Rendering Optimization Manager

Smithfield Foods

Rendering Optimization Manager at Smithfield responsible for driving performance improvements in manufacturing operations. Collaborates with plant leadership and leads continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency and reliability.

Posted 5/30/2026full-timeRemote • North Carolina, Virginia • 🇺🇸 United StatesMid-LevelSeniorWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Identify and close performance gaps across rendering, animal feeds, and blood operations, driving improvements in yield, throughput, and cost efficiency
Develop and monitor KPIs, benchmarking to inform strategic operational decisions and prioritize the highest-value opportunities
Lead high-impact continuous improvement initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma, and other methodologies
Standardize and deploy best-in-class practices across multiple facilities
Monitor and influence key performance indicators to maintain focus on results and operational consistency

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Engineering or a related field
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
Energized by the opportunity to travel up to 80% of the time with overnight stays

Benefits

Comp & perks

Health insurance
401(k) matching
Flexible working hours
Paid time off
Professional development programs
Tuition assistance for continuing education

ATS Keywords

✓ Tailor your resume

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills & Tools

Lean manufacturingSix Sigma5SValue Stream Mappingstatistical analysisKPI developmentbenchmarkingcontinuous improvementcost efficiencyyield improvement

Soft Skills

team managementproject leadershipstrategic decision makingoperational consistencyinfluencingcommunicationproblem solvinganalytical thinkingresults-orientedadaptability