Continuous Improvement Specialist

GSF; Opelika, Northern (AL, KY); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Golden State Foods is seeking a Continuous Improvement Specialist in Opelika, AL to drive operational excellence using Lean tools and a Business Excellence System. You will partner with cross-functional teams to implement improvements and coach others in Lean methodologies.

The role emphasizes data-driven problem solving, training, and developing team capabilities to achieve business objectives within a manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, supply chain, operations management, science, or related field.
• Minimum of 1 year of professional experience in manufacturing or process improvement.
• At least 1 year of Kaizen events or Lean deployment experience.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel.

Responsibilities

• Assist Lean tool implementation aligned with the Business Excellence System.
• Analyze current and future value streams; identify improvements and measure results.
• Lead Kaizen events to eliminate waste and standardize processes.
• Drive safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and cost improvements.
• Manage project timelines, dependencies, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Train teams on Lean principles and develop continuous improvement capabilities.
• Identify dashboards and digital tools to monitor performance and communicate results.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Supply Chain, Operations Management, Science, or related field

Minimum of 1 year of professional experience

Kaizen events or Lean deployments experience

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Power BI

Red Zone

Traksys

JDE

Job description

Description

About Golden State Foods

Golden State Foods is a distinguished leader in the food service industry, offering an extensive array of products and services to a diverse clientele. Rooted in the values of quality service and integrity, we are dedicated to creating a supportive and inclusive atmosphere where employees can advance, innovate, and contribute to our ongoing success.

Continuous Improvement Specialist

Golden State Foods, Opelika, AL

Drive Operational Excellence. Empower Teams. Deliver Results.

Golden State Foods is seeking a Continuous Improvement Specialist to help drive operational excellence through the deployment of Lean Systems and the elimination of waste across our manufacturing operations. This highly visible role serves as both a facilitator and a coach, partnering with cross-functional teams to implement the Golden State Foods Business Excellence System and foster a culture of continuous improvement.

Reporting to the Senior Continuous Improvement Manager, the Continuous Improvement Specialist will play a key role in identifying opportunities, implementing sustainable improvements, and developing team capabilities to achieve business objectives.

What You’ll Do

Lean Implementation & Process Improvement

• Support the implementation of Lean tools and methodologies aligned with the Golden State Foods Business Excellence System.
• Analyze current-state and future-state value streams, compare them with standards, look for opportunities to improve, develop improvement plan, measure the results, and adjust to the new standard, control.
• Participate and lead Kaizen events focused on waste elimination, process simplification, and standardization.
• Lead improvement initiatives that enhance safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and cost performance.

Project Leadership

• Manage project timelines, dependencies, and overall impact to ensure successful outcomes.
• Utilize data and metrics to track progress and drive accountability.
• Bring cross-functional teams together, and develop initiatives that impact business objectives.

Training & Development

• Train and coach team members on Lean principles, tools, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Influence and engage employees at all levels to support a culture of operational excellence.
• Serve as a change agent and Lean subject matter expert throughout the organization.

Digital & Data Solutions

• Identify and implement dashboards and digital tools that support continuous improvement activities.
• Leverage systems such as Power BI, Red Zone, and Excel to analyze data, monitor performance, and communicate results.

What Makes You Successful

You are a passionate advocate for continuous improvement who enjoys bringing people together to solve problems and drive meaningful change. You thrive in manufacturing environments and have the ability to influence others, even when you don't have direct authority.

You will be most successful if you have:

• Passion for finding waste, leading cross-functional activities in a manufacturing environment, and a strong desire to be hands-on and shoulder to shoulder in finding what works, and what does not.
• Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and the ability in develop those skills in others.
• Strong knowledge of Lean Systems and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Proven ability to drive improvement results through influence and collaboration, and the ability to hold others accountable for those results.
• Exceptional coaching, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Data-driven decision-making and problem-solving capabilities.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Supply Chain, Operations Management, Science, or related field.
• Minimum of 1 years of professional experience.
• At least 1 year of experience participating in Kaizen events, continuous improvement initiatives, or Lean deployments within a manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel.

Preferred

• Lean Systems Green Belt Certification.
• Experience with analytics tools such as Red Zone, Traksys, JDE, Power BI.
• Experience implementing Lean methodologies in manufacturing operations.

Why Golden State Foods

At Golden State Foods, we are committed to operational excellence, innovation, and developing our people. You'll have the opportunity to make a measurable impact, lead meaningful change initiatives, and help shape the future of our operations while working alongside talented and dedicated team members.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Golden State Foods is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The duties and responsibilities listed are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and qualifications associated with the position.

Why Join Us

Golden State Foods (GSF) is one of the largest diversified suppliers in the food industry, manufacturing a range of products including sauces, dressings, condiments, syrups, and toppings for leading restaurant and retail brands.

Join GSF and grow your career with a global food industry leader who:

• People First: At Golden State Foods, we're not just a company; we're a dynamic community where your talents are celebrated, and your ambitions are nurtured.
• Values Driven: Our core values drive everything we do, creating a culture of innovation, integrity, and excellence. But we're not content with just being great; we strive for greatness in every aspect of our work.
• People Development: At GSF we strive to continually develop our people to prepare us all for the needs of tomorrow.
• Philanthropy & Sustainability: We're committed to making a difference beyond our walls through philanthropy and sustainability efforts across all our locations around the globe.
• Extensive Benefits: Golden State Foods believes in a holistic approach to wellness focusing on the whole person with benefits that support those needs.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We're proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Our company values diverse perspectives and is committed to creating an inclusive and respectful workplace where every person is supported and empowered to thrive.