Continuous Improvement Specialist

Mars, Incorporated and its Affiliates

Salt Lake City (UT)

On-site

USD 65,000 - 90,000

Full time

8 days ago

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Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) plan with a company match

Paid vacation

Paid time off

Holiday pay

Paid short-term disability

Paid life insurance

Banfield Pet Insurance Discounts

Wellness Benefits and Discounts

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

Nature’s Bakery in Utah seeks a Continuous Improvement Specialist to lead loss elimination, coach teams, and strengthen daily management systems across our bakery operations. You’ll partner with line leaders to drive data-driven improvements and maintain safety and quality.

You bring strong mechanical/technical aptitude, analytical skills, and proficiency with MS Office and data systems. The role offers comprehensive benefits including health, retirement, paid time off, and growth opportunities

Qualifications

Strong mechanical/technical aptitude
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
Experience with TPM or process improvement is a plus

Responsibilities

Lead loss elimination initiatives across assigned Value Stream.
Develop and execute Daily Management Systems (DMS), including Centerline, CIL, AH, 5S, and Changeover.
Analyze line data to identify and prioritize improvement opportunities.
Drive root cause problem-solving on chronic issues using basic and advanced tools.
Partner with production and technical teams to define process standards and control strategies.
Facilitate team meetings and NBOS CP2 sessions; communicate across shifts.
Collaborate with line leaders to ensure safety, quality, and efficiency metrics are achieved.
Train and coach associates to build technical mastery and problem-solving capabilities.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Analytical thinking

MS Office

Data systems

Communication skills

People motivation

Education

BA Degree or higher

Associate's Degree with TPM experience

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

Our team members' physical and mental health is important to a thriving workplace. That’s why we offer the following benefits to full-time employees: