Senior Process Improvement Engineering Manager

Smithfield Support Services Corp; Kansas City (MO); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation Package Available

Job summary

Smithfield seeks a Senior Process Improvement Engineering Manager to drive enterprise-wide initiatives across multiple manufacturing sites. You will architect and lead advanced process improvement strategies, labor optimization, and continuous improvement frameworks that support long-term business goals.

You will mentor and develop a high-performing engineering organization, establish performance standards, and collaborate with Operations, Quality, Maintenance, and Supply Chain to deliver

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering (Industrial, Manufacturing, or related discipline) and 8+ years of relevant experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of long-term roadmaps 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, layouts, and labor utilization.
• Implement lean manufacturing techniques to reduce waste and increase throughput.
• Manage multiple concurrent engineering projects from concept through execution.
• Utilize data collection and root cause analysis to drive continuous improvement.
• Develop and maintain labor standards, SOPs, and production measurement systems.
• Collaborate with Operations, Quality, Maintenance, and Supply Chain to implement improvements.
• Facilitate training and coach personnel on best practices in process optimization.
• Conduct audits to ensure processes meet internal standards and regulatory requirements.
• Research and implement new technologies to improve efficiency and product quality.
• Lead and nurture a positive employee experience through leadership and coaching.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Engineering leadership

Process optimization

Lean manufacturing

Kaizen

Value Stream Mapping

A3 problem solving

Project management

Data analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering (Industrial/Manufacturing)

Tools

SAP

Microsoft Office

Job description

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

• 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

• 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 Available Yes

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.

Smithfield is proud to offer robust, flexible and affordable benefit plans and programs to support our team members and their loved ones, and with out-of-pocket costs, on average, 20 percent less than plans offered by other employers. Beyond our medical plans, our Be Well programs offer tools and resources to enhance your quality of life, at no additional cost. These programs are uniquely tailored to our Smithfield team and provide support for elective surgeries, weight loss, mental health, cancer, kidney disease, diabetes, smoking cessation, asthma, maternity management and more. Our company invests in your future. We offer comprehensive training and professional development programs designed to help you reach your full potential. Through LinkedIn Learning, employees can access on-demand courses, professional certificates, and skill-based training to build capabilities aligned with career and business needs. Our partnership with Guild supports your continuing education with tuition assistance covering English language learning, high school completion, and degree programs, while our leadership development initiatives nurture high-potential talent. We also offer unique benefits like our Smithfield Scholarship Program for employees' children.

About Smithfield

Headquartered in Smithfield, Virginia, since 1936, Smithfield Foods, Inc. is an American food company with a leading position in packaged meats and fresh pork products. With a diverse brand portfolio and strong relationships with U.S. farmers and customers, we responsibly meet demand for quality protein around the world. For more information, visit www.smithfieldfoods.com. We believe in the power of protein to end food insecurity and have donated hundreds of millions of food servings to our communities. Smithfield boasts a portfolio of high-quality iconic brands, such as Smithfield®, Eckrich® and Nathan's Famous®, among many others. For more information, visit www.smithfieldfoods.com and connect with us on Facebook, X, formerly known as Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram.