Process Improvement Engineer III at BAT in Winston-Salem, NC

Reynolds American is evolving into a global multi-category business. Our purpose is to create A Better Tomorrow™ by Building a Smokeless World.

To achieve our ambition, we are looking for colleagues who are ready to join us on this journey. Tomorrow can’t wait, let’s shape it together!

REYNOLDS AMERICAN has an exciting opportunity for a Process Improvement Engineer III in Tobaccoville, NC

Process Improvement Engineer III is responsible for driving continuous improvement initiatives across manufacturing processes to enhance safety, quality, delivery, cost, equipment reliability, and operational performance. This role leverages production data, shop-floor observations, and structured problem-solving methodologies to identify process losses, implement sustainable solutions, and improve manufacturing efficiency. Working cross-functionally with Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, Quality, and other stakeholders, the position plays a key role in optimizing processes, standardizing best practices, and delivering measurable business results through TPM, Lean, and operational excellence initiatives.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Drive manufacturing process improvements focused on safety, quality, productivity, reliability, and cost reduction.
• Analyse production data and KPIs (OEE, MTBF, downtime, waste, throughput) to identify losses and improvement opportunities.
• Lead Lean, TPM, and continuous improvement initiatives to improve process stability and operational performance.
• Partner cross-functionally with Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, and Quality to implement sustainable solutions.
• Utilize root cause analysis and problem-solving methodologies to resolve recurring issues and standardize best practices across operations.

Can this be your future role?

• Are you energized by improving manufacturing processes and turning daily losses into clear, practical improvement actions?
• Do you enjoy working close to the process, using both data and shop-floor observations to understand what is happening and what needs to change?
• Can you influence different departments and stakeholders by communicating priorities, opportunities, and actions in a simple and structured way?
• Are you comfortable owning improvement work independently while also collaborating with Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, Quality, and support teams?
• Do you naturally look for better ways to run a process, sustain standards, and help teams improve performance over time?

What are we looking for?

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Operations Management, or related technical discipline.
• Experience in manufacturing operations, process improvement, Lean Manufacturing, TPM, equipment reliability, or operational excellence initiatives.
• Strong ability to analyse production data, identify process losses, prioritize opportunities, and develop actionable improvement plans.
• Understanding of manufacturing KPIs including OEE, MTBF, downtime, waste/scrap, throughput, changeovers, quality defects, and process stability.
• Experience using structured problem-solving methodologies such as Root Cause Analysis, 5 Whys, 6W2H, Process Mapping, and corrective action plans.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills with the ability to partner across Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, and Quality teams.
• Floor-focused mindset with demonstrated initiative, curiosity, and ability to work independently in a manufacturing environment.
• Microsoft Excel proficiency and experience utilizing manufacturing data for performance analysis and continuous improvement activities.

BENEFICIAL

• Experience in tobacco manufacturing, cigarette production, PMD/FMD, Making, Packing, or other high-speed automated manufacturing environments.
• Knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma, TPM pillars, IWS, Autonomous Maintenance, or other loss elimination methodologies.
• Experience with Power BI, MES, Ignition, Historian Databases, OMS, or similar manufacturing systems.
• Knowledge of centerline management, preventive maintenance, reliability tools, changeover optimization, and standard work.
• Experience leading Kaizens, continuous improvement projects, workshops, or cross-functional initiatives.
• Strong presentation and storytelling skills to communicate performance metrics, opportunities, and project results to leadership teams.

WE ARE REYNOLDS AMERICAN—A member of the BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO GROUP

At Reynolds American, we are committed to our Purpose of creating A Better Tomorrow. This is what drives our people and our passion for innovation. See what is possible for you at REYNOLDS AMERICAN.

BELONGING, ACHIEVING, TOGETHER

Collaboration and teamwork underpin everything we do here at Reynolds American. We know that collaborating with colleagues is what makes us stronger and best prepared to meet our business goals.

SALARY AND BENEFITS OVERVIEW

Benefit Information

The following is a general summary of the competitive compensation and benefit plans we offer:

• 401(k) plan that offers opportunity to save on pre- and post-tax basis up to 50 percent of eligible compensation.

  • Company matches 100 percent of employee pre-tax/Roth (401k) contributions up to six percent
  • Company contributes an additional three percent to 401(k) whether employee participates or not

• Comprehensive health- and welfare-benefits package (including medical, dental, vision, and prescription drugs)

• Health Savings Account start-up contribution for employees who elect the high deductible health plan

• Flexible spending accounts for both Health Care and Dependent Care allowing employee to use pre-tax dollars to pay for qualified expenses during the calendar year

• Employee assistance program offering 8 free counselling sessions, per issue, each calendar year for employees and their dependents

• Company paid life insurance of 1x annual base pay ($50,000 minimum)

• Company paid accidental death or dismemberment insurance of 2x annual base pay ($50,000 minimum)

• Voluntary insurances offered at group rates: employee and dependent life insurance, AD&D insurance, critical illness, accident coverage, disability buy-up, and auto & home insurance

• Tuition reimbursement and student loan support

• Dependent Scholarship Programs

• Free confidential personal financial counselling service

• On-site health centers and 24/7 fitness centers at certain company locations

• A charitable giving matching grants program that enables employees to direct and double their donations to qualifying charitable organizations of their choice

• Health-care concierge service

• Volunteer service opportunities

• Extensive training opportunities

• Company vehicle for eligible employees

• Mobile phone allowance for eligible employees

• Paid Leave:

  • Sick and Personal Time (exempt employees may be excused with pay for brief absences; non-exempt employees receive up to 6 days)
  • Vacation (levels Below Senior Director receive 15 days (pro-rated during first year of service); Senior Director and Officers receive 25 days (pro-rated during first year of service)).
  • Holidays (Nine company recognized and two annual personal holidays to be used at the employee’s discretion)
  • Paid Parental Leave + temporary reduced work schedule opportunity
  • Funeral Leave
  • Short-Term Disability Leave
  • Long-Term Disability Leave
  • Jury Duty Leave
  • Military Leave
  • Released Time for Children’s Education
  • Community Outreach Leave
  • Other paid leave benefits, as required by state or local law

• Your journey with us is not limited by boundaries; it is propelled by your aspirations. Join us at Reynolds American and become a part of an environment that thrives on internal advancement, where your career progression is not just a statement – it is a reality, we are eager to build together. Seize the opportunity and own your development; your next chapter starts here.

• You will have access to online learning platforms and personalized growth programs to nurture your leadership skills.

• We prioritize continuous improvement within a transformative environment, preparing for ongoing changes.

Our organization offers a level of challenge, responsibility, and creativity for motivated employees who want to grow their careers. We are also committed to valuing different perspectives, experiences, and talents to improve the company's potential for optimally achieving its business objectives!

Reynolds American Inc. and its affiliated companies is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other status protected by law. Only applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact us directly via email at wppgeneral@RJRT.com

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