Continuous Improvement Coordinator in Bakersfield, California at Wm Bolthouse Farms Inc

THE ROLE:    

• This position will report to the: CI Director
• Travel Requirement: N/A
• Location: Bakersfield, CA
• FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
• Employment Category: Full Time - Regular
• Pay Range: $30.50 - $34.25

Generous Brands is dedicated to inspiring people to thrive through the power of vibrant nutrition through its leading brands, Bolthouse Farms, Health-Ade, and Evolution Fresh. Generous Brands partners with SAMBAZON to manufacture, distribute and sell SAMBAZON branded beverages.

Bolthouse Farms is a pre-eminent provider of chilled juice, smoothies, shakes, and protein drinks. Health-Ade is the fastest growing kombucha brand, dedicated to creating bubbly beverages that boost gut health. Evolution Fresh is a premier cold-pressed juice brand with national availability. And, SAMBAZON beverages bottle the superfruit power of açaí in juice and natural energy cans.

The company operates its North American business from facilities in Southern California, and the Greater Chicago Area. To learn more, please visit www.generousbrands.com.

WHAT YOU’LL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR IN THIS ROLE  

The Continuous Improvement Coordinator plays a key role in driving operational excellence and continuous improvement within the manufacturing facility. This position works cross-functionally with Operations, Maintenance, Quality, Safety, Supply Chain, and other departments to identify opportunities, facilitate improvement activities, implement sustainable solutions, and improve key business performance metrics.

The Continuous Improvement Coordinator applies Lean Six Sigma principles and structured problem-solving methodologies to improve safety, quality, delivery, cost, productivity, reliability, and employee engagement. The role is responsible for coordinating and, when appropriate, leading CI projects from opportunity identification through implementation, results validation, and sustainment.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on problem solver who is comfortable working on the manufacturing floor, analyzing data, facilitating teams, challenging the status quo, and developing practical solutions that deliver measurable business results.

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR   

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead CI initiatives: Lead in the planning, coordination, and execution of continuous improvement activities, such as Kaizen events, workshops, and projects.
• Identify and prioritize opportunities to eliminate waste, improve productivity, reduce variation, improve reliability, and reduce operating costs.
• Data analysis: Gather and analyze data related to process performance, identify trends, and present findings to Lead improvement efforts.
• Project coordination: Lead CI projects by coordinating tasks, scheduling meetings, tracking progress, and maintaining project documentation.
• Quantify and document project benefits, including cost savings, productivity improvements, labor savings, waste reduction, quality improvements, and capacity gains.
• 5S implementation: Lead in implementing and maintaining 5S principles to create a well-organized and efficient workplace.
• Develop and maintain visual management systems that communicate standards, performance, abnormalities, and improvement opportunities.
• Training and coaching: Lead the development and delivery of Lean Six Sigma, 5S, TPM, problem-solving, and other CI training.
• Coach employees and leaders in the application of Lean tools and continuous improvement principles.
• Communication: Communicate CI priorities, project status, results, and opportunities to stakeholders at all levels.
• Present CI projects, results, and recommendations during plant meetings and leadership reviews.

CORE JOB DUTIES:

• Lead in identifying opportunities for process improvement, waste reduction, and cost savings.
• Facilitate Kaizen events, workshops, problem-solving sessions, and improvement teams.
• Develop and maintain visual management tools to track key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Lead in the development and implementation of standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Conduct 5S, TPM, and process audits and ensure corrective actions are completed.
• Lead plant and organization-wide CI initiatives aligned with strategic business objectives.
• Champion the gatekeeping of CI software systems like Mitti, RedZone, LineView

SOFT SKILLS:

• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to build relationships with employees at all levels.
• Proactive and solution-oriented approach.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills.
• Strong facilitation and presentation skills.

ADDITIONAL REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word).
• Working knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and Lean Six Sigma principles.
• Understanding of 5S, Kaizen, standard work, visual management, and structured problem solving.
• Ability to collect, analyze, and interpret data.
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment.

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A CI PLANT COORDINTOR:

A typical day may involve:

• Drive continuous improvement by actively implementing and maintaining Lean initiatives such as 5S, TPM, and changeover optimization.
• Leading with the planning and execution of a Kaizen event.
• Gathering data and creating visual management boards to track progress.
• Participating in meetings to discuss improvement opportunities.
• Providing Lead and guidance to employees on CI initiatives.
• Updating project documentation and communicating progress to stakeholders.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• 1+ years of experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Basic understanding of Lean manufacturing principles.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:    

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in a related field.
• Experience with data analysis tools (e.g., SPC, Excel, Minitab).
• Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt or Green Belt certification.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS:

• O = Occasional (up to 25% of time)
• F = Frequent (26%-74% of time)
• C = Constant (75% or more of the time)

HOURS & WORKDAYS:

• Typical hours Monday-Friday 7:30 AM – 3:30 PM
• Ability to work weekends when required.
• Ability to shift hours to off shifts to work on special projects or Kaizen events.
• Ability to travel as needed.

WHAT WE OFFER plus more!

Our rich benefits packages are designed to support the health and well-being of both our eligible team members and families.    

• Medical, Dental & Vision
• Group Life and AD&D  
• Voluntary Life and AD&D  
• Group Short & Long-Term Disability 
• 401(k) 
• Paid Time Off
• Flexible Spending Accounts  
• Employee Assistance Program  

• Gym Membership Discounts

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY 
We are an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a culturally diverse organization. We strive for inclusiveness and a workplace where mutual respect is paramount. We encourage applications from a diverse pool of candidates, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, or veteran status. We will provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities, as needed, to assist them in performing essential job functions. 

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS 
Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. If you are interested in applying for employment with Generous Brands and need special assistance to apply for a posted position, or if you believe you do not meet any of the required qualifications of a posted position due to a protected disability and would like to explore the possibility of an accommodation, please contact our Talent Acquisition team at talentacquisition@bolthouse.com.

RECRUITMENT AGENCIES: 
Confidential does not accept unsolicited agency resumes. Generous Brands is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.