Continuous Improvement Manager

AgReserves, Inc.; Wasco, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

AgReserves, Inc. is seeking a seasoned Continuous Improvement Manager to advance operational excellence across our Tree Crops Division.

This senior individual-contributor role drives strategic CI initiatives, coaches teams, and partners with site leadership on safety, costs, quality, and yield improvements. The role requires expertise in Lean and Six Sigma, strong analytical skills, and the ability to influence across functions without direct authority.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Operations Management, Supply Chain, or related field; master’s degree preferred.
• 7+ years in Continuous Improvement, Operational Excellence, or Process Optimization; 4+ years in manufacturing/food processing/agriculture.
• Proven ability to deliver measurable improvements and cost savings in complex operations.
• Expert proficiency in Lean, Six Sigma, and advanced problem-solving methodologies.
• Strong statistics: SPC, DOE, regression; root cause methods (5 Why, Fishbone, FMEA); process mapping.
• Ability to analyze large data sets, build KPIs, and translate findings into actions.
• Experience in matrixed, multi-site environments; travel up to 25%; bilingual English/Spanish preferred.

Responsibilities

• Implement and sustain the continuous improvement strategy across farming and processing operations.
• Lead large-scale improvement projects focused on cost reduction, waste elimination, efficiency gains, and quality.
• Manage industrial engineering and process optimization projects including new equipment.
• Identify savings opportunities and track measurable results.
• Coach CI Champions and project leaders to build internal CI capability.
• Facilitate Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, and CI training sessions for teams at multiple sites.
• Analyze workflows and performance data to identify trends, risks, and opportunities; monitor KPIs and report outcomes.

Skills

Lean

Six Sigma

Data analysis

Root cause analysis

Process mapping

KPIs

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Power BI

Tableau

ERP systems

Job description

AgReserves is seeking an experiencedContinuous Improvement Manager to support our Tree Crops Division and be based at the South Valley Farms office.

Summary:

The Continuous Improvement Manager is a senior individual-contributor role responsible for advancing operational excellence across farming and processing operations. This role drives strategic alignment of CI initiatives with organizational objectives and leads high-impact projects that enhance safety, cost savings, quality, efficiency, and yield. As a trusted partner, the role coaches teams, builds CI capability, and fosters a culture of sustainable improvement. The position requires strong analytical skills, expertise in Lean and Six Sigma, and the ability to influence cross functional teams without direct authority.

Responsibilities:

• Implement and sustain the continuous improvement strategy across farming and processing operations.
• Ensure CI initiatives align with organizational goals and serve as a strategic partner to site leadership.
• Lead large-scale improvement projects focused on cost reduction, waste elimination, efficiency gains, process streamlining, and quality enhancement.
• Manage industrial engineering projects and process optimization projects, including new equipment and process introductions.
• Identify and prioritize top savings opportunities and track measurable results.
• Coach and develop CI Champions and project leaders to build internal CI capability.
• Facilitate Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, and other CI training sessions and workshops for teams at multiple sites.
• Analyze workflows and performance data to identify trends, risks, and data-driven improvement opportunities.
• Monitor KPIs and report improvement outcomes to senior leadership.
• Standardize processes and best practices across all sites to improve consistency and performance.
• Promote best-in-class safety practices and ensure all improvements align with safety and compliance standards.
• Maintain a visible presence at farming and processing sites to support projects and frontline problem solving.
• Act as a trusted advisor to leadership teams to drive operational excellence.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Operations Management, Supply Chain, or related field; masters degree preferred.
• 7+ years of experience in Continuous Improvement, Operational Excellence, or Process Optimization roles, including 4+ years in manufacturing, food processing, agricultural, or other asset-intensive environments (e.g., livestock, dairy, grain).
• Demonstrated ability to deliver measurable performance improvements and cost savings in complex operations.
• Expert proficiency in Lean, Six Sigma, and advanced problem-solving methodologies.
• Strong command of statistical tools (SPC, DOE, regression), root cause analysis methods (5 Why, Fishbone, FMEA), and detailed process mapping.
• Ability to analyze large data sets, derive insights, build KPIs, and translate findings into actionable solutions.
• Familiarity with safety, quality and compliance requirements in manufacturing and agricultural settings.
• Proven track record delivering measurable improvements in cost, quality, yield, and throughput.
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence stakeholders at all levels without direct authority.
• Strong facilitation, communication, and interpersonal skills, including the ability to train and coach on CI methods.
• Experience working in matrixed, multi-site environments.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel up to 25%.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) strongly preferred.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with ERP systems and analytics tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau).
• Exposure to industrial engineering, equipment optimization or maintenance and reliability strategies (TPM, RCM).
• Familiarity with digital transformation and automation enabled process improvement.

Working conditions:

* The physical demands below describe what is generally required to perform this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.

• Occasionally lift, carry, or move items weighing up to 30 pounds, such as files, materials, or equipment.
• Regularly sit, stand, and walk within an office environment and occasionally within field or shop settings.
• Frequently use hands and fingers to operate computers, keyboards, phones, and other standard office equipment.
• Occasionally reach, bend, or stoop to access files, storage areas, or equipment; limited climbing or balancing may be required during infrequent field or facility visits.
• Communicate effectively in person, by phone, and electronically to exchange information and coordinate activities.
• Have adequate vision for office and field related tasks, including near and distance vision, depth perception, peripheral awareness, and the ability to adjust focus as needed.

* The work environment below describes conditions the employee may encounter while performing this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made when appropriate.

• Work is performed primarily in a climate controlled office environment with minimal exposure to environmental hazards.
• The role includes occasional exposure to shop, ranch, or field environments, which may involve varying weather conditions, uneven terrain, and agricultural activity.
• Noise levels may vary depending on work location and tasks being performed.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is required when working in designated shop or field areas and will be provided in accordance with applicable laws and company policy; compliance with PPE requirements is mandatory when applicable.
• Travel by vehicle may be required to visit company locations, field sites, or equipment facilities.
• Occasional after hours or off schedule work may be necessary to support critical business operations or systems.

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: www.agreserves.com/benefits . AgReserves, Inc. complies with the current state minimum wage laws for all positions, regardless of the pay ranges posted.

Additional Benefits may also include:Company Cell Phone, Relocation Assistance.