Continuous Improvement Specialist

Select Milk Producers is one of the nation’s largest and most progressive dairy cooperatives, with 32 wholly owned subsidiaries, 8 processing plants, and 8 joint ventures including Continental Dairy Facilities, Continental Dairy Facilities Southwest, Mill Haven Foods, Select Custom Solutions, GreenLink and Select Services. With over 800 employees, the Select Milk family of companies impacts all aspects of the dairy farm business. We strive to go above and beyond in providing for our families, leading our employees, caring for our land and animals, serving our customers, producing quality milk, and serving one another. This commitment is more than our business—it’s in our culture and our character. We believe in being accountable, in doing what’s right, in performing at our best, and in setting a higher standard.

About the role

The Continuous Improvement (CI) Specialist is responsible for leading and facilitating initiatives that drive operational excellence and efficiency across the facility. This role requires a high-caliber individual with strong problem-solving abilities and a deep understanding of operational dynamics. The CI Specialist will apply practical improvement methodologies to optimize production, reduce waste and shrink, improve quality, and enhance overall performance. A key aspect of this role is leading and coaching both Performance Improvement Teams (PITs) and Plan, Do, Check, Act (PDCA) teams, which consist of staff members addressing specific, focused improvement opportunities within the business. These teams ensure engagement and leverage employees who have the deepest knowledge of business operations. The CI Specialist will oversee multiple PITs and PDCA teams running simultaneously across different focus areas.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary leader for all onsite continuous improvement efforts, ensuring alignment with operational and financial goals.
• Develop, implement, and sustain CI initiatives that drive efficiency, improve financial performance, and support long-term operational success.
• Make decisions based on analysis, wisdom, experience, and judgment.
• Partner with Operations, Maintenance, Quality, Finance, and other teams to identify and execute efficiency improvements.
• Analyze operational data, assess financial impacts, and use data-driven decision-making.
• Mentor and coach frontline employees, supervisors, and managers in CI methodologies to foster a culture of continuous improvement.
• Actively lead, support, and coach multiple Performance Improvement Teams (PITs) on various improvement opportunities throughout the facility.
• Actively lead, support, and coach multiple Plan, Do, Check, Act (PDCA) teams on various improvement opportunities throughout the facility.
• Lead and manage CI projects from concept to completion, ensuring timely and effective execution.
• Utilize root cause analysis, process mapping, and other CI tools to diagnose issues and implement sustainable solutions.
• Establish and track key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the impact of CI initiatives.
• Champion a culture of continuous improvement, driving adoption and engagement across all levels of the facility.

Requirements

• Minimum 3 years of experience in operations, manufacturing, or process improvement, preferably in dairy or food product industries.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, Operations Management, or a related field preferred. Equivalent experience considered.
• Preferred experience in continuous improvement; strong knowledge of, or willingness to relentlessly learn, CI methodologies and tools.
• Ability to understand financial impacts of operational changes and implement improvements that benefit financial performance.
• Proven ability to drive change, influence stakeholders, and develop others.
• Willingness to work directly with frontline employees to implement changes.
• Experience leading CI projects with measurable results.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills to engage at all levels of the organization.

Benefits

• Medical, vision, and dental insurance, with options tailored for you and your family.
• 401(k) with up to 6% company match.
• Life and disability insurance.
• Paid holidays and vacation.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.