Continuous Improvement Specialist - MIQ

Smithfield Foods - Sioux Center, IA

Full-time - Mid Level

Sioux Center, IA

1,001-5,000 employees

Merchant Wholesalers, Nondurable Goods

About the position

The Continuous Improvement Specialist at Smithfield Foods is responsible for identifying and implementing process improvement opportunities within manufacturing and operational processes. The role aims to enhance efficiencies, reduce costs, and increase customer satisfaction by utilizing methodologies such as M-IQ and lean transformation processes. The specialist will work closely with management to influence change and ensure sustainable improvements across the organization.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate plant efficiencies and drive cost savings by identifying and facilitating process improvement projects utilizing A3 methodology.
• Complete data collection and assist in root cause analysis to determine metrics and troubleshoot manufacturing/business and operational issues.
• Facilitate training/workshops to drive cultural change and improve core company metrics as defined by leadership.
• Participate in Kaizen and Value Stream Mapping Events.
• Conduct problem-solving activities including problem-solving A3s with the plant team to troubleshoot manufacturing/business and operational issues.
• Conduct compliance audits, program evaluations, and reviews to drive results and ensure sustainable change.
• Work across the organization to ensure a consistent approach, format, data integrity, and decision processes are deployed and in use throughout the facility.
• Act as a change agent to identify and drive continuous improvement projects that realize cost savings for the organization.
• Provide weekly reports and conduct periodic presentations to Senior Leadership.
• Partner cross-functionally to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of new equipment installations.
• Coach management in the tactical execution of strategic plans.
• Help drive visual management into all aspects of the manufacturing environment.
• Deploy and sustain all M-IQ, Manufacturing Intelligence lean transformation process, tenets, and other Smithfield Way elements.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Engineering, Science or related field.
• 2+ years of relevant experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated ability to train effectively in person and via Teams.
• Demonstrated understanding of Continuous Improvement and lean manufacturing principles.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, including advanced level knowledge of Excel.
• Knowledge of SAP is preferred.
• Demonstrated planning, time management, organization, and execution skills.
• Ability to work independently without direct oversight, self-motivated with high personal accountability.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, organizational planning, teamwork, analytical reasoning, and adaptability.
• Strong interpersonal and technical skills.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in manufacturing environments.
• Familiarity with compliance audits and program evaluations.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Health Insurance
• Retirement Benefits
• Relocation Assistance
• Education benefit available to full and part-time employees
• Competitive Pay
• Annual Bonus Earning Potential