyze and improve manufacturing processes, including workflows and labor utilization.
• Lead multiple concurrent engineering projects from concept through execution.
• Utilize data collection and root cause analysis to drive improvements.
• Develop and maintain labor standards, SOPs, and production measurement systems.
• Collaborate with Operations, Quality, Maintenance, and Supply Chain to implement improvements.
• Facilitate training workshops and coaching on best practices in process optimization.
• Conduct audits to ensure processes align with standards and regulatory requirements.
• Research and implement new technologies to improve efficiency and product quality.
• Lead with a focus on creating a positive employee experience.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Continuous Improvement

Analytical Skills

Project Management

Travel Flexibility

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering

Tools

Excel

SAP

Six Sigma Black Belt

Job description

Have a seat at our table. 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 VALUE YOU'LL BRING:

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.

WHAT YOU'LL DO:

The below statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. May perform other duties as assigned.

• 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.

WHAT WE'RE SEEKING:

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.

• 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.

OTHER SKILLS THAT MAKE YOU STAND OUT:

• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (especially Excel); SAP experience preferred.

• Six Sigma Black Belt or Master Black Belt preferred.

• Relocation Package AvailableYes

EEO 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.