Continuous Improvement Specialist

Mars (New); Salt Lake City (UT); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid vacation

Paid time off

Holiday pay

Paid short-term disability

Paid life insurance

Wellness benefits

Employee assistance program

Job summary

Nature’s Bakery, part of the Mars family, is expanding its Continuous Improvement team in Utah. The CI Specialist will drive loss elimination, strengthen daily management systems, and coach lines to improve safety, quality and efficiency.

You’ll partner with production and technical teams to define standards, enable rapid response to out-of-control situations, and foster a culture of safety and continuous learning.

Qualifications

• Strong mechanical/technical aptitude with analytical problem-solving.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and data systems; strong written and verbal communication.
• Able to motivate people at all levels of the organization.
• Preferred: Certified Trainer and TPM manufacturing experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead loss elimination initiatives across the assigned Value Stream.
• Develop and execute Daily Management Systems (DMS) and related processes.
• Analyze line data to identify loss elimination opportunities.
• Drive root cause problem-solving on chronic issues using basic and advanced tools.
• Collaborate with production and technical teams to define standards and control strategies.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Data analysis

MS Office

Communication

Education

BA in Engineering/Supply Chain/Business

Associate's + 2 years TPM experience

Tools

Focused Improvement tools

Job description

Job Description: At Nature’s Bakery, we're passionate about powering life's adventures with delicious, better-for-you snacks crafted from real, wholesome ingredients. From our iconic Fig Bars to our exciting range of soft-baked treats, we believe everyone deserves snacking options that nourish the body and delight the taste buds. As a proud member of the Mars family of companies, we're experiencing rapid growth fueled by strategic investments in our people, bakeries, and innovation. We foster a values-driven, people-first culture where collaboration, creativity, and community thrive- making every day meaningful and rewarding. Our future looks brighter than ever. Join us and help bake something better. This role supports our manufacturing for our sister company tru fru.

What You'll Be Doing

As a Continuous Improvement (CI) Specialist, you'll play a key role in driving operational excellence across our bakery. You'll lead loss elimination efforts, coach teams on problem-solving, and help shape how we continuously improve our processes and systems. You'll partner closely with line leaders and operators to strengthen daily management systems, ensure data integrity, and support a culture of continuous learning and improvement.

In This Role, You Will:

• 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.

What You Bring

Minimum 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Trainer or demonstrated ability to effectively train and coach others.
• Experience facilitating process improvement initiatives and using Focused Improvement tools.
• Proven ability to provide constructive feedback and guide performance improvement.
• 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 environmen

Why You'll Love It Here

At Nature’s Bakery, you'll find more than a career - you'll find a community. We're passionate about growth, integrity, inclusion, and, of course, making great snacks. We believe in empowering our people to make a real impact, one improvement at a time. Join us and help bake up a better tomorrow!

The Good Stuff – Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance offered for eligible employees
• 401(k) plan with a company match that vest on day 1 of eligibility
• Paid vacation
• Paid time off
• Holiday pay (11 days)
• Paid short-term disability
• Paid life insurance
• Banfield Pet Insurance Discounts
• Wellness Benefits and Discounts
• Employee Assistance Program

Mars is a family-owned business with more than $35 billion in global sales. We produce some of the world’s best-loved brands: M&M’s®, SNICKERS®, TWIX®, MILKY WAY®, DOVE®, PEDIGREE®, ROYAL CANIN®, WHISKAS®, EXTRA®, ORBIT®, 5™, SKITTLES®, BEN’S ORIGINAL®, and COCOAVIA®. Alongside our consumer brands, we proudly take care of half of the world’s pets through our nutrition, health and services businesses such as Banfield Pet Hospitals™, BluePearl®, Linnaeus, AniCura, VCA™ and Pet Partners™. Headquartered in McLean, VA, Mars operates in more than 80 countries. The Mars Five Principles – Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency and Freedom – inspire our 140,000 Associates into taking action every day towards creating the world we want tomorrow.