Continuous Improvement Specialist

Continuous Improvement SpecialistBrightFarms 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 strategiesIdentify opportunities for process optimization, waste reduction, and productivity improvement through LEAN principlesDevelop and deliver LEAN training programs to employees at all levels of the organization, from frontline staff to senior managementEnsure all team members are equipped with the skills to contribute to a continuous improvement cultureProvide ongoing coaching and mentorship to team leaders, managers, and employees on the application of LEAN tools and techniquesFoster leadership development and cultivate a team-oriented, continuous improvement mindsetLead Kaizen events, workshops, and improvement initiatives aimed at improving manufacturing processesEnsure project goals are met, deadlines are adhered to, and results are sustained over timeAnalyze existing processes and workflows to identify inefficiencies, bottlenecks, and areas of wasteUtilize LEAN tools such as Value Stream Mapping, root cause analysis, and DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control) to drive improvementsWork closely with operations, food safety, and PMO teams to identify areas for improvement and lead cross-functional teams in driving changeThe ideal candidate has:Possesses a deep understanding of Lean methodologies including: 5S, Kaizen, Value stream mapping, Root cause analysis, Process optimization, and other continuous improvement tools+5 years of experience with the practical application of lean manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies in a manufacturing environment, preferably in the food industryExperience training and coaching diverse teamsExcellent communication and interpersonal skillsAbility to motivate others at all levels of the organizationAbility 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 improvementAbility to travel +/- 50%Preferred qualifications:BS in Engineering, Operations Management, or similar fieldLEAN certification (Black Belt or Green Belt) is preferredGood written and oral communicationsAbility to interface with company personnel at all levelsCome 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.