Continuous Improvement Specialist at Nature's Bakery

Hazelwood, Missouri, United States

Nature's Bakery Logo
Not SpecifiedCompensation
Junior (1 to 2 years), Mid-level (3 to 4 years)Experience Level
Full TimeJob Type
UnknownVisa
Food Manufacturing, BakeryIndustries

Requirements

  • Strong mechanical/technical aptitude with excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office and comfort working with data systems
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to connect with and motivate people at all levels of the organization
  • Certified Trainer or demonstrated ability to effectively train and coach others (preferred)
  • Experience facilitating process improvement initiatives and using Focused Improvement tools (preferred)
  • Proven ability to provide constructive feedback and guide performance improvement (preferred)
  • BA Degree (ENG, Supply Chain, Business, or technical field) or Associate's Degree with at least 2 years' experience in a TPM (Total Productive Maintenance) manufacturing environment (preferred)

Responsibilities

  • Lead and facilitate loss elimination initiatives across your assigned Value Stream
  • Support the development and execution of Daily Management Systems (DMS), including Centerline (CL), Clean-Inspect-Lubricate (CIL), Abnormality Handling (AH), 5S, and Changeover systems
  • Analyze line data to identify and prioritize loss elimination opportunities
  • Drive root cause problem-solving on chronic issues, using both basic and advanced tools
  • Partner with production and technical teams to define process standards, establish control strategies, and enable teams to respond to out-of-control situations
  • Facilitate team meetings and NBOS CP2 sessions; communicate clearly across shifts and functions
  • Collaborate with line leaders to ensure all departmental metrics (safety, quality, efficiency) are achieved
  • Train and coach associates to build technical mastery and problem-solving capabilities
  • Foster a culture of safety, quality, and teamwork through proactive engagement and accountability

Skills

Key technologies and capabilities for this role

Continuous ImprovementLoss EliminationRoot Cause AnalysisDaily Management SystemsCenterlineCIL5SChangeoverProblem-SolvingData AnalysisMicrosoft OfficeMechanical Aptitude

Questions & Answers

Common questions about this position

What are the minimum requirements for the Continuous Improvement Specialist role?

The role requires strong mechanical/technical aptitude with excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, proficiency in Microsoft Office and comfort working with data systems, strong written and verbal communication skills, and the ability to connect with and motivate people at all levels.

What preferred qualifications are there for this position?

Preferred qualifications include being a Certified Trainer or demonstrated ability to train and coach others, experience facilitating process improvement initiatives and using Focused Improvement tools, proven ability to provide constructive feedback, and a BA Degree or Associate's Degree with 2 years' TPM manufacturing experience.

What is the company culture like at Nature's Bakery?

Nature's Bakery fosters a culture of teamwork, continuous learning and improvement, safety, quality, and accountability, where employees bring their whole selves to work and are empowered to make a real impact.

Is this a remote position or does it require on-site work?

This information is not specified in the job description.

What is the salary or compensation for this role?

This information is not specified in the job description.

Nature's Bakery

Produces nutritious, real fruit-filled snacks

About Nature's Bakery

Nature's Bakery produces a range of healthy snacks that are filled with real fruit. Their product offerings include Whole Wheat Fig Bars, Oatmeal Crumble Bars, Gluten-Free Fig Bars, and Brownie Bars, catering to various dietary needs such as whole grain and gluten-free options. These snacks are aimed at health-conscious consumers, including busy professionals, parents, and fitness enthusiasts, who seek convenient and nutritious food choices. Nature's Bakery stands out from competitors by emphasizing the use of thoughtful, real ingredients in their products. They operate a direct-to-consumer sales model through their website, alongside retail distribution, and offer a subscription service for regular deliveries of their snacks. The company's goal is to provide delicious and nutritious snack options while ensuring customer satisfaction through quality ingredients and a convenient shopping experience.

Carson City, NevadaHeadquarters
2011Year Founded
ACQUISITIONCompany Stage
Food & Agriculture, Consumer GoodsIndustries
201-500Employees

Benefits

Health Insurance
401(k) Retirement Plan
401(k) Company Match
Paid Vacation
Paid Sick Leave
Paid Holidays
Paid Short-Term Disability
Paid Life Insurance
Wellness Program
Pet Insurance

Risks

Rising costs of plant-based ingredients may impact Nature's Bakery's profit margins.
Increased competition from emerging health-focused snack brands could erode market share.
The $237 million facility expansion in Salt Lake City poses financial risks if sales don't grow.

Differentiation

Nature's Bakery offers a wide range of dietary options, including gluten-free and plant-based.
The company emphasizes real, thoughtful ingredients in all its snack products.
Nature's Bakery provides customizable snack boxes with subscription services for convenience.

Upsides

The health and wellness food market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 9.2%.
Nature's Bakery's expansion into e-commerce aligns with the $250 billion online grocery market.
The 'snackification' trend supports increased demand for Nature's Bakery's snack products.

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