Continuous Improvement Engineer

Dover Food Retail (DFR) is a leading manufacturer of Display Cases, Specialty Products, Refrigeration Systems, Power Systems and Comprehensive Services; and leading our industry by Innovating What’s Next in glass doors and intelligent merchandising technologies that keep food safe under brands such as HillPhoenix and Anthony.

DFR is part of the Refrigeration and Food Equipment segment of the Dover Corporation® (NYSE: DOV). Dover is a diversified global manufacturer with annual revenues in excess of $7 billion.

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:   Continuous Improvement Engineer            

Location:   Centerville, IA

What we are looking for:

We are looking for a Continuous Improvement (CI) Engineer to have responsibility for driving the organization to targeted, 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. The CI Engineer will work as an individual contributor, team facilitator and/or coach. Candidate 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.

Responsibilities of this role:

• Formally and informally coaching others to identify and take action to reduce waste
• Forming, facilitating, leading & participating on cross-functional teams
• Using and coaching data-based decision making and problem-solving processes.
• Facilitating, Leading & participating in lean conversion actions.
• Formally and informally training in use of lean tools
• Developing Lean muscle across the organization
• Working cross-functionally as a problem-solver and team builder
• Organizing Kaizen events, and associated logistics
• Projecting a positive, solution-seeking attitude in all business interactions
• Work well in team environments, both as individual contributor and leader
• Motivate others to engage, support, and share our vision
• Communicate effectively across various levels within the organization.
• Adapt and stay flexible within multiple business environments, audiences and priorities.
• Share best practice with local CI staff, leadership and Dover Enterprise teams.
• Documenting and developing process and system documentation as appropriate
• Writing business cases, capital expenditure requests and assessing financial impact of sustained CI action.
• Leading / Co-Leading facility and operations upgrades or enhancements
• Other responsibilities as assigned.

Basic Qualifications:

• Ideally 5 to 7 years of Continuous Improvement Experience; will consider all candidates with relevant bachelor's degree and/or equivalent combination of education and experience that meet the expectations of the job.

Preferred qualifications:

• Able to speak the language of LEAN
• 10+ years proven experience implementing and sustaining DM, Flow, SW, POU, PULL
• Proven hands-on understanding and experience in use and coaching of TPS/Lean Fundamentals (5S, SW, PSP, Kaizen, DM, VSM, TPI, Poka-Yoke, etc...)
• Experience leading a Kaizen Promotion Office (KPO)
• Experienced leading / facilitating Kaizens through a Lean OPEX conversion
• Cross functional experience in Operations / Material Flow / Supply Chain Mgmt. / Customer Support / Accounting / Product Development
• Experience with Project and Change Management tools
• 2+ years Project Management experience
• Experience as a people manager or production supervisor
• Strong Computer & MS Office Skills

To be a great fit for the role:

• All of the above
• 15+ years proven LEAN / OPEX experience
• Has acted as CI, Lean or OPEX Sensei, Trainer, Manager, or coach.
• Demonstrated success with team building / leading and facilitation skills
• Strong listening and coaching skillset.
• Proven ability to effectively communicate and influence across functions and at all levels within the organization
• Ability to manage projects independently with little to no supervision
• Recognize organization roadblocks and be able to use change management techniques to navigate towards solutions
• Experience developing Lean Muscle across Cross- Functional Departments

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 to 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.

• Collaborative Entrepreneurial Spirit
• Winning Through Customers
• Respects and Values People
• Expectations for Results
• 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.


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.

Attention Applicants: If you are an individual with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application process, please let us know. Likewise, if you are limited in the ability to access or use this online application process and need an alternative method for applying, we will determine an alternate way for you to apply. Please contact BOT@doverfoodretail.com for assistance with an accommodation. Kindly specify Job Requisition Number / Job Title and Location in response.