Continuous Improvement Engineer

Continuous Improvement Engineer

Headquartered in Vineland, NJ, F&S Fresh Foods is leading the way in fresh-cut fruit, vegetables, and meal solutions distribution. With the recent acquisition of five additional state-of-the-art facilities strategically located across the U.S., we now deliver to customers across the United States and Canada — every single day!

For over 40 years, we've been redefining production and safety processes, building strong partnerships, and creating endless possibilities for our diverse customers — from restaurants and supermarket prepared food operations to convenience store chains and beyond. At F&S, we are fueling families with nutrition, innovation, and convenience, turning meals into memorable moments. By combining cutting-edge technology, deep-rooted customer relationships, and operational excellence, we are shaping the future of fresh — from farm to family.

We're not just about food; we're about people. Recognized as a Great Place to Work for three consecutive years, our team of 2,100 full-time employees drives our culture forward by living our values every day. If you're ready to be part of a company that values innovation, excellence, and community impact, join us as we embrace our next exciting chapter of growth. Together, we're planting the seeds of progress and nourishing a fresh, healthy future for everyone!

The Continuous Improvement Engineer is a hands-on floor execution leader who owns CI project delivery end-to-end — from opportunity identification and financial validation, through plant-level buy-in and implementation, to verified sustained results. This is a fast-paced role with a strong presence on the production floor, balanced with time spent on analysis, planning, and project execution, working closely with floor associates to drive and sustain operational improvements. This role matters to F&S's mission because it turns continuous improvement from a one-time event into a sustained discipline that protects real, Finance-validated savings across our facilities. The ideal candidate is a floor-first executor and practical problem solver who uses data to identify constraints rather than just describe them, and who can lead change with frontline teams through clear expectations, follow-through, and accountability.

• Conduct time studies and workflow analysis to identify labor and process inefficiencies and quantify savings opportunities

• Confirm savings logic with Finance and plant leadership and establish performance baselines prior to launch

• Implement line balancing, staffing adjustments, standard work, and visual controls; monitor early-stage performance daily

• Align plant managers, supervisors, leads, and operators to drive bottom-up engagement and accountability

• Validate post-implementation performance and conduct 60–90 day sustainment audits, closing projects only after financial validation

• Lead and facilitate CI initiatives focused on safety, quality, delivery, cost, and employee engagement

• Plan, lead, and execute Kaizen events and rapid improvement workshops

• Partner with site leadership to develop and execute improvement roadmaps at the site execution level

Requirements

• 3–7 years of manufacturing operations or continuous improvement experience, having led at least 2 measurable improvement projects

• Demonstrated ability to lead improvement events and implement changes directly on the production floor

• Demonstrated history of savings validated by Finance, not self-reported

• Strong analytical skills with required Excel proficiency for time studies, tracking, and data analysis

• Ability to influence frontline and supervisory teams without direct authority

• Working knowledge of Lean/CI tools, including Fishbone Diagrams, 5-Why Analysis, Line Balancing, Takt Time Analysis, and Standard Work

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations, or related field preferred, or equivalent high-impact manufacturing leadership experience

• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or equivalent practical Lean training preferred; food manufacturing/cold environment experience and bilingual (English/Spanish) a plus

• Frequent standing, walking, bending, and moving through production areas

• Lifting up to 50 pounds

• Regular exposure to cold food manufacturing environments (approximately 36°F–40°F in refrigerated areas)

• PPE and GMP compliance required at all facilities

• Moderate noise levels; hearing protection provided where required

F&S is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in its workforce. We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds. Join us in shaping the future of F&S Fresh Foods!