Continuous Improvement Expert

*Relocation Assistance Available*

BrightFarms is The Place to Grow!

At BrightFarms, we’re on a mission to revolutionize the way leafy greens are grown. But we don’t just want to grow great tasting greens, we want them to do good as well: for the planet, for the health of people, and for the well-being of our employees. We give BrightFarmers the tools, training, support, and opportunities they need to do better for themselves and the world every day. Because when you do good for your people, they do good for the world.

BrightFarms is a national leader in the booming indoor farming industry, transforming how produce is grown and delivered with its expanding network of high-tech, sustainable hydroponic farms. We currently operate six high-tech greenhouse farms, with four new regional salad greenhouse hubs breaking ground to begin opening in 2024. BrightFarms' fresh lettuce options, from classic greens to crunchy mixes and salad kits, are available in more than 3,700 retail stores across the East Coast and Midwest.

Role & Responsibilities

• Lead Continuous Improvement projects and activities with the greenhouse general manager and production managers at two greenhouse facilities.
• Ensure Continuous Improvement activities are consistent with and supportive of the organization’s mission, vision, strategic plans, and culture.
• Drive Continuous Improvement, belief in a better way, and respect for people within the organization through leading by example
• Solve problems with creativity, blending out of the box thinking with practical real-world solutions
• Provide knowledge of various CI methods and promote a Continuous Improvement culture
  1. Train, coach, and provide problem solving tools and techniques
  2. Lead Kaizen at greenhouses to improve operation’s OKRs
  3. Map and analyze processes to reduce waste and improve efficiencies
  4. Support daily management and assist with tactical issues and operational details
• Use data to understand root problems to make informed decisions and create measurable and effective solutions
• Support new equipment installation, introduction, and troubleshooting
• Validate the quality and performance of process changes and new equipment
• Provide in depth analysis of machinery performance to determine process improvements and/or issues with performance
• Disseminate best practices across the organization

Baseline Knowledge and Skills

• Requires theoretical and practical knowledge of lean manufacturing and Continuous Improvement methodologies with demonstrated experience in application
  1. 5S, 8 Wastes, Lean Six Sigma, VSM, Takt, Theory of Constraints, Structured Problem Solving, Root Cause Analysis, PDCA, Standard Work
• Ability to bring endless curiosity, fresh ideas, and a desire to contribute to scaling up BrightFarms
• Sound interpersonal skills and good written/oral communications skills to successfully interface with company personnel at all levels
• Ability to provide strong leadership and team building to lead and/or facilitate Kaizen events
• Ability to facilitate diverse groups and foster collaborative relationships with cross functional teams
• Ability to listen, learn, and adapt to different personnel and learning styles
• Ability to coordinate multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines within time constraints.
• Ability to travel +/- 50%
• Microsoft Office Suite

Preferred Requirements

• 5+ years’ experience leading Continuous Improvement activities.
• Food manufacturing experience
• Experience with automation
• BS in Engineering, Business, Operations Management, or similar

Equal Employment Opportunity

BrightFarms is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer - All qualified applicants/employees will receive consideration for employment without regard to that individual’s age, race, color, religion or creed, national origin or ancestry, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, physical or mental disability, veteran status, genetic information, ethnicity, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by law.