Continuous Improvement Engineer

YOUR OPPORTUNITY

We have an exciting Continuous Improvement Engineer opportunity. The Continuous Improvement (CI) Engineer works on the CI team to improve production, warehouse operations, and maintenance processes using lean manufacturing methodologies and other improvement concepts in a fresh pork processing facility harvesting over 22,500 animals per day. Primary responsibilities include data collection, process, and quality analysis to determine which continuous improvement process techniques and solutions will drive business performance.

ABOUT US

At Seaboard Foods, we create the most sought-after pork. A top U.S. pork producer/processor and leading exporter to 30+ countries, we are committed to bringing excellence to the table, seeking a better way to produce wholesome pork and connect every step between our farms and family tables. More than 5,400 employees in five states work on our farms, feed mills, and processing plant to produce Prairie Fresh^® pork, ensuring the well-being of our animals, the environment, our employees, and the communities we call home. Our commitment to sustainability is reflected in our renewable gas projects on our farms creating renewable energy. Owned by Seaboard Corporation, a Fortune 500 company, and nominated as one of the “Best Places to Work” by Kansas City’s Business Journal, we have a dynamic culture where our employees can contribute and understand why they matter. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

This list is not intended to be all-inclusive, and other duties may be assigned.

• Apply Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and other CI tools and methodologies to evaluate and analyze systems and processes to improve operational and maintenance performance.
• Identify and resolve opportunities to improve employee safety, product quality, and process efficiencies across the organization.
• Lead root cause analysis and collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement meaningful solutions.
• Provide oversight of key performance indicators, using these to find opportunities for improvement and verify solution effectiveness.
• Participate as a technical resource on plant initiatives and projects.
• Act as a change agent to drive alignment on yields and efficiencies while optimizing product throughput.
• Ensures all projects and improvements adhere to all Company policies and standard operating procedures with regard to product quality, food safety, and workplace safety.
• Analyze and provide sound feedback for improvement in reducing downtime.
• Deliver effective change leadership to drive business changes while minimizing any disruption to the workforce.

CORE COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESS IN ALL ROLES: instills trust, communicates effectively, action-oriented, ensures accountability, and drives results.

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 knowledge, skill, and/or ability required or preferred.  Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, food science, or a related field and two or more years of progressively responsible positions in manufacturing or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Sound knowledge of modern manufacturing methodologies and systems
• Ability to collaborate and work on cross-functional business teams
• Proficient in Microsoft Suite applications
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Preferred:

• Certifications in lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement and project management preferred

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical and work demands listed here represent those an employee should possess to successfully perform the job's essential functions. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to move around the facility. 
• The employee must regularly lift and move up to 50 pounds, and occasionally lift and move up to 100 pounds, and sometimes push/and or move up to 300 pounds.. 
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts and is commonly exposed to airborne particles and gases at low concentrations. The employee is frequently exposed to waste material, feed, and hog dust. 
• The hours and days of work are established by departmental needs and at the discretion of management. After-hours, weekends, and overnight travel as requested. 

WHY SEABOARD FOODS?

• Medical, vision & dental benefits upon hire
• 401K with company match
• Paid Time Off & Company Holidays
• Wellness Program
• Tuition reimbursement
• Employee pork purchase program

For a complete list of our benefits please visit our career site: https://www.seaboardfoods.com/careers/why-sbf/

Seaboard Foods is an equal opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, gender identity, protected veterans’ status, status as a disabled individual, or any other status protected by law.