Rendering Optimization Manager

Rendering Optimization Manager The Rendering Optimization Manager is a high‑impact role at the center of Smithfield’s operational excellence strategy, responsible for unlocking performance across rendering, animal feeds, and blood processing lines. Responsibilities Identify and close performance gaps across rendering, animal feeds, and blood operations, driving improvements in yield, throughput, and cost efficiency. Develop and monitor KPIs, benchmark to inform strategic operational decisions, and prioritize highest‑value opportunities. Lead high‑impact continuous improvement initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma, and other methodologies, standardizing and deploying best‑in‑class practices across multiple facilities. Drive root cause analysis and implement solutions that eliminate inefficiencies and prevent recurrence. Embed consistent processes, standards, and accountability within plant teams, partnering with site leadership to ensure strategies translate into daily execution. Monitor and influence key performance indicators to sustain focus on results and operational consistency. Serve as a trusted advisor and influencer to operations, engineering, and maintenance leaders, driving alignment across stakeholders and extending impact beyond primary sites. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related field and 5+ years of relevant experience in manufacturing or industrial engineering (or equivalent combination of education and experience). 2+ years of demonstrated experience in team management/development or project leadership. Demonstrated success in lean manufacturing, 5S, value stream mapping, and statistical analysis. Willingness to travel up to 80% of the time with overnight stays. Additional Skills Strong organizational planning and project execution skills. Excellent written and verbal communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (especially Excel); SAP experience preferred. Self‑motivated with a high degree of accountability and ability to manage multiple priorities independently. Physical Demands & Work Environment Frequent standing, walking, bending, and lifting (up to 50lb). Work in manufacturing environments with exposure to varying temperatures, mechanical equipment, and noise. Some projects involve navigating uneven terrain during site visits. Equal Employment Opportunity Smithfield is an equal‑opportunity employer committed to workplace diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, gender‑identity, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation, please call View phone number on click.appcast.io. #J-18808-Ljbffr