Continuous Improvement Specialist

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 high-tech, sustainable hydroponic farms. We currently operate six high-tech greenhouse farms, with three new regional greenhouse hubs opening this year. 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 and Midwest.

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 has:

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

+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

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.

Full-time