CI Manager (Value Added Protein)

Position Summary

The Continuous Improvement Manager is responsible for driving operational excellence across value-added protein manufacturing operations, including cooked, further-processed, and packaged meat products. This role leads Lean, Six Sigma, and problem-solving initiatives to improve safety, quality, yield, throughput, labor efficiency, and cost while supporting food safety and regulatory compliance.

The role partners closely with Operations, Quality, Maintenance, Engineering, and Supply Chain teams to embed a culture of continuous improvement and standard work across the organization.

Key Responsibilities

Continuous Improvement & Lean Execution

• Lead and deploy Lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and CI methodologies (Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping, 5S, SMED, TPM, Standard Work).

• Identify and prioritize improvement opportunities in yield, waste reduction, labor efficiency, OEE, line performance, and changeovers.

• Facilitate Kaizen events and cross-functional improvement workshops at plant and line level.

• Drive data-based problem solving using root cause analysis tools (A3, 5 Whys, Fishbone).

Operations & Manufacturing Support

• Partner with Operations leaders to improve throughput, uptime, and cost per pound in value-added protein processes (marination, cooking, slicing, forming, packaging, freezing).

• Support startup and optimization of new products, lines, and equipment.

• Develop and implement standard operating procedures and best practices across shifts and facilities.

Food Safety, Quality & Compliance

• Ensure CI initiatives align with USDA, FSIS, HACCP, GMP, and SQF/BRC requirements.

• Support reduction of customer complaints, rework, and quality defects.

• Collaborate with Quality teams to embed food safety into process improvements.

Metrics, Reporting & Sustainability

• Establish and track KPIs related to productivity, yield, labor, waste, and downtime.

• Build dashboards and reporting to communicate progress and financial impact.

• Deliver measurable cost savings and continuous improvement benefits tied to business goals.

Culture & Capability Building

• Coach and train frontline leaders and teams on CI tools and behaviors.

• Develop CI capability at the plant level to sustain improvements long-term.

• Serve as a change agent, promoting accountability, engagement, and ownership.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Food Science, or related field

• 5+ years of experience in continuous improvement, manufacturing excellence, or operations within:

  • Value-added protein

  • Meat processing

  • Food manufacturing with high-speed, regulated environments

• Hands-on experience in Lean manufacturing and CI project leadership

• Strong understanding of food safety and regulatory environments

• Proven ability to work effectively on the plant floor and influence hourly and salaried teams

Preferred

• Lean Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or Black Belt)

• Experience with USDA-regulated protein facilities

• Multi-plant or network-level CI experience

• Strong financial acumen and cost-savings validation experience