Sr. Manager Continuous Improvement

As our Senior Manager of Continuous Improvement, you will be the driving force behind transforming our manufacturing operations into a model of efficiency, agility, and quality. You’ll lead cross-functional initiatives that reduce waste, optimize processes, and empower teams to think differently. Your work will directly influence our ability to deliver products faster, more cost-effectively, and with uncompromising quality—ultimately shaping the future of our manufacturing excellence.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: This list is not intended to be all-inclusive, and other duties may be assigned.

• Lead the development and execution of a multi-year continuous improvement roadmap aligned with company strategy.

• Champion Lean, Six Sigma, and Kaizen methodologies to streamline production processes, reduce defects, and improve throughput.
• Partner with plant leadership to identify bottlenecks and implement data-driven solutions that enhance productivity.
• Facilitate cross-functional workshops to foster a culture of problem-solving and innovation.
• Develop and track key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the success of improvement initiatives.
• Mentor and coach managers and team leads on CI tools, change management, and best practices.
• Oversee the implementation of digital manufacturing tools (e.g., MES, real-time analytics dashboards) to improve decision-making.
• Ensure compliance with safety, quality, and regulatory standards while driving operational efficiency
• Driving Change, Communication, and Innovation: Engage employees at all levels of the organization to capture ideas and solutions against opportunities.  Support recognition and feedback to those that actively push for improvements and innovations in their area of work.  Leverage vendors and third parties where needed to meet business and project needs.  Develop technical expertise in the core manufacturing processes.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:  To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the work environment, knowledge, skill, and/or ability required or preferred.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

 EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE: A bachelor’s degree in engineering, Food Science, or related field and eight or more years of progressively responsible positions in manufacturing (or equivalent combination of education and experience).  Experience in food manufacturing and project management is desired.  Certification in Lean, Six Sigma or Continuous Improvement is preferred.  

 COMMUNICATION SKILLS: Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills.  Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, and/or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports and business correspondence. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from management and employees.  Must have the ability to influence and persuade others.

 LANGUAGE SKILLS: Ability to read and interpret documents in the English language such as safety files, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.  Must be able to effectively communicate with outside regulatory agencies, employees, and production and management personnel. Bilingual skills a plus.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS: Ability to apply mathematical applications to practical situations. Demonstrated ability to understand advanced statistics and statistical analysis for data analysis and process control.

 REASONING ABILITY: Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical, diagram, written and/or verbal form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.  Must have the ability to manage multiple projects accurately and confidently.  Strong understanding of project implementations, project structure and life cycle and best practice standards and tools.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Strong personal computer skills (Microsoft products) and understanding of operational metrics and reports required.  Must have strong change management skills.  Must hold a valid driver’s license with the potential for occasional business travel.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: While performing the duties of this job, the employee will be required to move about the facility.  The employee is required to sit; use hands to finger; handle; or feel/hold objects; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; speak; hear taste and smell.  The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 40 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Individual must be able to effectively work in a normal production environment where temperatures and noise levels may vary, including climate extremes and a loud work environment. Generally, the incumbent may stand and walk for extended periods of time and also must be able to sit and use a computer for extended periods of time.    

MISSION, VISION, & VALUES: Must believe and lead STF’s MISSION of producing quality pork products, igniting the passion and growth of our team members, helping our community thrive, and making our business prosperous. Remembering that together we will achieve more by working safely and cultivating an inclusive and empowering environment.  Must believe and fully engage in STF’s VISION of being a place where we all belong, working as one, to build our future. Must live STF’s VALUES in all decisions, behaviors, and interactions, which include-

 SAFETY- Be committed to the safety and welfare of all employees through prevention, education, and awareness, with the ultimate goal of eliminating workplace accidents.

QUALITY- Our customers and families depend on us to provide a safe, quality product, by maintaining the highest food safety standards and desired customer specifications. Must take pride in the products we produce and serve.

DIVERSITY- We embrace diversity, experience, and thought, and actively strive for inclusive behaviors across our company and our work. By promoting these values, we aim to create a positive work experience that encourage a sense of belonging. 

COMMUNITY- Be a positive representative of STF in our community while supporting the organizations who work for the betterment of Siouxland. 

SUSTAINABILITY- Be a steward of the earth by managing our environmental footprint.