Vice President, Continuous Improvement & Industrial Engineering

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A great job-and a great future-awaits you at Smithfield Foods. We are an American food company with a leading position in packaged meats and fresh pork products. We're looking for motivated people who want to join our team and grow lasting and meaningful careers with us. Apply Now!

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 the Vice President of Continuous Improvement & Industrial Engineering, you will lead the development and execution of Smithfield's innovative operating system. Your role will focus on creating standardized elements such as Performance Management, Problem Solving, Standards, Gemba, Leader Standard Work (LSW), and Process Confirmation, along with supporting resources like curricula, training materials, scoreboards, and audit processes, all designed to scale across the organization.

You will drive continuous improvement in key areas, including waste reduction, cost savings, efficiency in production and supply chain, procurement, transportation, operations, quality, safety, sustainability, and people development. Your leadership will ensure the project meets its goals and achieves plant-specific KPIs.

Additionally, you will lead improvements in the Packaged Meats and Fresh Pork Industrial Engineering program, enhancing productivity, optimizing facility use, reducing labor costs, and improving labor efficiency. You will also develop processes for standard cost setting to drive ongoing operational excellence.

A key part of your role will be leading the cultural transformation needed for the sustainable adoption of the operating system across all facilities, shaping how we achieve excellence throughout the organization.

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 and Operations Management: You will set the strategic direction and roadmap to drive growth, achieve business goals, and ensure success in your area of responsibility. Collaborating with department heads, you'll guide goal-setting, implement standards, conduct regular performance reviews, and track team achievements. You'll lead initiatives related to Continuous Improvement, Industrial Engineering, oversee major functional changes, and develop both short- and long-term plans, including budget requests and financial forecasts.

• Process Optimization and Implementation: You'll identify and lead process improvements, focusing on cost-saving opportunities and addressing gaps identified through the operating system. You will recommend and define problem-solving objectives, build cross-functional teams, and coach plant teams on root cause analysis to ensure long-term solutions. You will drive performance metrics, track gaps, and implement system solutions to align with business goals.

• Performance and Accountability: You will ensure accountability by maintaining accurate, timely reporting systems for Continuous Improvement and Industrial Engineering efforts. You'll oversee project performance, ensuring timely completion and goal achievement.

• Leadership and Team Development: You will lead the Continuous Improvement and Industrial Engineering team, ensuring a strong organizational structure, technical capabilities, and resources to meet both current and future operational objectives. You'll drive process improvements, focusing on reducing costs while enhancing product yields and quality. As a change agent, you'll champion continuous improvement throughout the organization.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration and Compliance: You'll serve as the technical interface with the Product Development team, ensuring clear communication and active participation in new product development, particularly in manufacturing engineering tasks. You'll ensure up-to-date documentation and that manufacturing and product development processes comply with Quality System and Regulatory requirements.

• Best Practices: You'll define, leverage, and execute best practices across the organization based on quantified best practice value.

• Cost Optimization: You'll ensure engineered production standards drive accurate costing and form the basis of strong performance management improvement within plant and across plants.

• Cultural Development and Execution: You will foster a culture of excellence in Food Quality, Food Safety, and Customer Service. Additionally, you'll guide and coach management on executing strategic plans and ensure that project goals are achieved on time.

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.

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university and 15+ years of manufacturing, maintenance, supply chain or engineering experience in a leadership role, or equivalent combination of education and experience, required.

• Experienced in leading continuous improvement efforts through the effective utilization of Lean and Six Sigma tools and methodologies.

• 5+ years of demonstrated experience in team management/development is required.

• Energized by collaboration through travel to other locations 75% of the time depending on the initiative being executed.

OTHER SKILLS THAT MAKE YOU STAND OUT:

• Prior responsibilities in areas such as industrial engineering, project management and continuous improvement principles with a proven track record of accomplishments and success.

• Sound administrative skills, well-developed management skills - principles and people.

• Proven ability to recruit, train, and motivate personnel and balance staffing strength with profitability and growth.

• Strong analytical, numerical, and reasoning abilities.

• Participative management type - advocates team concept.

• Well-developed interpersonal skills. Ability to get along with diverse personalities. Tactful, mature.

• Ability to establish credibility and be decisive but be able to recognize and support Company's preferences and priorities.

• Effective communication skills, written and verbal.

• Results oriented with the ability to balance other business considerations.

• Passion for safety with personal accountability

• Demonstrated ability to use Continuous Improvement methods to reduce costs and manage projects.

• Demonstrated ability to identify and implement continuous improvement plants, lean initiatives, 5S, value stream mapping, statistical process control and six sigma to drive change.

• Must be highly proficient with Microsoft Office Excel.

• Familiarity with SAP and Power BI, preferred.

• Strong attention to detail, self-motivation, innovation, and ability to operate autonomously.

• Ability to work well with others in fast paced, dynamic environment.

• Ability to be respectful, approachable and team oriented while building strong working relationships and a positive work environment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The physical demands described here are representative of those an employee should possess to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Mobility: Some positions may involve frequent bending, moving, lifting, and carrying materials weighing up to 50 pounds. In more physically demanding roles, this weight may go up to 70 pounds.

• Standing: You may need to stand for up to eight hours each day, especially during site visits or meetings.

• Weather Conditions: Depending on the job context, you might work in various weather conditions, including exposure to outdoor elements.

• Terrain: If you visit project sites, you may encounter uneven terrain, so mobility and adaptability are essential.

Relocation Package Available

Eligible for Company Vehicle

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.