Continuous Improvement Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

BrightFarms is The Place to Grow!  

At BrightFarms, we’re on a mission to revolutionize the way leafy greens are grown. But we don’t just want to grow great tasting greens, we want them to do good as well: for the planet, for the health of people, and for the well-being of our employees. We give BrightFarmers the tools, training, support, and opportunities they need to do better for themselves and the world every day. Because when you do good for your people, they do good for the world. 

BrightFarms is a national leader in the booming indoor farming industry, transforming how produce is grown and delivered with its expanding network of eight high-tech, sustainable hydroponic farms.  From seed to leaf we grow lettuce smarter, with less space, no pesticides and protected inside, so it’s better for the planet and way better for humans. BrightFarms' fresh lettuce options, from classic greens to crunchy mixes and salad kits, are available in more than 4,500 retail stores across the East Coast, Midwest, and South.

We are seeking a motivated and experienced Continuous Improvement Specialist to drive the development, training, and coaching of Lean strategies across BrightFarms. This role is critical in fostering a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence, ensuring that processes are efficient, cost-effective, and aligned with the company’s strategic goals.

Specifically, you will:  

• Lead the design, implementation, and refinement of LEAN strategies
• Identify opportunities for process optimization, waste reduction, and productivity improvement through LEAN principles
• Develop and deliver LEAN training programs to employees at all levels of the organization, from frontline staff to senior management
• Ensure all team members are equipped with the skills to contribute to a continuous improvement culture
• Provide ongoing coaching and mentorship to team leaders, managers, and employees on the application of LEAN tools and techniques
• Foster leadership development and cultivate a team-oriented, continuous improvement mindset
• Lead Kaizen events, workshops, and improvement initiatives aimed at improving manufacturing processes
• Ensure project goals are met, deadlines are adhered to, and results are sustained over time
• Analyze existing processes and workflows to identify inefficiencies, bottlenecks, and areas of waste
• Utilize LEAN tools such as Value Stream Mapping, root cause analysis, and DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control) to drive improvements
• Work closely with operations, food safety, and PMO teams to identify areas for improvement and lead cross-functional teams in driving change

The ideal candidate: 

• Possesses a deep understanding of Lean methodologies including:
  • 5S
  • Kaizen
  • Value stream mapping
  • Root cause analysis
  • Process optimization, and other continuous improvement tools
• Effectively implement and sustain improvements across all levels of the organization
• 3-5 years of experience with the practical application of lean manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies in a manufacturing environment, preferably in the food industry
• Experience training and coaching diverse teams
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to motivate others at all levels of the organization
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and manage multiple projects while meeting deadlines.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to drive change and inspire a culture of continuous improvement
• Within commuting distance of our GA, IL, or TX greenhouse; approximately 2–3 days onsite per week
• Ability to travel +/- 50%

Preferred qualifications:

• BS in Engineering, Operations Management, or similar field
• LEAN certification (Black Belt or Green Belt) is preferred
• Good written and oral communications
• Ability to interface with company personnel at all levels

Come grow with us - the future is BRIGHT!  

BrightFarms is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer - All qualified applicants/employees will receive consideration for employment without regard to that individual’s age, race, color, religion or creed, national origin or ancestry, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, physical or mental disability, veteran status, genetic information, ethnicity, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by law.