Continuous Improvement Lean Practitioner

The Wonderful Company•Bakersfield, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Continuous Improvement Lean Practitioner drives productivity and loss elimination by leading continuous improvement initiatives across The Wonderful Company. The role trains and coaches teams on Lean principles, PDCA methodology, advanced problem-solving, and process optimization, while implementing Daily Direction Setting and autonomous maintenance to improve operational performance, equipment reliability, and team ownership. The position is based in Shafter, California, and requires frequent travel to other business unit locations throughout California, as well as occasional domestic and international travel to Oregon, Texas, Europe, Mexico, and Fiji, as business needs require. The practitioner trains and challenges process owners in the use of Lean tools and techniques, facilitates team improvement activities, manages projects, analyzes production methods, and shares best practices across sites. The role works across the company's brands and business units to support Lean transformation and operational excellence.

Requirements

2–4 years of experience in an operations role, such as Continuous Improvement, Production, or Quality.
Bilingual in Spanish.
Bachelor of Science in Engineering, Math, Science, or a related field.
Demonstrated understanding of World Class Manufacturing Methodology.
Superior quantitative and qualitative problem-solving and analytical skills.
Strong written and presentation skills.
Knowledge of change management and adult learning.
Ability to travel primarily within California, with occasional travel to Oregon, Texas, Europe, Mexico, and Fiji as needed.

Nice To Haves

Certification or significant experience in Lean and/or Six Sigma.

Responsibilities

Train, coach, and challenge process owners in Lean tools, approaches, and techniques to create sustainable management and measurement systems.
Facilitate team use of Kaizen, 5S, Standard Work, PDCA/Problem Solving Process, and waste identification.
Manage multiple projects to ensure on-time delivery and quality using internal and external resources.
Investigate and analyze production methods and processes to identify improvements that increase efficiency, reduce cost, and eliminate waste.
Seek out best practices and share and implement them at sites.
Implement Daily Direction Setting and autonomous maintenance to improve operational performance, equipment reliability, and team ownership.
Travel to business unit locations, primarily in California, and occasionally to Oregon, Texas, Europe, Mexico, and Fiji, as needed.

Benefits

Medical coverage, vision and dental plans, and 401(k) with match eligibility.
24/7 online physician consultations.
Virtual mental health resources and life coaching.
Employee community groups.
Cash rewards for healthy habits and fitness reimbursements.
On-demand fitness video library.
Career advancement opportunities and internal mobility across brands and business units.
Learning and development resources, including management and leadership training, webinars, and eLearning courses.
Company-wide mentorship program.
Continuous improvement training.
Wonderful Giving funds that employees can allocate to up to three charities of their choice.
Opportunities to participate in group community service projects through Wonderful Neighbor.