Continuous Improvement Engineer Jobs in Virginia

Perdue Foods has a goal of becoming the most trusted name in premium proteins by creating products for consumers and for retail and foodservice customers around the globe while changing the way animals are raised for food. It is part of Perdue Farms, a fourth-generation, family-owned food and agricultural business deeply rooted in tradition yet with a forward-thinking mindset. We believe that success starts with our people, and our culture is built on a foundation of teamwork, integrity, and respect, where every voice matters and everyone is encouraged to contribute to our shared goals. We are dedicated to creating a supportive, inclusive environment where associates feel valued and inspired to make an impact, both within the company and in the communities we serve. From promoting growth and development to prioritizing work-life balance, we’re committed to helping our team members thrive. That's Perdue.

Summary

Drive impactful change and elevate operational performance by leading continuous improvement initiatives across the business. As a Continuous Improvement Manager 2, you will champion the Continuous Improvement Model, empowering teams to identify opportunities, solve complex challenges, and implement sustainable process enhancements. You will partner across functions to deliver measurable results, improve efficiency, and strengthen a culture of continuous improvement. This role is ideal for a strategic, results driven professional who thrives on leading change, developing teams, and making a lasting impact on business performance.

The salary range for this position is $101,000 - $126,000 per year, based on experience and qualifications with annual bonus available (variable depending on performance).  

In addition to the base salary, Perdue offers a competitive benefits package, including medical/Rx, 401(k) with employer match after 1 year, critical illness, accident insurance, dental, vision, life insurance, optional group life insurance, short-term and long-term disability protection, flexible spending accounts and paid time off. 

Principal Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Become a business partner with operations & functional management, to identify opportunities, utilizing systematic problem solving (including Root Cause Analysis, Kaizens, Loss Analysis and DMAIC methodology) to eradicate losses while focusing on People-Process-Data to obtain measurable and sustainable results.
• Utilizes Lean, Six Sigma techniques and CI tools to lead the organization in data-based decision making and driving actions to generate measurable improvement driving behavioral change across site through CI tools, methodology and coaching.
• Manage Site Improvement Projects through project plan development, results tracking and leading and coaching site leaders through project execution process.
• Delivers effective Continuous Improvement training courses (LEAN Training, Belt training, etc.) and programs to help increase team capability and awareness of the Continuous Improvement tools. The training should be tailored to meet organizational needs and priorities.
• Implement, support and coach site Manufacturing Operating System (MOS), including Tier meetings, KPI development and tracking and standard work.
• Co-facilitates Kaizen and 90-Day Improvement events in which we effectively build and lead focused and empowered teams to address systemic problems.
• Develops and implements a plant communication plan for process improvement efforts.
• Serve as subject matter expert for CI Methodology, CI Tools and the implementation of Daily Process controls to drive operational improvements.
• Timely communication, tracking and reporting on project progress, results, and deviations from the project plan with key stakeholders.
• Organize regular meetings with key stakeholders to share project status updates, define next steps to raise the performance bar, review plans to deliver sustainable SQDCSM improvements.
• Additional duties as assigned by management.

Minimum Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent related work experience.
• Degrees in Engineering, Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, Mathematics, Operations, Logistics, Food Science, Animal Science, and/or Supply Chain preferred by all majors will be considered.
• Must have A minimum of 5 to 7 years related work experience.
• Advanced Project Management skills.
• Ability to travel 10% to support other CI Initiatives.
• Strong knowledge of LEAN principles, Problem Solving Tools (RCA, DMAIC), Six Sigma, TQM, TPM and SPC.
• Combination of business, interpersonal, technical, and analytical skills.
• Strong Leadership skills in leading teams of people.
• Self-starter mentality and motivated by challenge.
• Strong sense of teamwork with high level of individual contribution.
• Ability to learn new concepts, combine with common sense, and effectively apply to problem solving.
• Strong communication, organization, and presentation skills.
• Able to communicate and work with teams at all organizational levels from Senior management to shop floor.
• Willingness to promote and drive change.
• Proficiency in O365 Tools (Microsoft Word, Power Point and Excel).
• Ability to support all shifts (1st, 2nd, & 3rd) on Continuous Improvement initiatives.

Preferred Education and Experience

• Power Apps/BI Experience.
• Minitab.
• Prior exposure to Continuous Improvement or Operational Excellence tools.
• Experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Bilingual English/Spanish.

Physical Requirements and Environmental Factors

• Position is mostly sedentary but may require occasional moving to other offices or buildings. 
• May need to move light equipment or supplies from one place to another. 
• May need to access files, supplies and equipment. 
• Work activity is in an office, open-partitioned, cubicle environment. 

When in a plant environment: 

• Exposure primarily consists of wet and moist floors which include metal and plastic grating surfaces. 
• May be exposed to temperatures of 28 degrees to 100 degrees Fahrenheit with both ambient and 100% humidity. 
• May handle products from 25 degrees to 50 degrees Fahrenheit. 
• May be exposed to noise ranges of 50 db. to 110 db.
• May be exposed to all chemicals found in poultry, food and processing plant.
• Must wear and use protective and safety equipment required for the job as directed by the Company.

Perdue Farms Inc. is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.