Process Improvement Associate Trainee

Popular; San Juan (PR); Hybrid; USD 40,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company-sponsored trainings

Mentorship by executives

Job summary

Popular is seeking a Process Improvement Associate Trainee for its hybrid program based in San Juan, PR. This three-year rotational, entry-level role focuses on process analysis, data analysis, documentation, and improvement initiatives across operations and customer experience.

The program offers structured training, mentorship, and exposure to Lean Six Sigma concepts, with opportunities to visit Popular Affiliates in the USA and VI.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.
• Zero to two years of professional experience in business operations or process improvement; internships and projects may be considered.
• Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities; excellent written and verbal communication.

Responsibilities

• Support the assessment, analysis and documentation of current-state and future-state of business processes, workflows, and operational practices.
• Participate in root cause analysis and structured problem-solving activities.
• Collect, validate, organize, and analyze quantitative and qualitative information to support process improvement initiatives.
• Assist in the preparation of reports, dashboards, presentations, business cases, and recommendations.
• Assist in the implementation and monitoring of approved process enhancements and operational changes.
• Conduct research and benchmarking to identify relevant practices and solutions.
• Contribute to a culture of collaboration, innovation, customer focus, and continuous improvement.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Project coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering or related field

Tools

Power BI

Tableau

Visio

Lucidchart

Miro

Job description

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Date: Sep 24, 2026

Location: San Juan, PR

Company: Popular

Workplace Type: Hybrid

Process Improvement Associate Trainee

Job Type

Full Time

Supports continuous improvement initiatives through process analysis, operational assessment, and solution implementation.

General Description

Our three-yearrotational full-time program allows you to explore and contribute to Popular, while leveraging your strengths, and growing your skills. The Associate Trainee of the Process Improvement Track is an entry-level developmental role designed for recent graduates and early-career professionals seeking to build foundational knowledge and skills in process improvement, operational excellence, business analysis, and organizational effectiveness. Under the guidance of experienced advisors and managers, the incumbent supports process assessments, data analysis, documentation, and improvement initiatives that contribute to operational efficiency, customer experience, and control effectiveness to impact Popular's strategic objectives.

This role provides structured training, mentorship, and hands-on exposure to process improvement methodologies, business operations, project management practices and stakeholder engagement. The Associate Trainee is expected to progressively develop the competencies required to assume broader responsibilities within the Process Improvement and Operational Excellence career path.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Support the assessment, analysis and documentation of current-state and future-state of business processes, workflows, and operational practices.
• Participate in root cause analysis and structured problem-solving activities.
• Collect, validate, organize, and analyze quantitative and qualitative information to support process improvement initiatives.
• Assist in the preparation of reports, dashboards, presentations, business cases, and recommendations.
• Assist in the implementation and monitoring of approved process enhancements and operational changes.
• Conduct research and benchmarking activities to identify relevant practices, methodologies, and potential solutions.
• Contribute to a culture of collaboration, innovation, customer focus, and continuous improvement.

Training & Professional Development:

• Complete assigned training, certifications, and development activities established for the Associate Trainee Program.
• Develop proficiency in process mapping, data analysis, project coordination, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Apply feedback and demonstrate increasing independence, accountability, and business acumen throughout the program period.
• Support increasingly complex assignments as knowledge and proficiency are developed.

What The Program Offers

• Three, one-year role rotations driven by business products priorities.
• A challenging hands-on experience to develop and enhance professional skills.
• Mentorship by experienced peers and executives.
• Complete assigned training, certifications, and development activities established for the Associate Trainee Program.
• Exposure to diverse business processes, staff functions and management viewpoints.
• Banking product industry knowledge through collaboration and networking with experienced team members.
• Training in job departments functions that will facilitate the transfer between rotational units and increase promotional opportunities.
• Company-sponsored trainings/licenses/certifications to increase professional growth.
• Job role to be performed mainly in Puerto Rico facilities, but employees might have the opportunity to visit Popular Affiliates and Subsidiaries in USA and VI as part of the assigned job rotation to collaborate with team members within these areas.
• Travel might be required.

Education

Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.

Experience

Zero (0) to two (2) years of professional experience in business operations, process improvement, project coordination, analytics, consulting, or a related field.

Internship, cooperative education, academic projects, leadership programs, students’ organization, or other relevant experiences may be considered.

Certifications / Licenses

No certifications or license needed.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.

Ability to organize, analyze, and interpret quantitative and qualitative information.

Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.

Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and commitment to quality.

Ability to learn new concepts, methodologies, systems, and technologies quickly.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Teams.

Customer-focused mindset and ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams

Coursework or exposure to Lean, Six Sigma, Business Process Management, Design Thinking, Agile, or Continuous Improvement concepts is preferred.

Exposure to Power BI, Tableau, Visio, Lucidchart, Miro, or similar reporting and process mapping tools is preferred.

Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt certification, or willingness to obtain certification, is preferred.

Fully bilingual in Spanish and English, oral and written.

Work Schedule

Puerto Rico (onsite / hybrid as applicable)

Values

1. Passion for People

3. Succeed Together

2. Own Every Moment

4. Build the Future

Additional Requirements

The information provided here is only a general guide as to the nature of the position and does not constitute an exact description of the goals, tasks, duties, and responsibilities of the position. The specific details of each position are described in the employee’s objectives within the performance evaluation.

Important: The candidate must provide evidence of academic preparation or courses related to the job posting, if necessary.

Our hybrid work model benefit applies to certain positions and is subject to changes based on the organizational needs.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States. This position is not open to applicants who need visa sponsorship or transfer of visa sponsorship at this time.

ABOUT US

Popular is Puerto Rico’s leading financial institution and have been evolving since it was founded over a century ago. From a small bank it has developed into a large corporation that offer a wide variety of services and financial solutions to our customers, with presence in the United States, the Caribbean and Latin America.

As employees, we are dedicated to making our customers dreams come true by offering financial solutions in each stage of their life. Our extensive trajectory demonstrates the resiliency and determination of our employees to innovate, reach for the right solutions and strongly support the communities we serve; therefore, we value their diverse skills, experiences and backgrounds.

We reaffirm our commitment to always offer essential financial services and solutions for our customers and communities, including during emergency situations and/or natural disasters. Popular’s employees are considered essential workers, whose role is critical in the continuity of these important services even under such circumstances. By applying to this position, you acknowledge that Popular may require your services during and immediately after any such events.

If you have a disability or need more information about requesting an accommodation, please contact us at [e-mail] . This email inbox is monitored for such types of requests only. All information you provide will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extent required to provide needed exemptions or reasonable accommodations. Any other correspondence will not receive a response.

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