Continuous Improvement Manager

Summary:

AgriNorthwest is seeking a performance driven Continuous Improvement Manager to lead and enhance operational excellence across farming and processing operations. The role drives strategic improvement initiatives, standardizes processes, and supports measurable gains in safety, cost, quality, efficiency, and yield.

Responsibilities:

• Implements and sustains the continuous improvement strategy across farming and processing sites.
• Aligns CI initiatives with business goals and serves as a strategic partner to site leadership.
• Leads large-scale projects focused on cost reduction, waste elimination, process streamlining, quality enhancement, efficiency, and yield.
• Manages industrial engineering and process optimization efforts, including new equipment and process introductions.
• Identifies, prioritizes, and tracks top savings opportunities with clear, measurable results.
• Coaches and develops CI Champions and project leaders to build internal capability and adoption.
• Facilitates Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, and other CI training and workshops across multiple locations.
• Analyzes workflows and performance data to surface trends, risks, and data-driven improvement opportunities; builds and monitors KPIs and reports outcomes to senior leadership.
• Standardizes best practices and processes across sites to improve consistency, compliance, and performance.
• Promotes best-in-class safety practices and ensures all improvements meet safety and regulatory requirements; maintains a visible presence at sites to support projects and frontline problem solving.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Operations Management, Supply Chain, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.
• 7+ years in Continuous Improvement, Operational Excellence, or Process Optimization, including 4+ years in manufacturing, food processing, agricultural, or other asset-intensive environments.
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt required; Black Belt preferred.
• Proven track record delivering measurable improvements in cost, quality, yield, throughput, and safety.
• Expertise in Lean, Six Sigma, and advanced problem-solving methodologies; proficiency with statistical tools (SPC, DOE, regression), root-cause analysis (5 Whys, Fishbone, FMEA), and process mapping.
• Ability to analyze large datasets, generate insights, build KPIs/scorecards, and convert findings into action.
• Knowledge of safety, quality, and compliance requirements in manufacturing and agricultural operations.
• Strong facilitation, communication, and coaching skills, with the ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence without direct authority.
• Experience working in matrixed, multi-site environments.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel up to 25%.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) strongly preferred.
• #ARI

AgReserves, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender, identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Qualified applicants must be legally and lawfully authorized to be employed and work in the United States without current or future visa sponsorship - AgReserves, Inc. is not sponsoring visas at this time.

AgReserves offers medical, dental, vision, life, and AD&D insurance coverage. Additionally, employees can contribute to an FSA, and to an employer matched 401(K). Employees can apply for Tuition Assistance for continuing education purposes. All full-time employees are eligible to participate in a discretionary profit-sharing bonus. For more detailed information please visit our benefits site: AgReserves, Inc. complies with the current state minimum wage laws for all positions, regardless of the pay ranges posted.


Additional Benefits may also include:

Vehicle Allowance, Company Vehicle, Company Cell Phone, Relocation Assistance.