DFR is built on creativity and customer-centric innovation delivered by people invigorated by a strong sense of responsibility to help our customers win in their marketplaces. The relationships we build with our customers are as important to our success as the products we manufacture. This collaborative environment delivers FRESH THINKING, reassuring our customers that they choose the best when they choose to work with the people of Dover Food Retail.
Job Title: Senior Continuous Improvement Engineer
Location: Richmond, VA
What we are looking for
We are looking for a Sr. Continuous Improvement (CI) Engineer to have responsibility for driving the organization to target measurable and sustainable improvements across all operations and support functions. Expectations include co-owning strategy and tactical development and execution for site initiatives and coaching lean capabilities within the organization.
Responsible for designing, implementing, and revising the procedures and equipment required in the manufacturing process for process design and optimization. The successful candidate can assess, scope, plan, execute and deliver on industrial process improvements, in accordance and balance with all SQDIP metrics, and ensure process sustainability. Candidates will be expected to build & foster a business environment that embraces Kaizen / Continuous Improvement (CI) and structured problem solving as a key to the company’s ongoing growth and success. The position is part of operations and will directly report to the factory CI Leader.
What you’ll be responsible for in this role
Deploy SQDIP (Safety, Quality, Delivery, Inventory, Productivity) visual management boards and standard management routines across all organizational levels, aligning with the 0DOVER Operational Excellence framework.
Champion the 0Dover OPEX Model, embedding Lean principles into daily operations. Coach and build capabilities across all levels on the 0DOVER model and standards.
Conduct regular OPEX audits to ensure compliance with 0Dover model. Provide assistance in developing certification plan depending on required level and connect OpCos with corporate trainers.
Lead and facilitate high impact Kaizen and rapid improvement events, value stream mapping, and structured problem solving with cross-functional teams. Ensure both manufacturing and logistics processes are optimally integrated: workstation design, part presentation, routings, tools, standard work, work instructions, visual management, Single minute exchange die (SMED), Plan for Each Part (PEFP), etc.
Analyze production processes, schedules, methods, etc., and provide management with reports to enable the better understanding of future requirements needed for improving and optimizing the manufacturing process.
Experience in developing SW (including production plans, takt planning, PFMEAs and Control Plans), workstation design, BOM routings & labor costs development, project management & vendor integration for new line equipment/process design implementation, and technology/systems integration.
Review and calculate labor, material, and other production costs along with reviewing schedules and future production requirements to assist management in decision making. Analyze and plan workflow, equipment placement and space requirements to improve manufacturing efficiency and part flow. Focus on one-piece-flow and JIT principles.
Apply improvement tools and develop the scope for assembly line design and implementations, fixtures, poka-yokes, tool making and supplier management under the scope of manufacturing process design across many facilities.
Build and maintain KPI dashboards and reports (Power BI or similar); use data to prioritize projects and demonstrate ROI.
Experience working with OT teams (MEs, tooling engineers, controls engineers, etc.).
What are the qualifications?
Four (4) year degrees are required; a degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering discipline is required
3-7 years of Continuous Improvement experience
2+ years Project Management experience
Working knowledge of Lean / Six Sigma principles
Proficiency in CAD software (e.g. SolidWorks, AutoCAD). AutoCAD skills required.
Proven hands-on understanding and experience in use and coaching of TPS/Lean Fundamentals (5S, SW, PSP, Kaizen, DM, VSM, TPI, Poka-Yoke, etc...)
Cross functional experience in Operations / Material Flow / Supply Chain Mgmt. / Customer Support / Accounting / Product Development
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams
Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment
Knowledge of ergonomic principles and safety standards in manufacturing
Experience with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle)
How We Define Our Values and Why You Should Join Our Team
The backbone behind our collection of outstanding businesses is a team of dedicated employees who protect and enhance our valued reputation for quality and delivering what we promise. It’s our values that define Dover to all of our key audiences: our shareholders, customers, prospective employees and especially ourselves.
These values must be expressed in our work and embody our actions, as they form the basis by which we do our jobs, make decisions and measure our performance. It’s our unwavering commitment to maintaining our values that defines who we are as a Company.
Ø Collaborative Entrepreneurial Spirit
Ø Winning Through Customers
Ø Respects and Values People
Ø Expectations for Results
Ø High Ethical Standards, Openness, and Trust
What’s in it for you?
Medical, Dental, and Vision
401k Retirement Plan
Flexible Spending
Paid Holidays
The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees and are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the Company.
Dover Food Retail is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, age, genetic information, or any other factors prohibited by law


Pay Range: USD 99125.00 - 125920.00 Annually

This position is eligible to earn a discretionary bonus based on performance metrics and other criteria outlined in our applicable bonus plan.

This position is eligible to earn commissions based on performance metrics and other criteria outlined in our applicable commissions plan.

We consider several job-related, non-discriminatory factors when determining the pay rate for a position, including, but not limited to, the position’s responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, a candidate’s education/training, the position’s location, and the key skills needed for the position. Pay is one of the Total Rewards that we provide to compensate and recognize employees for their work.



The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees and are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the Company.
Dover Food Retail is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, age, genetic information, or any other factors prohibited by law.
Fraudulent Recruiting Disclaimer: Dover Corporation and our affiliated operating companies want to alert applicants to internet job posting fraud, where parties posing as Dover employees, recruiters, or other agents, try to engage with online candidates in an attempt to steal personal and/or financial information. We do not endorse or engage in any recruitment practices that involve payment or personal information outside of our official application and hiring process. Please verify the authenticity of an invitation to apply for a job, or for a job offer by contacting us directly through our Dover and affiliated operating company websites at https://careers.dovercorporation.com/. To learn how you can protect yourself, review our Recruitment Fraud Notice on our careers site.
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